How much bank balance is required for a Polish student visa?

You need to provide proof of financial means between 3000–5000 euro to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel. The Polish consulate may also require additional proof, such as recent bank statements, to confirm financial stability.

Can I work in Poland while studying on a student visa?

Yes! Indian students in Poland can work without any hourly restrictions while studying. This allows them to gain international work experience, support their living costs, and explore career opportunities in Poland. Students under 26 years old also benefit from income tax exemptions, making employment in Poland even more financially beneficial.

How long does it take to process a student visa for Poland?

The visa decision is usually made within 15 calendar days, but in some cases, processing can take up to 30 days. The entire application process, including collecting documents, booking an appointment, and waiting for approval, typically takes around one month. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply at least three months before your planned departure.

Can I travel to other European countries with a Polish student visa?

Yes! A Polish Type D visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this visa does not grant work rights in other Schengen countries.

Student Visa to Poland for Indians

Q: What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

If your visa is denied, first review the reason for rejection given by the consulate. You can correct any mistakes in your application and reapply with improved documentation. If you believe the rejection was unfair, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Polish consulate. Seeking guidance from visa specialists can help improve your chances of approval in the reapplication or appeal process.

Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students, offering affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and a wide range of English-taught programs. If you're an Indian citizen planning to pursue your studies in Poland, obtaining a national visa (Type D) is a crucial step.

This visa allows you to stay in Poland for over 90 days, enabling you to study, work, and travel within the Schengen Zone. Below is a comprehensive guide tailored for Indian students on securing a Polish student visa, including detailed information on consulates and the application process.

What is a Polish Student Visa and Its Benefits?

A Polish student visa (Type D) permits Indian students to reside in Poland for up to one year for educational purposes. This visa is essential for enrolling in bachelor's, master's, doctoral programs, or language courses. With this visa, you can:

Legally study at an accredited Polish institution.
Work without hourly restrictions during your studies.
Travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) to extend your stay beyond the visa's validity.

Which Institutions Can Issue Visa Invitations?

To obtain a Polish student visa, acceptance into an accredited educational institution in Poland is mandatory. Only institutions officially recognized by the Polish Ministry of Education or relevant authorities can issue the necessary visa invitation letters.
Eligible institutions include:

Universities and Higher Education Institutions

Offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.

Colleges and Technical Schools

Providing vocational and specialized education in fields like engineering, IT, and business.

Language Schools

Conducting intensive Polish or English language courses (note: visas for language courses are typically valid for up to nine months and may not grant work rights).

Post-Secondary Schools (Szkoła Policealna)

Offering professional training programs ranging from one to two years.

Required Documents for a Polish Student Visa for Indians

When applying for a Polish student visa, ensure you have the following documents:

Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out the form via the e-konsulat system, then print and sign it.
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned stay, with at least two blank pages.
Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Two color photos (35mm x 45mm) with a white background, taken within the last six months.
Official Acceptance Letter: Original letter from the Polish institution confirming your admission.
Proof of Tuition Fee Payment: Receipt or bank confirmation.
Health Insurance: Coverage of at least 30,000 euro valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire duration of your stay.
Proof of Accommodation: Documentation such as a rental agreement or dormitory confirmation.
Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and return travel, typically 776 PLN per month plus 2,500 PLN for return transportation.
Educational Certificates: Previous academic records, such as higher secondary certificates or diplomas, apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.
Flight Itinerary: Reservation details (booking confirmation, not the actual ticket).
Cover Letter: A personal statement outlining the purpose and duration of your visit, along with a list of attached documents.

Note: All documents should be in English or Polish. The Embassy/Consulate General of the Republic of Poland reserves the right to request additional information or documentation and may require an interview if deemed necessary.

Where to Apply for a Polish Student Visa in India?

Indian students can apply for a Polish student visa at the following locations:

1. Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi:

Address: 50-M, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021, India
Jurisdiction: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the Union Territories.

2. Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai:

Address: 36, Altamount Road, Mumbai - 400026, Maharashtra, India
Jurisdiction: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and the Union Territories of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

3. Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Kolkata:

Address: 193A, Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata - 700029, West Bengal, India
Jurisdiction: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

4. Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Bengaluru:

Address: No. 1, 50th Cross, 4th Block, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru - 560010, Karnataka, India
Jurisdiction: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry and Lakshadweep.

Application Process

Registration: As of July 2, 2024, all study visa applications must be registered through the e-konsulat system. Appointments are allocated based on the order of registration.
VFS Global Submission: After securing an appointment via e-konsulat, applicants must also complete the visa application form online through the VFS Global website and submit their documents at the designated VFS centers.

Important: Due to high demand, it's advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance to ensure availability. Always refer to the official websites of the respective consulates for the most up-to-date information.

Visa Fee and Processing Time

The visa fee for Indian students applying for a Polish student visa is approximately 6,739 INR, payable at the time of submission. However, visa fees are subject to change, so it is essential to check the latest amount on the official consulate website before applying. The standard processing time for a student visa is up to 15 calendar days from the date of submission. In some cases, the process may take up to 30 days, depending on the applicant’s situation and the workload of the consulate. Given these potential delays, it is strongly recommended that students apply at least three months before their intended departure to ensure a smooth process.

How to Extend a Student Visa in Poland?

If you wish to continue your studies beyond the validity of your visa, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) before your visa expires. This permit allows you to legally stay in Poland for up to three years and continue your education without the need for a visa renewal.

To apply for a Karta Pobytu, you must submit the following documents to the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in your region:

A valid passport and current visa.
University enrollment confirmation from your Polish institution.
Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, scholarship confirmation).
Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement, dormitory contract).
Health insurance covering your stay in Poland.
Completed residence permit application form (available on the Voivodeship Office’s website).

The processing time for a temporary residence permit ranges from 3 to 6 months, so it is advisable to apply well in advance. Holding a Karta Pobytu allows you to work in Poland legally and travel freely within the Schengen Zone without needing a visa for re-entry into Poland. For detailed information, visit our guide on How to Get a Temporary Residence Permit in Poland.

Can Indian Students Work in Poland on a Student Visa?

Yes! There are no work-hour restrictions for students in Poland. Indian students can work legally while studying, allowing them to cover living expenses and gain international work experience.

Many students find jobs in:

Cafés, restaurants, and retail stores.
Internships in IT, business, or marketing.
Freelance work or tutoring (e.g., English language tutoring).

Additionally, students under 26 years old are exempt from income tax, making Poland an even more attractive study destination.

What to Do if Your Visa Application Is Rejected?

If your visa application is denied, the first step is to carefully review the reason for rejection provided by the consulate. Many applications are rejected due to incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or mistakes in the application form. If the issue is something that can be corrected, you should make the necessary adjustments and reapply with a stronger application.

If you believe the rejection was unfair, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Polish consulate by submitting additional supporting documents. If the refusal is based on financial insufficiency, it is essential to provide stronger proof of funds, such as updated bank statements or a sponsorship letter. Seeking guidance from visa specialists can significantly improve your chances of approval in a reapplication or appeal.

How AcademGo Helps Indian Students?

AcademGo provides comprehensive support for Indian students applying to study in Poland. Our services include university selection and admission assistance, ensuring that students choose the right institution and meet all entry requirements. We offer guidance on tuition payments, scholarships, and financial documentation, helping students secure the necessary funding and proof of funds for their visa applications.

Our visa application support covers document preparation, form submissions, and expert advice to prevent common mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections. In addition, we provide post-arrival services, including student accommodation, airport pickup, and university registration, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Poland. If you need expert assistance with your Polish student visa application, contact AcademGo today for a hassle-free process.

Frequently Asked Questions