Poland’s 2026 high school graduation exam schedule has been released, outlining key dates, required subjects, and strict regulations for students.
Mandatory and Extended Matura Exams
Every student must take three written exams at the basic level: Polish language, mathematics, and a modern foreign language. Additionally, two oral exams are required – in Polish and a foreign language.
An additional extended-level exam is also a key component. Students must choose at least one subject, with a maximum of six allowed. Currently, most students choose to take more than one extended exam – 32% declare two, 28.1% three, and 31.1% one.
Most Popular Extended Subjects
A new option for 2026 is the ability to take Ukrainian as a modern foreign language. At the basic level, 139 students have chosen it, 353 at the extended level, and 64 at the bilingual level.
Matura 2026 Rules and Permitted Items
Exam procedures are precise and allow for no flexibility. Students may only bring the following items into the exam room:
Absolutely prohibited items include:
Grounds for Exam Disqualification
An exam can be invalidated during its course for reasons such as cheating, unauthorized materials, or disruptive behavior. When this occurs, the exam chair terminates the exam, and the result is annulled.
Passing Requirements and Common Mistakes
To obtain a maturity certificate, students must score at least 30% on each mandatory basic-level exam. There is no passing threshold for extended subjects, but their results are crucial for university admissions.
Students who fail one mandatory exam can retake it in August. Failure of more than one requires waiting until the following year.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Some graduates of technical and vocational schools may be exempt from one extended exam if they have met all the requirements for professional qualifications. 9354 students, or 2.7%, have taken advantage of this option.
Laureates and finalists of subject Olympiads automatically receive 100% on the relevant subject, without needing to take the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to have a phone during the Matura exam? No. Even a switched-off phone constitutes a violation of the rules and risks exam invalidation.
How many exams are mandatory? Three written exams at the basic level and two oral exams.
Can a student fail the Matura due to an extended subject? No. Extended exams do not have a passing threshold.
When is the Matura 2026 retake? August 24th (written) and August 25th (oral).
Can a student take more than one extended subject? Yes, a maximum of six.
