Before Arrival

πŸͺͺπŸ§‘β€πŸŽ“ How to Get a Student Visa to Poland

Poland offers hundreds of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes taught in Polish and English. Foreigners can study at both public and private universities. Read our article about How to Apply to a Polish University

A Polish Student Visa (Type D) allows non-EU citizens to enter Poland for full-time studies, a doctoral programme or a university preparatory course / liceum and legally work in Poland.

The visa is usually issued for up to 1 year. If your studies continue after the visa expires, you should apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for Studies (Karta Pobytu) while in Poland. (How to Get a Karta Pobytu)

πŸ”’ Step-by-step Guide

  1. Get Accepted by a University or Liceum
  2. Prepare the Required Documents (See list below)
  3. Book a Visa Appointment throught e-Konsulat web-site or at Polish Visa Center (VFS Global)
  4. Attend Appointment and Pay non-returnable visa fee (80€ for Type D Visa in CASH)
  5. Wait for the Decision (Most visa applications are processed within 15 calendar days)

πŸ“‘ Required Documents

  • Completed visa application form (You fill in the form when you apply for a visa throught e-Konsulat)
  • Valid passport
  • Residence Permit or a Visa, if you’re applying for a visa NOT from your home country
  • 2 Passport photo 3,5×4,5
  • University or Liceum admission letter (original + copy)
  • Proof of tuition payment if applicable
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (800 PLN/Month + 2500 PLN for return ticket if your country does not border Poland, bank statement showing transactions over the last 3 months)
  • Valid health insurance – Origianl + Copy (Minimum cover must be 30,000 euros in all Schengen countries for the entire duration of the visa stay, including outpatient treatment and repatriation of the body)
  • Proof of accommodation in Poland (Umowa o Najmu, contract with a student hall of residence with proof of payment for first month)
  • Language certificate at a minimum of B2 level, even if you study in English (Read our article about How to Get Language Certificate). (not applicable if you’re gonna study at Liceum)
  • NAWA recognition statement for certain foreign secondary school certificates (not applicable if you’re gonna study at Liceum)

πŸ‘ΆπŸ» Additional Documents for Children (under 18 y.o.)

  • Birth Certificate (Original + copy)
  • Sponsorship letter from Parents (Parents Bank Statements and Work Certificate)
  • Parents Passports (Original + copy)
  • Notarised declaration from the parents authorising the child to travel abroad

❗If a minor applicant is officially registered as having only one parent, it is also necessary to provide a document confirming sole guardianship. Such documents include: a death certificate, a court order terminating parental rights, or another supporting document.

πŸ’» How to Complete a Visa Application via e-Konsulat

1) Go to https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl and choose your country

Country

2) Click on “Wiza Krajowa – Zarejestruj Formularz” to fill in the application form and register to the consulate

❗If this button is not available, select β€˜Wiza Krajowa – WypeΕ‚nij Formularz’

3) Complete the Captcha

4) Fill in the fields – select a student visa in the first field (If there is no such option, you will need to click “Wiza Krajowa – WypeΕ‚nij Formularz“, download and print out the application form and book an appointment at VFS Global Visa Centre)

5) Complete and print out the form, including the barcode. If the barcode does not appear, this means that the application has not been registered in the system. (Does not apply if you are simply filling in the form and printing it out without registering to the embassy)

β›” What If Your Visa Is Refused?

If your application is refused, you usually have the right to request a review of the decision within the deadline stated in the refusal notice.

The request must be submitted to the authority indicated by the consulate.