The Council of Ministers adopted a draft act amending the Act on Higher Education and Science proposing a new category in the group of public and private vocational schools, so-called “Practical academies”.  The project was submitted by the Minister of Education and Science. 

The possibility of distinguishing vocational higher schools by introducing the words “practical academy” to their names will strengthen their position on the educational market and contribute to a positive reception in the socio-economic environment. In addition, these higher schools will also have the opportunity to become more independent in conducting studies preparing teachers.

The words “practical academy” will be reserved for a vocational higher school that meets all of the following conditions: it has been operating for at least 10 years; has at least 250 students, of which at least 100 are enrolled in full-time studies; at least 50% of academic teachers are employed at this higher school as their primary workplace; conducts BA and MA studies or regular master’s studies in at least 5 studies; conducts education in at least one field of study preparing for the performance of professions, in particular the medical profession, teaching, professional engineer or master engineer programs; with no study negatively assessed as a result of the assessment carried out by the Polish Accreditation Committee.