A novelty is coming to Polish primary schools! Pupils in grades VII–VIII will be able to learn Ukrainian as a second foreign language.
Where does this change come from? Needs and realities
The decision to introduce Ukrainian stems from the growing presence of Ukrainians in Poland and interest in learning their language since 2022.. The new core curriculum, published on 25 July 2025, allows schools to offer Ukrainian on the same terms as other foreign languages, such as Spanish or German..
How does Ukrainian learning work in schools?
The new programme applies to grades VII–VIII and depends on:
- Parental initiative (an appropriate request must be submitted to the school principal)
- Staffing capacity (the school must employ a Ukrainian teacher)
- Organising a group of interested pupils
- Approval of the school management and the governing body
This means no school will be forced to introduce this language. The decision always rests with pupils, parents and school management.
What about other languages? Compulsory or optional?
Introducing Ukrainian does NOT mean it will replace German, Spanish or French. Nor will it become a compulsory subject or appear on the eighth-grade exam. Teaching depends on the school’s choice and pupils’ interest..
From the 2025/2026 school year, however, pupils may choose Ukrainian as a matura subject, alongside English, German, French or Spanish..
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