The education system in Poland faces another step toward digital transformation. The government program "Digital Student", scheduled for 2025–2029, is the largest investment in the development of modern education in a long time, with a budget exceeding PLN 311 million.
The program aims to support both students and teachers in developing digital skills, with its primary goal being to equalize educational opportunities and prepare young people for life and work in a world where new technologies play a key role.
Legal Framework of the "Digital Student" Program
The program is based on two government documents that provide it with a clear structure and guarantee implementation stability:
- Council of Ministers Resolution (Draft ID139) Draft resolution of the Council of Ministers on the Government program for supporting governing bodies of schools and establishments in developing digital skills of children and youth for 2025-2029 - "Digital Student" - Chancellery of the Prime Minister - Gov.pl Portal: the act that formally establishes the program. It outlines its objectives, schedule, funding sources, and specifies the ministers responsible for implementation. It is a strategic document providing the political framework for the entire endeavor.
- Council of Ministers Regulation (Draft RD227) Draft regulation of the Council of Ministers on detailed conditions, forms, and procedures for implementing the Government program for supporting governing bodies of schools and establishments in developing digital skills of children and youth for 2025-2029 - "Digital Student" - Chancellery of the Prime Minister - Gov.pl Portal: an executive act describing the detailed operational rules of the program. It includes, among other things, a list of eligible entities, a catalog of eligible expenses, application submission rules, and mechanisms for monitoring results. It serves as a practical guide for governing bodies of schools and establishments.
The Minister of Education is responsible for the preparation and implementation of the program. Supervision of the project has been entrusted to Katarzyna Lubnauer, Secretary of State.
Objectives of the "Digital Student" Program
The main premise of the program is to ensure equal access to modern education and equip students and teachers with the skills needed to function in a world where technology plays a key role.
The main goals of the program include:
- modernizing digital infrastructure in schools and preschools,
- enhancing digital skills among students and teachers,
- equalizing educational opportunities between large cities and smaller towns,
- strengthening digital pedagogy and adapting teaching methods to the demands of the 21st century.
Funding: Sources of Funds and Co-Financing Rules
The total budget of the "Digital Student" program for 2025–2029 amounts to over PLN 311 million. These funds come from two sources:
- PLN 260 million will be provided from the state budget,
- over PLN 51 million will constitute the own contribution of governing bodies of establishments, mostly local government units.
According to the adopted financial model, each entity applying for co-financing should contribute a minimum of 20% of the project's value as its own contribution. This contribution can be either financial or in-kind, e.g., in the form of existing equipment, licenses, or adaptation works. Schools and establishments run by ministers are exempt from this requirement.
The regulation provides two co-financing thresholds, depending on the nature of the task:
- for non-investment activities (such as purchasing computers, software, or conducting training) – at least 20%,
- for investment activities (e.g., modernizing school LAN networks) – 50%.
This funding model enables the combination of central and local funds, increasing the total amount allocated for the development of digital education.
Structure of the "Digital Student" Program – Four Pillars of Support
"Digital Student" is not just about purchasing computers or tablets. The program was designed to support schools on multiple levels, creating a coherent digital ecosystem. Everything is built on four mutually complementary pillars: hardware, software, teacher skills, and systemic services.
1.Hardware Module – Modernization of Technological Infrastructure
The first pillar covers the development and modernization of technological resources in schools. Establishments can finance, among other things:
- desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and terminals,
- interactive whiteboards and interactive displays,
- charging carts for devices, docking stations, and other supporting equipment,
- modern educational technologies: STEAM kits, programmable robots, microcontrollers, VR and AR solutions,
- modernization of school LAN networks,
- specialized equipment for students with disabilities and equipment for vocational education.
2.Software and Tools Module – Software and Digital Resources
The next element is access to digital tools that complement the hardware. Under this module, funding will be available for:
- educational and specialized software licenses and subscriptions,
- digital learning materials (e.g., educational platforms and exercise resources),
- cloud services and management systems for schools and equipment.
3.Training and Methodological Module – Staff Competence Development
Technology is effective only when we know how to use it. The third pillar focuses on teachers. Its goal is to upgrade educators' qualifications in modern teaching using digital technologies. It includes:
- training and courses on equipment operation, applications, and digital education methodology,
- workshops dedicated to using artificial intelligence in teaching,
- activities of the Education Development Centre (ORE), such as creating methodological materials, central training, and competitions for digital educational resources published on the Integrated Educational Platform.
4.Digital Services Module – Central Infrastructure for Schools
The final module is systemic and responsible for the development of nationwide digital services. The Center for Information Technology in Education (CIE) plays a key role here, receiving funding to create and maintain central tools. One of the most important projects is the implementation of a free, public electronic gradebook available to all schools.
Thanks to this four-module structure, "Digital Student" goes far beyond simple hardware distribution. It is a comprehensive program combining technology, software, skills development, and systemic support. All these elements form a coherent ecosystem designed to ensure the sustainable development of digital education in Poland.
Who Can Benefit from the Program? A Comprehensive Look at Beneficiaries
One of the key advantages of the "Digital Student" program is the exceptionally broad range of institutions eligible to participate. Unlike previous initiatives, which usually focused on selected stages of education, the new program covers practically all levels and forms of education – both in the public and non-public sectors.
Eligible institutions include, among others:
- preschools and preschool sections – both public and non-public, as well as other forms of preschool education,
- primary and secondary schools – primary schools, general secondary schools (liceum), technical secondary schools (technikum), stage I and II sectoral vocational schools, and special job-training schools,
- art schools providing general education at the primary or secondary school level,
- extracurricular educational institutions – including youth culture centers, youth palaces, interschool sports centers, and extracurricular work centers,
- specialized institutions – psychological-pedagogical counseling centers, youth educational centers, youth sociotherapy centers, and special educational and care centers,
- other educational institutions – including vocational training centers, continuing education institutions, boarding schools, children's holiday homes, and Polish schools operating abroad (under ORPEG).
Applications for funding can be submitted by various governing bodies managing these units: local governments, other legal entities, natural persons, as well as ministries managing departmental schools (e.g., Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, or Ministry of Justice).
Maximum Amounts of Financial Support in the "Digital Student" Program
The amount of funding that a governing body of a school or preschool can receive depends on the number of children and students in the given establishment on the day of application submission.
Preschools
- up to 100 children – PLN 15,000,
- 101–200 children – PLN 30,000,
- over 200 children – PLN 45,000.
Primary and Secondary Schools
- up to 100 students – PLN 30,000,
- 101–300 students – PLN 45,000,
- 301–600 students – PLN 60,000,
- 601–1000 students – PLN 75,000,
- over 1000 students – PLN 100,000.
Educational and Care Establishments Maximum support amount per establishment: PLN 75,000.
"Digital Student" Implementation Plan - Call for Applications
The implementation of the "Digital Student" program is spread over several years to ensure continuity of actions and a clear perspective for schools and governing bodies.
The program will be implemented in four full educational cycles – 2025/2026, 2026/2027, 2027/2028, and 2028/2029.
Deadlines for Submitting the First Applications
In this year's call for applications for the "Digital Student" program, the group of eligible establishments is strictly defined and does not include primary schools. Applications for funding can only be submitted by governing bodies for the following types of establishments:
- Extracurricular educational and art institutions, such as youth palaces, youth culture centers, extracurricular work centers, or art centers.
- Psychological-pedagogical counseling centers, including specialized counseling centers.
- Continuing education and vocational training institutions, including vocational training centers.
- Specialized care and educational centers, including youth educational centers, youth sociotherapy centers, special educational and care centers, and special care centers for children and youth requiring special organization of learning, working methods, and care, as well as rehabilitation and educational centers.
- Public establishments run by competent ministers (excluding teacher training centers).
Key information: The applicant is always the governing body of a given establishment (e.g., municipality, county, association, foundation, or natural person). If you manage one of the above institutions, this is the final call to submit an application!
"The director of a preschool education unit submits Application A to their governing body by September 19 of this year, and the governing body submits a aggregate application to the voivode by September 23 of this year;
The director of an establishment submits Application B by September 19 of this year, and the governing body submits a aggregate application to the voivode by September 23 of this year;
The director of an establishment run by a competent minister submits Application C to the competent minister by September 19 of this year. The application to participate in the Program submitted by the director of an establishment run by a competent minister constitutes an application for granting support."
Detailed information and downloadable application forms can be found at: https://www.gov.pl/web/edukacja/rzadowy-program-wspierania-organow-prowadzacych-szkoly-i-placowki-w-rozwijaniu-umiejetnosci-cyfrowych-dzieci-i-mlodziezy-na-lata-2025-2029---cyfrowy-uczen
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Summary
The "Digital Student" program is a milestone in the digitalization of Polish education. Thanks to it, schools, preschools, and other educational institutions will gain access to modern hardware, software, training, and central digital services. It is not only an investment in technology, but above all in the future of students and teachers, who will be able to better prepare for the challenges of the modern world.
If you want to learn more about the opportunities offered by the program or need support in preparing the application, selecting equipment and services – contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you take full advantage of the opportunities offered by "Digital Student". MScloud offers full support for educational institutions – from purchasing licenses and deployment to configuring digital environments and providing support for IT administrators.