Poland's D-type national visa for international students pursuing higher education. One of Europe's most affordable study destinations with growing English-taught program offerings. Karta Polaka (Polish Charter) holders enjoy tuition-free education at public universities. Low cost of living combined with EU membership makes Poland increasingly attractive.
Polish-language programs at public universities: free for Polish citizens, EU/EEA nationals, and Karta Polaka holders. English-taught programs: EUR 2,000-5,000/yr. Medical programs in English: EUR 8,000-15,000/yr. Private universities: EUR 1,500-6,000/yr. Poland is one of Europe's most affordable study destinations.
Full-time students at accredited institutions do not need a separate work permit and do not have a statutory hour cap. Study workload remains the practical limit. Non-degree or non-accredited study routes may have different work-permit rules.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Permit for Job Seeking | Job seeker | 9mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Polish Language Proficiency | Admission | Polish | B2 | Required for Polish-taught programs. B2 level certificate issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language. Some universities accept their own language test. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 5.5 | Required for English-taught programs. Lower requirements than Western Europe: 5.5-6.5 typical range. TOEFL iBT 72-90 also accepted. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Visa (D) Application Fee | Application | $231 | One time |
| Temporary Residence Permit (Karta Pobytu) | Permit | $92 | One time |
D visa valid for up to 1 year; for longer programs, convert to temporary residence permit (Karta Pobytu) after arrival. Karta Polaka (Polish Charter) holders: free tuition at public universities in Polish, simplified admission, eligible for scholarships on equal terms with Polish citizens, and fast-track to permanent residency and citizenship. PESEL number needed for most administrative procedures. Insurance must cover EUR 30,000 minimum including repatriation. Consular visa fee increased to EUR 200 as of January 2026 (new consular fee tariff).
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source