In Polish primary schools there will be a novelty! Classes VII–VIII will be able to learn Ukrainian as a second foreign language.
Why the change? Needs and realities
The decision to introduce Ukrainian is due to the growing presence of Ukrainians in Poland and interest in learning their language after 2022.. The new programme basis, published on 25 July 2025, gives schools the opportunity to offer Ukrainian on the same terms as other foreign languages, e.g. Spanish or German.
What does learning Ukrainian in schools look like?
The new scheme concerns Classes VII to VIII and depends on:
- Parents' initiatives (a suitable request to the school management)
- Personnel capacity (school must hire a Ukrainian teacher)
- Organisation of a group of willing students
- Consents of the school’s directorate and body
That means no school will be forced to introduce this language. The decision is always on the side of students, parents and management.
What about other languages? Duty or choice?
Introduction of UkraineNOmeans that it will replace German, Spanish or French. Nor will it become a compulsory subject or appear on the eighth grade exam. Teaching depends on school choice and student interest.
Since the school year 2025/2026, students can choose Ukrainian on their graduation, alongside languages such as English, German, French or Spanish.
