International students studying in Poland need a student visa unless they are EU citizens.
To study in Poland, EU citizens just require ID, travel documents, and to register with the Voivodship (Provincial) Office.
All other overseas students need a one-year D visa to study in Poland. Before your visa expires, apply for a temporary residence permit.
Instructions for obtaining a Polish student visa
- Before applying for a visa, you must have accepted a Polish university offer and provided proof.
- Your visa application must be processed at a Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. Find your Polish consulate here.
- Register online at the Polish consulate website to schedule a visa appointment.
- Documents: The required documents are listed below. Consulate requirements may differ, so check beforehand.
- Appointment and documents: Submit all documents and the visa cost. A decision should come within two to three weeks.
Obtaining a Permit to Live in Poland
If you want to stay in Poland for longer than a year—say, to complete a bachelor’s degree program—you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit in addition to your type D visa.
- a form for applying
- Proof of identity papers
- Academic Documentation
- Certificates of coverage for medical care
- A demonstration that you have the means to pay for this
You can renew your permission for up to three additional years after the initial 15 months have passed, but not for more than the duration of your program of study. Your application can only be processed while you are a lawful resident of Poland and before your visa expires.
Visa requirements for students studying in Poland
Polish type D visa applications require these documents:
- A signed Poland student visa application.
- Passport (must be valid for three months after your planned departure from Poland)
- Polish university admission letter
- CV
- Academic degrees
- English proficiency proof
- Proof you can afford your studies
- Medical records
- Passport-sized photo
- Polish residency proof
- Transportation tickets
Processing period for Polish student visas
The visa evaluation and response should take 15 days after you submit your application and all relevant documentation.
Although this turnaround is rapid, you should start your application well before your travel date. If you neglect to include documentation, processing can take longer.
After receiving your admission letter, you can apply three months before enrolment.
Working with a student visa from Poland
Working with a Polish type D student visa is unrestricted. International students with valid residence permits can work in Poland without a work permit.
You can work full-time in Poland, but be sure it doesn’t impact your academics. If lengthy hours hurt your grades, renewing your residency permit may be difficult.
What should you do if your visa application is denied?
If your Poland student visa application is denied, don’t give up on studying abroad.
Common causes for application rejection include:
- Insufficient financial proof you can finance your study
- Unfinished application
- Documents missing or inadequate
- Passport void
- Insufficient travel insurance
Submitting a fresh application with missing or insufficient information fixes most of these difficulties.
If your visa was denied, you can appeal. Your consulate-addressed letter should explain why your application should be accepted.