D-Type National Visa - Studies (First Cycle)
Poland
Last updated: December 27, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$159
15-30 days
High
About this Visa
Poland's student visa lets you study at a Polish university. You get this visa before arriving, and it lets you stay for your entire degree program. Once you arrive in Poland, you get a residence card that lasts 15 months and can be renewed. You can work while studying without needing a separate work permit. You can also travel to other European countries. This visa is a good way to eventually get permanent residence in Poland—after 5 years of studying and living there, you can apply. This visa is still active and accepting applications as of December 2025. However, it has gotten harder to get since 2024. About 1 in 3 applications get rejected, with much higher rejection rates from certain countries including Iraq, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, and Yemen.
Key Benefits
- Work without work permit (20 hours/week during school, full-time during breaks - only at eligible universities)
- Free healthcare access through Poland's public healthcare system
- Travel in Europe (Schengen area) for up to 90 days in any 6-month period
- Bring your spouse and children with you to live in Poland
- Path to permanent residence after 5 years (study time counts as half a year)
- Path to Polish citizenship after 5 years living plus 2 years with permanent residence
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Completed high school or equivalent
- B2 English or Polish language skills (must be certified)
- Accepted to Polish university as full-time student
- No serious criminal record
- Sufficient financial means to live and study
- Clear explanation of why you want to study in Poland
- Pass entrance examination (for first-year undergraduates, required as of July 2025)
Financial Requirement
You must show enough money to: pay for your studies (first semester/year), live in Poland at 701 PLN/month (~$170) for the whole period you study, and return home with minimum 2,500 PLN (~$610). Prove this with bank statements showing you have this money available.
Documents
- Valid passport3+ months validity beyond departure date
- University acceptance letterOriginal letter from Polish university confirming acceptance
- High school diplomaCertified and legalized if from outside EU/OECD
- Tuition payment proof or free studies letterReceipt from university or letter confirming free studies
- English language certificate B2 levelIELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or Pearson (Duolingo NOT accepted as of July 2025)
- Bank statementsLast 3 months showing sufficient funds
- Health insurance certificateMinimum €30,000 coverage
- Housing proofDorm contract or rental agreement
- Passport photos2 passport-sized photos
- Flight reservationFlight booking or travel confirmation
- Completed visa application formOnline form printed and signed
- NAWA diploma recognitionRequired if from non-EU/OECD/EFTA countries - your high school diploma needs official recognition
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.