Study And Work in Poland for International Students

Over the past few decades, Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. Affordability, a rich cultural heritage, and quality education based on a strong tradition of scientific and technological innovation are all strong arguments in its favor. Now that we’ve covered the cost of living and studying, as well as the scholarships, we’ll move on to another finance-related topic: the opportunities for international students to study and work in Poland.

Is Poland a Good Country to Study and Work?

Looking to study and work in Poland? It’s a smart choice! Poland offers a great environment to kick-start your career. The economy is booming and welcoming to foreign investment. In fact, more foreign companies are setting up shop here than ever before, including big names from Silicon Valley. Poland’s economy is strong, ranking sixth in the EU. Since 1989, the GDP per person has shot up by 135%. That’s impressive growth! Plus, the government provides solid support and incentives for investors, making Poland a top destination for business.

When it comes to studying, Poland has you covered too. You can work part-time while studying, without any hassle of work permits. It’s flexible and accommodating, unlike many other countries. So, while you focus on your studies, you can also gain valuable work experience. And even after you graduate, you can stay and work in Poland without jumping through hoops for a work permit. So, if you’re looking for a place to study and work, Poland ticks all the boxes!

Can I Work While Studying in Poland as an International Student?

If you want to study and work in Poland as an international student, it’s possible under certain conditions. Non-EU/EEA students must show they have enough money to cover their living cost in Poland. However, if you’re a full-time student with a student visa or temporary residence permit, or if you’re from the EU/EEA or have the Card of the Pole, you don’t need a work permit. Remember, there’s no official “live and study in Europe” package for a Poland work permit. 

Be therefore careful of scams promising easy permits. To work and study there legally, you’ll need to follow the right steps. Research visa and permit requirements, apply to recognized schools, and seek jobs through proper channels. Check official government websites for accurate information. Don’t fall either for offers that seem too good to be true. Breaking immigration laws can lead to serious consequences. Stick to the legal process to avoid trouble and make the most of your study and work opportunities in Poland.

How Many Hours Can an International Student Work in Poland

International students studying and working in Poland can work for up to 20 hours per week during their studies. Additionally, they can work full-time for three months during the summer break. If you have a Residence Card, you can work full-time, which means up to 40 hours per week. However, it’s important to make sure that your work doesn’t affect your studies negatively. 

Working too much might make it harder to renew your residence permit if it starts to impact your grades. Remember, you can help cover your study expenses by working part-time while you’re studying. Here’s a breakdown of who can work in Poland without a work permit:

• EU/EEA citizens: Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can work in Poland without needing a work permit.
• Citizens of Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine: Students from these countries can work in Poland for up to six months within a 12-month period without a work permit. However, their employment must be registered by the employer at the local job center.
• Non-EU/EEA citizens: Non-EU/EEA students enrolled in full-time studies in Poland can work during July, August, and September without a work permit. For the rest of the year, they need a work permit unless no EU citizen is available for the job. In the case they need a work permit can be obtained, the employer is in charge of completing the formalities. Students with residence permits in Poland can work without needing any additional authorization.

Study and Work In Poland: Requirements

To study and work in Poland, you’ll need to follow specific requirements and understand the regulations:

• Student Visa and Residence Permit: Obtain a Type D student visa in Poland and a valid residence permit. International students with these documents can work without needing an extra work permit.
• Enrollment in Institution: Ensure you’re enrolled in an educational institution in Poland. As long as you’re a student, you have the right to work.
• Valid Residency Permit: Non-EU students must hold a valid residency permit along with their student visa to work legally.
• Language Proficiency: While studying, you can engage in various types of work, such as language teaching, waitering, childcare, sales, etc. These jobs might require knowledge of Polish. However, undertaking language courses can enhance your chances of employment.
• Internship Opportunities: Explore paid, or unpaid internships related to your field of study. Some internships may not require proficiency in Polish.

Work Permit

As stated before, an international student with a student visa is exempt from obtaining a work permit, regardless of their nationality.  However, if you’re not a student but wish to work in Poland, you may need to pay for a work permit. Fees may apply, ranging from 50 PLN for up to 3 months to 100 PLN for an extended period.

Remember to adhere to these guidelines to study and work legally in Poland without any restrictions.

How Much an International Student Can Earn in Poland?

If you’re a student studying and working in Poland, your earnings can vary based on your skills and where you work. For instance, if you’re studying computer science and land a job in the IT sector, you could earn up to 2000 PLN per month. Alternatively, if you take on a part-time job at a place like McDonald’s, you might earn around 10 PLN per hour. 

Moreover, we don’t recommend for students to work full-time because it can be tough to manage alongside studies. Instead, it’s better to work part-time. The number of hours you can work isn’t fixed, so it’s up to you to decide how much you want to work while studying in Poland.

Is Poland Easy To Get Jobs?

To find a student job in Poland, it’s smart to start by checking online job boards like Pracuj.pl, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, OLX.pl, and Praca.pl. Even if you don’t speak Polish fluently, there are plenty of jobs available. Having some basic understanding of the language can be helpful, though. 

Additionally, most universities in Poland have a Career Development Office that helps students and graduates find suitable jobs. They’re usually very supportive, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Keep in mind that the permission to work in Poland might vary depending on your country of origin. 

Types of Student Work in Poland

As an international student wanting to study and work in Poland, you have several job options to consider:

• Part-time Jobs: Teaching your native language such as German, French or English to interested learners.
• Opportunities in sectors like IT, call centers, sales, and similar fields.

Getting a part-time job in Poland is generally easy due to the country’s stable economy and ample work opportunities. However, availability may differ depending on the city. Larger cities tend to offer more job options compared to rural areas. So, consider your location carefully to increase your chances of finding employment.

EURES Services

If you’re from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland, you can use EURES services to facilitate job search and labor mobility.

Internships In Poland For International Students

Looking for another efficient way to study and work in Poland? Internships in Poland for international students can provide valuable experience in your desired career field. Not only do internships give you an advantage when applying for jobs, but they also help you understand what to expect in your chosen industry. 

Moreover, most internships in Poland are paid, alleviating a bit of your financial burden during your stay. Here are some places you can explore for internship opportunities:

• AIESEC: facilitates internship placements in Poland. Check your home country’s AIESEC website for application details.
• IAESTE: specializes in arranging internships in engineering, natural sciences, and technical fields. Contact your local IAESTE committee for more information.
• Erasmus +: This program offers scholarships for students, including opportunities for internships lasting up to 12 months per study cycle. You can even explore the possibilities beyond study exchange programs.

Strategies to Find Internships in Poland

When searching for internships in Poland, keep these tips in mind:

• Start early: Some companies begin recruiting interns well in advance, so it’s beneficial to begin the search early.
• Craft an impressive CV: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Use LinkedIn to showcase your professional background and connect with potential employers.
• Utilize university resources: Reach out to your university’s career center for guidance and assistance.
• Directly contact companies: Don’t hesitate to email companies directly to inquire about internship opportunities.
• Expand your network: Expand your professional network by connecting with individuals in your field of interest.

By following these strategies, you can enhance your chances of securing an internship in Poland and gaining valuable hands-on experience in your desired field.

Read also here our complete guide with everything to know about internships abroad.

Live and Work in Poland After Graduation

After graduating in Poland, you can smoothly transition into working here. If you’re from an EU member country, you can work without any hassle. No need for extra permits if you’ve completed a full-time program at a Polish university. Just ensure your stay permit is sorted. 

Moreover, you can stay on for 2 or 3 years more, if you can prove you can support yourself financially. Besides, if you secure a job, you can get a Work Permit. Also, professionals have another option called the Blue Card. 

Blue Card

Once employed, professionals can apply for a Blue Card. It’s good for 2 years initially, extendable to 3 years. With this, you can work anywhere in the EU in Blue Card scheme countries. 

After 5 years, you can even apply for Permanent Residence. So, staying and working in Poland after graduating is possible, especially with options like the Blue Card for long-term prospects.