Student Visa to Poland for Thai Citizens
Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Thai students due to its affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and wide range of study programs in English and Polish. Whether you’re looking for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs, or planning to take language courses, Poland offers great opportunities for international students.
If you’re a Thai citizen planning to study in Poland, you will need to apply for a national visa (Type D). This visa allows you to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, legally study, work, and travel within the Schengen Zone. Below is a complete guide to obtaining a Polish student visa for Thai students.
What is a Polish Student Visa and What Are Its Benefits?
A Polish student visa (Type D) allows Thai students to stay in Poland for up to one year for educational purposes. It is required for enrollment in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as language courses. With this visa, students can:
- Legally study at an accredited Polish university.
- Work without restrictions while studying.
- Travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Apply for a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) to stay in Poland after the visa expires.
Which Institutions Can Issue Visa Invitations?
To obtain a Polish student visa, you must be accepted into an accredited educational institution in Poland. Only institutions officially recognized by the Polish Ministry of Education or other relevant authorities can issue visa invitations. This includes:
Universities
Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral program.
Colleges and technical schools
Providing vocational and specialized education.
Language schools
Offering intensive Polish or English courses (visa valid for up to nine months without work rights).
Post-secondary schools (Szkoła policealna)
Providing professional training courses lasting from one to two years.
Required Documents for a Polish Student Visa (Thai Applicants)
To apply for a Polish student visa, you need to submit the following documents:
- Completed visa application form (available online via the e-konsulat system).
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa expiration date).
- Recent passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background).
- Official university acceptance letter (original copy).
- Proof of tuition payment (receipt or bank confirmation).
- Health insurance covering at least 30,000 euro for the entire stay in Poland.
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or dormitory confirmation).
- Financial proof – a bank statement showing at least 3000–5000 euro to cover living expenses.
- Proof of education – high school diploma or bachelor's degree (translated into Polish, if required).
- Visa fee payment confirmation (paid at the consulate during submission).
Some cases may require additional documents such as a motivation letter, an interview at the consulate, or a notarized parental consent (for minors).
Where to Apply for a Polish Student Visa in Thailand?
Thai students can apply for a Polish student visa at the Embassy of Poland in Bangkok, located at 100/81-82, 25th Floor, Vongvanij Building B, Rama 9 Road, Bangkok 10310, Thailand. Visa applications must be submitted in person, and appointments should be booked in advance through the e-konsulat system. It is important to check the latest requirements on the embassy's website, as visa regulations and procedures may change.
Visa Fee and Processing Time
The visa fee for Thai students is 135 euro, payable in Thai baht at the embassy. The visa decision is usually made within two weeks, but the entire process, including document collection, appointment scheduling, and waiting for approval, takes around one month. It is advisable to apply at least three months before your intended departure to avoid delays.
How to Extend a Student Visa in Poland?
Instead of renewing a student visa, Thai students in Poland should apply for a temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu), which allows them to stay legally in Poland after their visa expires. This permit is valid for up to three years and must be applied for several months before the visa expires to avoid any legal issues.
To obtain a Karta Pobytu, students must submit an application to the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in their city of residence. The required documents include a valid passport and current visa, university enrollment confirmation, proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, scholarship confirmation), proof of accommodation, and health insurance covering the stay in Poland.
With a residence permit, students can continue their studies, work legally, and even apply for permanent residence in the future. For more details, check our full guide on Student Residence Permit in Poland.
Can Thai Students Work in Poland on a Student Visa?
Yes! Unlike other EU countries, Poland does not impose work-hour limits on students. Thai students can work legally without restrictions while studying in Poland. This allows them to gain work experience, cover living expenses, and integrate into the local job market.
Many Polish universities also offer internship programs and part-time job opportunities for students. Common student jobs include working in cafes, restaurants, or retail stores, internships in IT, business, or marketing, and English or Thai tutoring.
Additionally, students under the age of 26 are exempt from income tax, making Poland an attractive destination for international students seeking employment opportunities.
What to Do if Your Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your student visa is denied, the first step is to carefully review the reason provided by the embassy. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or errors in the application. If the issue is minor, you can correct the mistake and reapply. In cases where you believe the rejection was unjustified, you have the right to appeal through the Polish consulate.
How AcademGo Helps Thai Students?
AcademGo provides full support for Thai students applying to study in Poland. Our services include university selection and admission assistance, document preparation for visa applications, guidance on tuition payment, accommodation, and student life in Poland, and post-arrival support such as airport pickup, university registration, and residence permit applications. If you need professional assistance with studying in Poland, contact AcademGo today!
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