matury

Matury are the Polish national secondary education leaving examinations. They are taken at the end of upper secondary schools, such as licea and technika, and are the main pathway to admission to Polish universities. The exam is centrally organized and standardized, and results are used by universities for admission decisions as well as for recognizing completed secondary education.

The examination is administered by the Centralna Komisja Egzaminacyjna (CKE) with regional oversight by Okręgowe Komisje Egzaminacyjne (OKE). Since reforms in the early 2000s, the matura has been organized as a modular system with options at basic and extended levels. Candidates typically complete written tests in Polish language and literature, in a foreign language, and in at least one additional subject chosen from a list of permitted subjects. Many subjects can be taken at either basic or extended level, and some components may include oral assessments or practical tasks as part of the overall grade.

To obtain the official certificate, candidates must pass the required components. The results are reported as points, and the diploma—known as the świadectwo dojrzałości—is issued by the regional examination board. The matura certifies the completion of upper secondary education and serves as the standard credential for university entry in Poland; universities may set their own minimum thresholds or subject requirements depending on the field of study. The system also influences international recognition of Polish secondary education within the European higher education area.