Today – 4th May – start the high school matura exams. They are the final exams which determine where high school graduates will be able to go to university.

The final test before a big life change
In order to get the matura they must pass three written compulsory exams: Polish language, foreign language and mathematics. These examinations are carried out at a basic level. To pass the exam a student needs 30% of points. They will also have to take at least one additional exam (up to six).
In the group of subjects to choose from in the new formula of the matura exam are: biology, chemistry, philosophy, physics, geography, history, art history, music history, computer science, Latin and ancient culture, social studies, languages of national and ethnic minorities, regional language, modern foreign languages, as well as mathematics and Polish language. In the old formula there was also knowledge about dance in this group.
Under the old rules a high school graduate could, but did not have to take a written exam in the subject of their choice. According to the Ministry of Education, in previous years every third high school graduate did not take even one additional subject. The Ministry decided to change it.
In the new formula exams from the additional subjects are only written at one level – advanced, and in the case of modern languages - advanced or bilingual. The result does not affect the overall matura result, it only serves as an additional way to be admitted to the desired university faculty.
Graduates will also take two oral exams – Polish and foreign language.
Written examinations will take place almost every day at 9 and then 14. The first day of the exams – Wednesday – will be the day of the Polish language exam – basic level at 9, and advanced level at 14.
Written exam session will last until May 24. Many graduates will finish earlier though, as the examinations of the most popular subjects will be held in the first two weeks of the matura sessions. Oral examination session will end on 27 May.
We wish good luck to all the high school graduates in Poland!