Poland Student Visa - Application Process & Requirements

The most sought-after study-abroad location is Poland. The nation offers many universities and courses, more than 450 postsecondary educational institutions, and a wide range of topic choices. Poland is a friendly, multicultural nation. More than 150 countries send students to Poland to study in different disciplines. In Poland, the success rate for student visas is 96%. International students have access to high-quality, reasonably priced education.

Like other European countries, the universities here use the Bologna system. Several excellent institutions exist in Poland, but one of the greatest is the University of Warsaw (UW). Your adviser will assist you throughout the application procedure.

If you are a student who is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you must obtain a student visa at the closest Polish embassy or consulate. Once you arrive, you must apply for a temporary residence permit, ideally 45 days before your visa expires, to prolong your stay in Poland.

If you are an EU, EEA, or Switzerland citizen and plan to study in Poland for over three months, you must register for your stay. This is so citizens with a "laissez-passer" can travel without a visa.

The procedure that needs to be followed to apply for a student visa to Poland is as follows:

• To make an appointment, locate the Polish consulate or embassy closest to you. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-Konsulat website allows you to schedule an appointment.

• You can complete the application on the E-Konsulat webpage to schedule your appointment.

• Gather the necessary paperwork. Your visa application includes several papers, including your university acceptance letter. The full list of documents is located below under "Supporting Documents."

• Bring the application in person to the Polish consulate or embassy. On the day of your appointment, you must present yourself in person with your documentation.

• If necessary, show up for the visa interview. Certain embassies may want to meet with you for a visa interview to get to know you and decide whether to grant you a visa.

• Await the outcome. You will only have to wait to hear back on the status of your application. It usually takes 15 days, and the embassy will let you know how long it will take.

The type D visa only enables you to stay in Poland for a year; if you want to stay longer, for example, if you're enrolled in a three-year bachelor's program, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit.

To apply for permission, go to the Voivodship Office in your community. You must turn in:

• A form for application

• identity papers

• Evidence of your academic work

• Health insurance records

• Evidence that you have enough money

The first permission period is for fifteen months, and it can be extended for a maximum of three years, but not for longer than the duration of your education. Only those residing in Poland lawfully and without expired visas may apply.

Also, read: Cost of Living in Poland

There are specific requirements for a student visa in Poland; those requirements are as follows-

• There are two forms for applying for a Polish visa. The application can be filled out on the E-Konsulat website.

• Two pictures of yourself the size of your passport. The images must adhere to Poland's visa picture requirements.

• Your travel document. It must be valid for at least three months from the date of return, and extra copies of your passport pages should be provided.

• Health coverage. It's crucial to have prior health insurance to cover you for the first portion of your journey until you arrange long-term student health insurance in Poland.

• Evidence of accommodations. You must prove that you reside somewhere, such as an apartment for students or dormitories.

• Evidence of financial capability. You must demonstrate that you have the resources necessary to cover the following costs while enrolled in your study program in Poland:

If you are a student from a non-EU nation, you must have at least 2500 PLN (about $618) to cover the cost of your return trip. This sum is reduced to 500 PLN (about $123) if you are from an EU nation or to 200 PLN (about $50) if you are from a nearby country of Poland.

A minimum of 776 PLN (about $192) is required monthly for living expenses. You must provide documentation proving you have at least 600 PLNs (about $148) for each extra family member travelling with you. Remember that the total monthly expenses do not include housing costs. If your housing expenses amount to 1000 PLN (about $247), you will need an additional 1000 PLN on top of the 776 PLN needed for monthly expenses. Your total financial requirements will be 1776 PLN (approximately $439).

• An acceptance letter from the university: The letter must be formal and signed by the Polish university you applied to. It must include your name, study program description, and duration.

• A letter of invitation: If you cannot come to a rental agreement or dorm contract for your lodging during your visit to Poland, you can apply for your visa using an invitation letter. The guarantor must write the invitation letter and guarantee they can finance your stay in Poland while you study there.

• Provide documentation of your level of competence in either Polish or English. You must demonstrate your level of English or Polish language ability before you may begin your studies at a university in Poland. This evidence might be presented as a diploma or academic credential. Three years is the maximum age for your certifications.

• Documentation for scholarships (if applicable). Support for your financial insurance will come from documentation showing you have been awarded a scholarship to study in Poland. For the scholarship to be accepted as a legitimate document for your immigration application, it must provide at least €631 per month.

• Evidence of your current romantic state. You need to turn in your marriage license if you're married.

• Proof of the time and date of your flight. The airline ticket can be used as verification.

• Receipt for the paid visa cost. You receive the receipt after the long-stay visa cost has been paid.

Your visa should be assessed in 15 days, and you should hear back once you have submitted your application and the necessary paperwork.

Despite the short turnaround time, you should begin the application process well before the date of departure. Processing times may vary significantly, and delays may happen if you fail to submit all of your documentation.

Once you get your admission letter, you can begin your application three months before your enrollment date.

Also, read: Cost of Studying in Poland

Working with a Polish type D student visa is unrestricted. International students with valid residence permits can work in Poland without requiring a work permit.

It is feasible to work full-time and still study in Poland, but you must ensure that employment does not interfere with your studies. Renewing your residency permit might be more difficult if working excessive hours negatively affects your academic performance.

To conclude, applying for a student visa to Poland involves following guidelines and paying close attention to details. In addition to proving they have enough money, applicants must get an admission letter from an accredited Polish university and submit documentation of their accommodations. Other necessities include a current passport, health insurance, and a spotless criminal history. Through meticulous preparation and fulfilment of all requirements, students may effectively get their visa and begin their academic pursuits in Poland, capitalising on the nation's abundant intellectual and cultural offerings.

If you want to know more about the Poland student visa application process or intend to study in Poland, we encourage you to speak with our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question- Is it easy to get a job as a student in Poland?

Answer- Yes, because of recent changes made by the Polish government, it is comparatively simple for students to get part-time employment in Poland. You'll need a temporary residency permit to obtain employment as an international student in Poland.

Question- Can I work in Poland on a student visa?

Answer- If you have residence permission, you can work in Poland on a student visa. You can work 20 hours a week at a part-time job throughout your studies and full-time during holidays. You should prioritise your education above employment, as it is important to obtain a student visa. It may impact your visa renewal if you fail your classes and don't complete each semester on schedule.

Question- How long can I stay in Poland with a student visa?

Answer- A national student visa allows you to stay in Poland for a year, while a Schengen visa permits you to visit for up to three months. Foreign students wishing to remain in Poland for over three months must get a Temporary Residence Permit or TRP. You can stay in Poland for an extra two years of study after your initial application for a permit.

Question- How long does it take to get a Poland student visa?

Answer- After completing your application, your Poland student visa can take up to 15 days to process. Once you have received the admission letter from the university, it is recommended that you apply for your Poland Student Visa as soon as feasible, but no sooner than three months before your enrollment date.

Question- What are the fees for securing a Poland Student Visa?

Answer- Depending on the kind of visa, the cost of a student visa to Poland varies from 80 to 120 euros. A Type D visa to Poland costs between 80 and 100 euros. Once paid, the visa cost cannot be refunded, and it might alter.