For adults over 30
Youth programmes have age limits, but a lot stays open: training, recognition of education, language and volunteering.
10 answers in 1 parts
This is not legal advice. The rules change often. Before you decide anything, open the official page linked under the answer or call the information line. The foundation does not handle residence cases.
Who are you and what is your situation?
What is open to you
Quite a lot. Erasmus+ training courses, seminars and study visits for people who work with young people have no upper age limit. You can lead a group on a youth exchange. Humanitarian aid volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps is open up to the age of 35. And our events, the radio and volunteering at the foundation have no age limit at all.
The full answer and sourcesTraining courses without an age limit
A short international training, seminar or study visit for people who work with young people as staff or volunteers: activities last from 2 to 60 days. There is no upper age limit; participants are usually 18 or older.
The full answer and sourcesHave your diploma recognised
It depends on the date and the purpose. Diplomas of master and specialist issued before 20 June 2006 are recognised under international agreements. Later diplomas give access to further studies in Poland (a bachelor to second-cycle studies, a master to doctoral school), but for other purposes they need nostrification at a Polish university. Regulated professions such as doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, midwife, veterinarian and architect always require nostrification.
The full answer and sourcesA free Polish course and advice
At the National Integration Offices (KBI): support is free, you can talk to an adviser or a psychologist and sign up for a Polish language course. They do not provide accommodation and do not pay money. The addresses are on the ministry’s page.
The full answer and sourcesVolunteer with us
Fill in the form on the Volunteering page. We read every application and write back to the email you leave. People of any nationality are welcome.
The full answer and sourcesYour pension years
Poland and Ukraine have a social security agreement: the periods of insurance in both countries are added together to check the right to a pension, and each country pays for the years worked there. An application filed at the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) counts as filed with the Ukrainian institution on the same day. The pension age in Poland is 60 for women and 65 for men. Ask ZUS about your case: 22 560 16 00.
The full answer and sources
For adults over 30
Training without an age limit, recognition of your diploma, a free Polish course, volunteering and your pension years.
What do you have for people over 30?
Quite a lot. Erasmus+ training courses, seminars and study visits for people who work with young people have no upper age limit. You can lead a group on a youth exchange. Humanitarian aid volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps is open up to the age of 35. And our events, the radio and volunteering at the foundation have no age limit at all.
What is a training course for youth workers?
A short international training, seminar or study visit for people who work with young people as staff or volunteers: activities last from 2 to 60 days. There is no upper age limit; participants are usually 18 or older.
I am over 30. Is there anything for me?
Yes. Training courses for youth workers have no upper age limit, and a group leader in a youth exchange only has to be at least 18. Look for calls marked as training courses.
Can I apply for an Erasmus+ grant myself?
Not as a private person: applications are made by organisations and by informal groups of young people, to the National Agency of their country (in Poland it is FRSE). As a participant you apply to the organisation that runs the project.
Is my Ukrainian university diploma recognised in Poland?
It depends on the date and the purpose. Diplomas of master and specialist issued before 20 June 2006 are recognised under international agreements. Later diplomas give access to further studies in Poland (a bachelor to second-cycle studies, a master to doctoral school), but for other purposes they need nostrification at a Polish university. Regulated professions such as doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, midwife, veterinarian and architect always require nostrification.
Where can I get free advice, a Polish course or talk to a psychologist?
At the National Integration Offices (KBI): support is free, you can talk to an adviser or a psychologist and sign up for a Polish language course. They do not provide accommodation and do not pay money. The addresses are on the ministry’s page.
How do I become a volunteer?
Fill in the form on the Volunteering page. We read every application and write back to the email you leave. People of any nationality are welcome.
Where can I look for a job?
Public job offers and the services of labour offices are on praca.gov.pl; your district labour office (PUP) also helps in person. Offers across Europe are on the EURES portal. The Green Line of the labour offices answers questions at 19524.
What is the minimum wage in Poland?
In 2026 it is 4806 zł gross a month on an employment contract and 31.40 zł gross an hour on a contract of mandate. From 1 January 2027 it rises to 4950 zł a month and 32.30 zł an hour. An employer may not pay less, whatever your citizenship.
I worked in Ukraine and in Poland. What about my pension?
Poland and Ukraine have a social security agreement: the periods of insurance in both countries are added together to check the right to a pension, and each country pays for the years worked there. An application filed at the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) counts as filed with the Ukrainian institution on the same day. The pension age in Poland is 60 for women and 65 for men. Ask ZUS about your case: 22 560 16 00.