Poland's Matura Exam Kicks Off with Record Nearly 450,000 Candidates
The 2026 Polish secondary school leaving examination (Matura) officially began on May 4th, with a record approximately 450,000 candidates participating nationwide. The first day's Polish language test, including essays on 'work' and 'others' opinions,' was generally perceived as 'easier than expected' by many students.
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Central News Agency dispatch
(Central News Agency reporter Zheng Jingfu, Warsaw, 4th special report) The 2026 Polish secondary school leaving examination (Matura), also known as the Polish college entrance exam, officially commenced on May 4th. According to the latest statistics from the Central Examination Commission (CKE) of Poland, approximately 450,000 candidates nationwide are participating in the examination this year, marking a record high in its history.
On Monday morning at 9:00 AM, the first compulsory subject, "Polish Language," officially began. The examination lasted a total of 240 minutes and comprised three main parts: Polish language application, historical and literary assessment, and essay writing.
The most crucial part of the Polish language examination is the essay, which accounts for 35 out of a total of 60 points. This year, candidates must choose one of two essay prompts: "The impact of work on an individual and their surrounding reality" or "When does the opinion of others become important to people?" In their essays, students must cite designated reading materials, relevant background, and other literary works.
According to Gazeta.pl, a major Polish news portal, many candidates submitted their papers early and later commented on the X platform that the Polish language test was "easier than expected," finding this year's questions more approachable and offering more room for expression compared to previous years.
Over the next two days, candidates will take examinations in Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages, respectively. Throughout May, Polish students will be immersed in a marathon schedule of written and oral examinations, with all written tests concluding on the 21st and oral examinations on the 30th.
These 450,000 candidates must not only participate in three compulsory subjects – Polish Language, Mathematics, and Modern Foreign Languages – and achieve at least 30% in these subjects, but also choose at least one "advanced subject" and participate in two oral examinations for Polish Language and a Modern Foreign Language.
Advanced subjects include Advanced Polish Language, Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Foreign Language, Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy, Physics, Geography, History, Art History, Music History, Information Technology, Latin and Ancient Culture, Sociology, Minority and Ethnic Languages, and Regional Languages.
There is no passing threshold for optional advanced subjects; candidates only need to participate. According to Polish news outlet Interia, the Central Examination Commission indicated that this year's most popular advanced subject among high school graduates is English, with Advanced Mathematics ranking second, and Geography third.
The record number of candidates is primarily attributed to post-pandemic effects and recent adjustments to the education system.
The Matura results will be announced by the Central Examination Commission on July 8th, and students will receive their graduation certificates on the same day. Resit examinations are scheduled for August 24th to 25th, and these results will serve as a passport for Polish graduates to enter their desired universities. (Edited by: Tang Shengyang) 1150504
(Central News Agency reporter Zheng Jingfu, Warsaw, 4th special report) The 2026 Polish secondary school leaving examination (Matura), also known as the Polish college entrance exam, officially commenced on May 4th. According to the latest statistics from the Central Examination Commission (CKE) of Poland, approximately 450,000 candidates nationwide are participating in the examination this year, marking a record high in its history.
On Monday morning at 9:00 AM, the first compulsory subject, "Polish Language," officially began. The examination lasted a total of 240 minutes and comprised three main parts: Polish language application, historical and literary assessment, and essay writing.
The most crucial part of the Polish language examination is the essay, which accounts for 35 out of a total of 60 points. This year, candidates must choose one of two essay prompts: "The impact of work on an individual and their surrounding reality" or "When does the opinion of others become important to people?" In their essays, students must cite designated reading materials, relevant background, and other literary works.
According to Gazeta.pl, a major Polish news portal, many candidates submitted their papers early and later commented on the X platform that the Polish language test was "easier than expected," finding this year's questions more approachable and offering more room for expression compared to previous years.
Over the next two days, candidates will take examinations in Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages, respectively. Throughout May, Polish students will be immersed in a marathon schedule of written and oral examinations, with all written tests concluding on the 21st and oral examinations on the 30th.
These 450,000 candidates must not only participate in three compulsory subjects – Polish Language, Mathematics, and Modern Foreign Languages – and achieve at least 30% in these subjects, but also choose at least one "advanced subject" and participate in two oral examinations for Polish Language and a Modern Foreign Language.
Advanced subjects include Advanced Polish Language, Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Foreign Language, Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy, Physics, Geography, History, Art History, Music History, Information Technology, Latin and Ancient Culture, Sociology, Minority and Ethnic Languages, and Regional Languages.
There is no passing threshold for optional advanced subjects; candidates only need to participate. According to Polish news outlet Interia, the Central Examination Commission indicated that this year's most popular advanced subject among high school graduates is English, with Advanced Mathematics ranking second, and Geography third.
The record number of candidates is primarily attributed to post-pandemic effects and recent adjustments to the education system.
The Matura results will be announced by the Central Examination Commission on July 8th, and students will receive their graduation certificates on the same day. Resit examinations are scheduled for August 24th to 25th, and these results will serve as a passport for Polish graduates to enter their desired universities. (Edited by: Tang Shengyang) 1150504