Student Visa to Poland from Nigeria
Poland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students due to its affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and a wide range of English-taught programs. If you are a Nigerian citizen planning to study in Poland, you will need to apply for a national visa (Type D), which allows you to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, study legally, work, and travel within the Schengen Zone.
Below is a comprehensive guide to obtaining a Polish student visa for Nigerian students, including details on consulates, required documents, and the application process.
What is a Polish Student Visa and Its Benefits?
A Polish student visa (Type D) allows Nigerian students to stay in Poland for up to one year for educational purposes. This visa is required for enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as language courses. With this visa, you can:
- Study legally at an accredited Polish university.
- Work without hourly restrictions while studying.
- Travel freely 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, you must be accepted into an accredited educational institution in Poland. Only institutions recognized by the Polish Ministry of Education or relevant authorities can issue the required visa invitation letters. Eligible institutions include:
Universities and Higher Education Institutions
Public and private universities offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Colleges and Technical Schools
Institutions providing vocational and specialized education in fields such as engineering, IT, and business.
Language Schools
Schools offering intensive Polish or English courses (student visas for language courses are typically valid for up to nine months and do not grant work rights).
Post-Secondary Schools (Szkoła Policealna)
Institutions offering professional training programs lasting one to two years.
Required Documents for a Polish Student Visa (Nigerian Applicants)
To apply for a Polish student visa, Nigerian students must 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 photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background).
- Official university acceptance letter (original copy).
- Proof of tuition fee payment (receipt or bank confirmation).
- Health insurance covering at least 30,000 euro for the entire duration of the stay.
- 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).
In some cases, additional documents such as a motivation letter, an interview at the consulate, or a notarized parental consent (for minors) may be required.
Where to Apply for a Polish Student Visa in Nigeria?
Nigerian students can apply for a Polish student visa at the Embassy of Poland in Abuja:
Embassy of Poland in NigeriaAddress: 10 River Niger Street, Off Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria
Website: https://www.gov.pl/web/nigeria/
Application Process:
- Register online via the e-konsulat system.
- Book an appointment through the embassy’s visa section.
- Submit all required documents in person at the Polish embassy in Abuja.
Due to high demand, it is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance to secure a slot for submission.
Visa Fee and Processing Time
The visa fee for Nigerian students applying for a Polish student visa is approximately €135, payable in Nigerian naira at the consulate. Visa fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to verify the latest fee on the official Polish embassy website before applying.
The visa processing time typically takes up to 15 calendar days, but in some cases, it may be extended to 30 days. To avoid delays, students should apply at least three months before their planned departure.
How to Extend a Student Visa in Poland?
Instead of renewing a student visa, Nigerian students in Poland should apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu). This permit allows them to stay legally in Poland beyond the expiration of their visa and is valid for up to three years.
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.
- Health insurance covering the stay in Poland.
The processing time for a residence permit is 6 to 8 months, so students should apply well in advance. For more details, check our full guide on Student Residence Permit in Poland.
Can Nigerian Students Work in Poland on a Student Visa?
Yes! There are no work-hour restrictions for students in Poland, meaning Nigerian students can legally work while studying. This provides a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, cover living expenses, and integrate into the Polish job market. Many students find employment in part-time jobs at cafés, restaurants, and retail stores, while others secure internships in IT, business, or marketing.
Freelance opportunities, such as English tutoring, are also a popular option for students looking to earn extra income. Additionally, students under 26 years old are exempt from income tax, making Poland an even more attractive destination for international students seeking employment during their studies.
What to Do if Your Visa Application Is Rejected?
If your visa application is denied, first review the reason for rejection provided by the embassy. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documents, financial insufficiency, or mistakes in the application. If your application was denied, you can correct the errors and reapply or appeal the decision through the Polish consulate.
How AcademGo Helps Nigerian Students?
AcademGo provides comprehensive support for Nigerian students applying to study in Poland. Our services include university selection, visa assistance, and post-arrival services. Need expert help with your application? Contact AcademGo today!
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