Study In Poland: Student Visa Application, Fees, And Studying Costs For International Students
Troubled on how to apply for a Polish student visa? This post answers that question, amongst other vital things you need to know about studying in Poland as a Non-EU international student.
Do I Need A Student Visa To Study In Poland?
The answer to this depends on your citizenship. If you are a citizen or resident of a European Union (EU) country, then you don’t need a student visa or study permit.
In fact, you can stay in Poland freely for 30 days. All you need do is register your residence in a Provincial Office. This should be done within the first 3 months of arrival.
However, if you are an international student from a non-European Union (EU) country, you must have a student visa before you can even set foot on Polish soil.
As a non-European Union (EU) student, you need to apply for a D-type Schengen visa for multiple entry and long-stay.
After obtaining your Schengen visa, you can proceed with your application for a Poland students visa. In fact, you can also travel and be allowed entry into other European Union (EU) countries that recognize it.
How To Apply For Poland Student Visa In 2024/23 (For Non-EU Students)
Usually, a visa application should not take longer than 15 days to be reviewed.
However, international students are often advised to submit their documents very early. That way, any delay that occurs will not necessarily affect the student’s education resumption.
You should also make multiple copies of your original documents. You will need to submit them at the embassy.
To submit your application, locate a Polish consulate in your country and submit the form alongside the processing fee.
Poland Student Visa: Required Documents
As a citizen of a Non-EU country applying for a student visa in Poland, you will need the following documents.
1. A fully completed and signed visa application form.
2. A valid passport (must be valid for three months after your planned departure from Poland).
3. Your passport-size photographs.
4. The letter of acceptance from your Polish university.
5. Your curriculum vitae and a motivation letter.
6. Previous school/university certificates and diplomas.
7. Proof of your English or Polish language proficiency.
8. A health insurance that will cover you during your studies.
9. Evidence of sufficient funds to support you throughout your studies. This can be proven via official bank statements.
10. Proof of your residence/student accommodation in Poland.
11. Transport documentation like for instance your flight ticket to Poland.
Can You Work In Poland With A Student Visa?
Yes. You can work in Poland while studying as an international student. You just need to be a registered student of an institution. With that, you are eligible to work in Poland.
However, you should have your valid Schengen visa with you if you are not of EU origin.
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Is IELTS Required For Poland Student Visa?
It’s a fact well known that most European countries require international students to sit for and pass an IELTS or TOEFL exam.
However, Poland doesn’t need all that. You only have to show proof that you have an excellent understanding of the English language. It can be a certificate that shows that you took a course in the English language.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required For Poland Student Visa?
Normally, when applying for a student visa in almost all countries of the world, international students are required to have a minimum amount of money in their bank account.
The account balance will serve as evidence that the student is more than capable to study in-country without running out of money or resorting to begging.
An average of 13,000 USD is required as a bank balance before an international student can study in Poland.
The money must be in a bank account owned by the student him/herself. The 13,000 USD is separate from the tuition fees, living charges, and visa application fee.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Student Visa To Poland?
Normally, it should not be more than 15 days. But there can be delays sometimes.
Studying Costs For International Students In Poland
Below are the average costs for students in Poland. This may not exactly apply to you, but it’s still the average of what you will probably spend.
- 2230 USD annually for the long cycles, first, and second-year studies
- 3350 USD annually for post-doctoral and doctorate level programs including medical internships, scientific, post-doctoral, and art internships at the post-graduate level
- 3350 USD annually for apprenticeship and vocation courses
- 2230 USD annually for Polish language course annual preparation for Polish language courses
