Study in Poland
Our dedicated “Study in Poland” service provides comprehensive support to international students, guiding you through every step from university admission to securing your student visa. We simplify the entire relocation process, ensuring you can focus on your academic future while we handle the complex legal and administrative requirements.
Moving abroad for university is a thrilling milestone, but the logistics can quickly become overwhelming. From navigating foreign bureaucracy to securing a place to live, the path to the lecture hall is often paved with paperwork.
This is where MigraLegis steps in to help you with:
- Choosing the University: Matching academic goals with the right Polish institution.
- Securing the Visa: Handling the complex immigration paperwork from start to finish.
- Finding Accommodation: Sourcing safe, reliable housing before arrival.
- Healthcare Integration: Ensuring seamless registration into the medical insurance system.
By managing the administrative burden, MigraLegis allows students to focus on what truly matters: their education and their future.
Expert Q&A: Studying and Working in Poland
Do British citizens need a student visa to study in Poland?
It depends entirely on the duration of your studies:
- Short-term stays (up to 90 days): No. Following Brexit, UK citizens can enter Poland visa-free for short-term courses or exchange programs (like Erasmus) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Long-term studies (full degree programs): Yes. Because the UK is now a third-party country, British students enrolling in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degrees must apply for a National D-type visa at the Polish Embassy in London before traveling. Alternatively, if they enter visa-free, they must apply for a temporary residence permit (karta pobytu) within their first 90 days in Poland.
Do students have access to public healthcare (ZUS/NFZ), or do they need private insurance?
Public healthcare (NFZ) is highly recommended for all international students, but the entry requirements vary:
- EU Students: Covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical treatment.
- UK Students: Can use the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for short stays. For long-term stays, you must have private travel insurance to get your visa, but once in Poland, you can register for voluntary, highly subsidized NFZ coverage (around 60 PLN/month).
- Other Non-EU Students: Must possess a valid private insurance policy (€30,000 minimum coverage) to obtain a visa. Upon arrival and gaining official student status, you should transition to the voluntary NFZ public insurance scheme.
Can you work on a student visa in Poland?
Yes, but local labor laws differentiate between student origins:
- EU Students: You hold the absolute right to work in Poland without any permits or time restrictions.
- Full-Time Non-EU & UK Students: If you are a full-time student at an accredited Polish university, you are legally permitted to work without a work permit during your studies and holidays.
- Part-Time/Extramural Students: If you study part-time or through weekend programs, you are not automatically exempt. Your Polish employer will need to apply for a formal work permit on your behalf.
What formalities and documents are needed to get a student visa?
To secure a national D-type visa, non-EU and UK students must submit the following core documents to the consulate:
- Official Acceptance Letter: A formal certificate of enrollment from a recognized Polish university.
- Proof of Payment: A receipt confirming payment for at least the first semester or year of tuition.
- Financial Self-Sufficiency: Recent bank statements proving you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and a return ticket home.
- Accommodation Proof: A valid lease agreement or a housing certificate from a university dormitory.
- Travel Medical Insurance: A policy valid across the Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- (For specific non-OECD/non-EU diplomas): A written eligibility statement from NAWA (National Agency for Academic Exchange) confirming your high school diploma allows you to study at university level.