How do I get a student visa for Poland?

Are you planning to study in Poland but struggling with the complexities of the visa process? You are not alone. Many students face hurdles when it comes to obtaining a student visa, whether it be the intricacies of the application process, meeting the requirements, or collecting all the necessary documents. It can be overwhelming for someone who just wants to focus on their studies, but needs the paperwork to do so. That’s what this quick guide is for. This is your step-by-step guide to securing a student visa to Poland. Read on as we break down the process for you along with some tips that we hope will be useful!

Is Poland Good for International Students?

Poland has emerged as a popular destination for international students seeking quality education abroad. And the reasons for this are quite compelling.

Firstly, the high-quality education provided at an affordable cost. The higher education system in Poland has managed to rank 5th in Europe and 10th internationally. The country has a longstanding academic tradition with universities that has been around since the 14th century.

Then there is the diversity factor, with institutions that have implemented internationalization efforts through English-taught programs in their academic offerings. Opening Poland to the world has fostered a welcoming and multicultural environment on university campuses where international students can feel at home.

Moreover, research and educational facilities are modern, with Poland’s universities of technology being at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. Add to that the lower cost of living, the affordable accommodation and the accessible transport, and you have all the ingredients of an attractive destination abroad for international education. 

Read here our guide on why you should study abroad in Poland.

Do I Need a Visa to Study in Poland?

As a rule of thumb, only nationals who are not from the EU/EEA and are not Swiss citizens need a student visa to enter Poland. And they can do so at the nearest Polish embassy/consulate in their home country.

Upon arrival, they have to trade this entry visa for a temporary permit, ideally 45 days before the visa expiration, in order to extend their stay. This resident permit is only valid for residing and studying in Poland for the duration of the student’s program.

On the other hand, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need any visa to enter Poland. However, they are required to register their stay at the nearest provincial office if they plan to remain in Poland for more than 3 months (90 days).

Poland Student Visa Application Process

To apply for a student visa in Poland, follow these 7 simple steps:

1. Find a Polish Consulate or the consular section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland handling visa applications.

2. Read all visa application information on the consulate’s website and follow the instructions carefully.

3. Schedule a visa appointment with the consulate, often done through the E-Konsulat website. 

4. Gather necessary documents, including your university acceptance letter. Check the consulate’s website for the full list of required documents.

5. Submit all documents along with the completed application form and visa fee.

6. Attend a visa interview if required by the embassy to assess your eligibility.

7. Await the decision. The embassy will inform you of the processing time, typically around 15 days. Early submission is recommended due to potential delays.

Where to Apply for a Student Visa in Poland?

To apply for a student visa, you have several options:

• Going in person at the Polish embassy or consulate in your country.
• Reaching out to the Polish embassy or consulate in a neighboring country.
• Inquiring at the embassy or consulate of another Schengen country, where Poland has delegated visa submission responsibilities.
• Engaging with a private visa application center or agency approved by the Polish embassy for visa submission services.

You can find Poland’s embassies and consulates addresses here. 

Poland Study Visa Requirements

Requirements for entry in Poland vary depending on whether you are from an European or a non-European country.

Requirements for EU/EA and Swiss Citizens

As a citizen of an EU member state, gaining entry to Poland is straightforward. All you need is a valid travel document or a document confirming your identity and citizenship, such as your national ID card.

Moreover, for stays in Poland lasting less than three months, there are no formal requirements. However, if your stay extends beyond this period, additional steps are necessary.

This process involves registering with the Voivodship (Provincial) Office, within 90 days of arrival. Upon registration, they will receive a cost-free certificate with indefinite validity, confirming their right to stay in Poland.

Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

As part of the Schengen Area, Poland allows visa holders to travel throughout Europe, with exceptions including the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and non-EU territories. The two main documents you will need to enter Poland if you are not an EU citizen are a valid travel document (passport) and a visa (if required).

There are several types of visas to choose from:

• Schengen C type visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days in a six-month period,
• National D type visa, which permits longer stays and travel within the Schengen area.
• Students coming to Poland cannot use the airport transit Schengen visa.

Moreover, it’s crucial for non-EU students to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit before their visa expires to legally stay in Poland.

Application involves submitting necessary documents to the local Voivodship Office, including proof of identity, purpose of stay, health insurance, and sufficient funds.

Documents to Produce for a Student Visa

Documents required for a student visa to Poland include:

• 2 Poland visa application forms, available on the E-Konsulat website.
• 2 passport-sized photos following Poland visa photo guidelines.
• Your passport, valid for at least three months after the return date, with additional copies of passport pages.
• Health insurance covering the initial part of your trip.
• Proof of accommodation, like dorms or student apartments.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
• University acceptance letter stating your name, study type, and length.
• Invitation letter if unable to secure accommodation.
• Document proving English or Polish language proficiency.
• Scholarship document, if applicable.
• Proof of relationship status, if married.
• Proof of flight details.
• Paid visa fee receipt.

Confirm any consulate-specific requirements on their website. You must have completed your secondary education and hold a valid Leaving Certificate or European Baccalaureate to be able to apply for undergraduate studies.

Minimum Bank Balance for the Student Visa

Apart from tuition, it’s essential to account for various expenses you might have. Tuition, accommodation and living costs are for sure lower in Poland than in any other country in Western Europe.

However, prospective students in Poland must secure an average bank balance of EUR 12,000. This is the financial prerequisite for applicants to be granted a student visa.

Check here our guide on the living and studying cost in Poland for international students.

Poland Student Visa IELTS Requirements

Interestingly, unlike many countries, Poland does not universally mandate IELTS or TOEFL certifications for admission (although this may vary depending on the university). However, students must provide some sort of evidence of English proficiency, albeit through alternative means, proving the candidate’s ability to pursue English-taught courses.

Additionally, Poland has an increasing number of study programs conducted in English. Many universities have now programs that are entirely in English in their academic offerings. The purpose is to support the internationalization effort and to cater the needs of the diverse student population seeking education in this historic European country. 

Student Visa Fee

When applying for a D type student visa to Poland, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of 78.20 EUR. This fee covers the initial visa application process.

In addition to the visa fee, individuals seeking temporary residence permits in Poland must spend a processing cost of 87.7 EUR. Similar to the visa fee, this amount is also non-refundable and is essential for processing the residence permit.

Concerning the modes of payment, applicants have the flexibility to choose from payments in cash, through card transactions, or via money order.

Health Insurance for Students in Poland

International students in Poland need to subscribe to a health insurance. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can get insurance from the Polish Health National Fund (NFZ) or a private company.
• For NFZ insurance, bring your passport with visa, registration of residence, and student status confirmation from your university.
• Private insurance is an option with local or international providers.
• Without insurance, you’ll pay for medical costs yourself.

Processing Time for the Student Visa to Poland

Once you’ve submitted your visa application, the next step is to wait for a decision.

Here’s a breakdown of how the processing time for student visa work in Poland:

• Processing Time: Up to 15 days after submitting your application.
• Apply soon after receiving the university acceptance letter, but not earlier than 3 months before your enrollment date.
• Summer Season Alert: If applying during summer, expect possible extensions in the processing time for your Poland student visa application.

Success Rate for the Polish Study Visa

The success rate of a Poland study visa is 95%. This means that as long as you fulfill the basic criteria for study purpose, you’re most likely to obtain your visa to Poland. If your visa application is rejected, don’t worry.

Common reasons include lacking financial proof, incomplete forms, missing documents, passport issues, or inadequate insurance. Make sure therefore to fix these and reapply.

There might also be a possibility to appeal the rejection decision. You can do so by writing a letter to your consulate explaining why your application should be approved.

How Long is the Student Visa for Poland Valid?

Once you get your visa, the next question to answer is how long can you stay in Poland with a student visa. With a Schengen visa, it’s up to 3 months, and with a national student visa, it’s one year. For longer stays, you’ll need a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), which takes 8 to 10 months to process.

Additionally, you can extend your student visa for the duration of your program or reapply from your home country if needed. Temporary residence permit extension isn’t possible; you’ll have to reapply once it expires.

Can I Work with a Student Visa in Poland?

Yes, you can work in Poland with a student visa as long as you have a residence permit. During your studies, you’re allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during the semester. A duration that you can flip to a full-time work during breaks.

Getting a part-time job is relatively easy under new Polish regulations, requiring only a temporary residence permit. There’s therefore no need for a work permit, as long as you hold a valid residence permit.

However, it’s always advisable to make sure your work doesn’t hinder your academic performance, as it may impact your permit renewal.