How to Apply For a Poland Student Visa in Nigeria | Requirements, Fees, and Eligibility

Poland is among the most excellent and least expensive places to enrol in English-taught programs across various subjects. As a result, many foreign students come to this country to further their education. However, foreign students from non-EU nations need a student visa to study in Poland.

This means you will need a student visa to study in Poland as a Nigerian. You must also have certain documents, such as a valid ID, travel documents, and proof of residency, which you can register with the Voivodeship (Provincial) Office.

All foreign students must have a D-type visa to study in Poland for one year. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before your visa expires.

If you know you want to japa and leave Nigeria, this article will show you everything necessary to get a Poland student visa.

About Student Visa in Poland

The requirements for EU and non-EU students seeking a student visa in Poland differ. European Union students do not need a visa to enter Poland. For a brief stay of up to three months, they can enter and study if they can present a legitimate travel document, such as a passport, or a document proving their identity and citizenship. A Provincial (Voivodeship) Office registration is required for longer courses, such as a bachelor’s or master’s program.

To enter Poland, students from outside the EU need a visa. Poland has, nevertheless, waived the need for a visa for a selected group of countries for a maximum of 90 days, during which they must apply for a temporary residency permit at the provincial office. However, Nigeria is an exception. For entry into Poland, non-EU students can apply for the following kinds of visas:

• C-Type visa: This is a short-term Schengen visa for studies up to 90 days within 180 days. Perfect if you’re planning a brief study program.
• D-Type visa: This national visa is your gateway for stays up to one year. If your program is longer, you’ll apply for a temporary residence permit to extend your stay.

Additionally, international students holding D-type visas can travel to other Schengen Area Member States for up to 90 days within 180 days. With a Polish student visa, students can take advantage of this opportunity to spend weekends, holidays, or vacations in other EU nations.

Students from EU countries are exempt from applying for a temporary residency permit. They must register their stay with the local Voivodeship Office within ninety days of arrival. Upon registration, they will get a free certificate of registration, valid for as long as they want to stay in Poland.

Application Procedure for Student Visa in Poland

International students seeking to study at Polish universities can apply for a national visa by visiting a Polish Consulate or the consular division of the Polish Embassy in their home country. The Republic of Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has information about visa requirements.

From there, they can choose the country they are requesting a Polish visa and use the website to register to schedule a meeting. They must bring all required paperwork to the appointment, complete the visa application, and turn it in with the required costs. The Polish Consulate then decides on visa approvals. Students may file an appeal and ask that authorities review their case if their visa is denied.

International students can contact a local Voivodeship Office in Poland before the expiration of their D visa to apply for a temporary residence permit. The first residency permit lasts for 15 months. It can be prolonged for three years, but only if you are enrolled in classes.

See also: How To Get Student Visa In Switzerland | Step By Step Procedures

Where to Apply for a Poland Student Visa?

You can apply for a Poland student visa at one of the following locations, depending on where you live:

• The Polish embassy or consulate in Nigeria.
• The Polish embassy or consulate in a neighbouring country.
• If Poland has outsourced visa submissions, the embassy or consulate of another Schengen country.
• A private visa application center or agency that handles Polish visa submissions.

Required Documents for Student Visa in Poland

International students must personally submit the visa application form at the Polish Consulate or a consular division of the Polish Embassy. The diplomatic mission does not accept application forms submitted online or by mail. The following documents are necessary for the D-type visa:

• Passport: It should be valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date, with at least 2 blank pages, and issued within the last ten years.
• Application form: Filled and signed. Double-check for accuracy to avoid any delays.
• Passport photos: Recent photos, not older than 3 months.
• Medical travel insurance: Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR, valid throughout the Schengen Area. This is your safety net.
• Proof of financial resources: Documents showing you can cover tuition fees and living expenses. It’s important to demonstrate that you’re financially prepared for your stay.
• Acceptance letter and proof of accommodation: To confirm your purpose of travel and stay conditions in Poland.

See also: Universities in Cyprus For International Students

How Long Does Processing Your Poland Student Visa Take?

A D visa usually takes 15 days to process in Poland, but it can take up to 30 days, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.

The processing time will also be prolonged if the applicant submits inaccurate or missing papers or information. Students must apply for a temporary residence permit as soon as they arrive but before their visa expires, as the application procedure might be lengthy.

What to do if your Visa Application is Rejected

It can be upsetting to have your application for a student visa to Poland denied, but it doesn’t mean your study abroad dreams are over.

Frequent reasons for visa application rejection consist of the following:

• Incomplete application form
• Insufficient financial evidence you can support yourself during your studies
• Invalid passport
• Lack of appropriate travel insurance
• Missing or inadequate documents

Most problems can be fixed by resubmitting the application and including any incomplete or missing data.

If your visa has been denied and you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal letter. Write a letter explaining your reasons for believing your application should be approved and addressed to the consulate in your community.

Polish Student Visa Fees

The cost of applying for a D-type Poland visa is 78.20 EUR. It is non-refundable. A temporary residency permit in Poland requires 87.7 EUR in processing fees, which are also non-refundable. The consulate accepts card payments, cash, and money orders as forms of payment.

See also: Do Students Pay Tax? Answers to Commonly Asked Questions for International Students

Minimum Bank Balance Requirements for a Poland Student Visa

For an applicant who wants to study in Poland, a bank balance in their name of at least USD 13,000 is needed.

This sum does not contain the living expenses, tuition, or visa application fees for the person requesting the student visa for Poland.

Is there an Interview for a Student Visa in Poland?

You will have an interview, during which you will be asked a number of questions concerning your plans to study and stay in Poland. You will also need to submit the necessary documentation.

They take this step to get to know you better and decide whether you should be granted a visa.

You must get yourself prepared and familiarized with common interview questions that are asked in 2024.

Can My Family Come With Me?

If your family members apply for a residence permit as accompanying family members, they can travel to Poland with you. You must present proof of your consistent and steady income to demonstrate that you can support the family member during their visit.

As long as you also obtain a temporary residence permit, your family can work and study in Poland while you are a student.

Can You Work with a Polish Student Visa

With a Polish type D student visa, there are no restrictions on getting employment. If you have a valid residence permit, you can work in Poland without requiring a work permit.

While working full-time and still studying in Poland is feasible, you must ensure that it does not interfere with your academic pursuits. Renewing your residency permit could be more difficult if working long hours affects your academic performance.

See also: Work-Study in the UK: 5 Types of Visa to Apply for After Graduation

Is It Easy To Get a Job in Poland as a Student?

Thanks to recent government rules, finding part-time work for students in Poland is not too difficult. You’ll need a temporary residency permit to get a job in Poland as an international student.

How Long Can I Stay in Poland With a Student Visa?

A national student visa allows you to stay in Poland for a year, while a Schengen visa allows you to stay for just three months.

Foreign students wishing to remain in Poland for over three months must get a Temporary Residence Permit or TRP. You can stay in Poland for an extra two years of study after your initial application for a permit.

Please be advised that processing your Temporary Resident Permit may take eight to ten months due to the high volume of applications.

So, you have to start the application early enough.

Applying for a Polish Residence Permit

A type D visa allows you to stay in Poland for a year. If you want to stay longer—for example, enrolled in a three-year bachelor’s program—you must apply for a temporary residence permit.

To apply for this permit, visit your community’s Voivodeship Office. You must submit the following:

• An application form
• Health insurance documents
• Identity documents
• Proof of your studies

l Proof you have sufficient funds

The first permit you receive is valid for 15 months. You can extend it for an additional three years, but not more than the length of your studies. Only those lawfully residing in Poland and having not yet had their visa revoked may apply.

See also: How To Get Proof Of Address: 14 Fast & Easy Ways In 2024

Health Insurance for Students in Poland

As an international student in Poland, you can sign an insurance contract with a private health insurance provider or the Polish Health National Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia). To receive health insurance through the NFZ, the following documents must be provided:

• Confirmation of student status (issued by your university)
• Your passport, which shows your current visa or residence permit
• Your registration of residence

You can contract with a Polish local business or an international health insurance provider if you choose private insurance.

If you do not have access to student health insurance, you must pay for all medical care you receive in Poland out of pocket.

See also: 50+ Best Educational YouTube Channels for International Students | Watch Now

FAQs

Conclusion

Getting a student visa is your gateway to studying in Poland. The D-type visa, valid for one year, is just the beginning. You must apply for a temporary residence permit before your visa expires for more extended study programs. This permit allows you to stay in Poland for up to three years but no longer than your study period.

The application process involves visiting the nearest Polish Consulate, submitting the required documents, and waiting for the visa to be processed, which usually takes 15 to 30 days. While EU students don’t need visas, they must register for more extended stays. Following these steps for non-EU students like you ensures you’re well-prepared for your educational journey in Poland.

Interestingly, there are countries you can go to without a visa. You can decide to check out the top 45 visa-free countries for Nigerians.

References

• Studyinpoland.info – How to Apply for a Poland Student Visa
• Gyanberry.com – Student Visa in Poland: Requirements, Fees, and Processing Time
• Studee.com – How to apply for a Poland student visa

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