Poland’s Visa Reforms: What It Means for Indian Students
TL;DR
Poland has introduced stricter student visa regulations following a 2023 visa scandal. The new measures require rigorous academic verification, higher financial proof, and mandatory pre-admission screening for foreign students. While rejection rates have surged, genuine applicants with proper credentials still have strong admission prospects. Poland remains an affordable study destination compared to the US and UK, with bright career opportunities due to labor shortages, especially in STEM fields. The country’s growing economy, simple permanent residency process, and access to the Schengen area make it an attractive option for international students looking to study, work, and settle in Europe.
● Present credible proof of academic qualifications, including proof of English proficiency for courses taught in English and
● Present proof of financial solvency (funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their program.
The Polish government’s student visa requirements are in line with the requirements of other countries. Certainly they are not more stringent. Recently announced “stricter” measures have come in response to discovery of corrupt practices in the Polish Foreign Ministry.
On July 2, last year, the government called for more rigorous vetting and the directions went out not only to the consulates but also to the universities due to the exposure:
The new measures are:
● Employers hiring non-EU workers will have to provide specific and credible information to aid verification before a visa is issued
● Foreigners already in Poland must legalize their stay through residence permits instead of reapplying for visas
● All institutions of higher learning must follow mandatory pre-selection guidelines for foreign students
● Financial requirements for visas and residence permits: the minimum bank balance required for a Polish student visa was raised from $(US) 10,000 to $(US) 13,000. (This does not include visa application fees, tuition and living expenses.)
According to Poland’s Foreign Ministry, since the introduction of these measures, over one-third of student visa applications have been denied, while 8,200 were approved, primarily for Ukrainian and Belarusian students. Nationalities such as Algerians, Pakistanis, Yemenis, and Bangladeshis have seen the largest declines in visa approvals, with rejections nearly quadrupling this year.
The new measures have also impacted universities in Poland, particularly private universities that are largely funded by international student tuition. The Academy of Applied Sciences in Lublin, where 72 percent of students are foreign, has experienced major financial losses. The measures require verification of students, and those unable to present high school diplomas risk having their visas revoked.
As of end 2024, the visa rejection rate is around 38 percent. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, with rejection rates being 30 percent in 2023, 18 percent in 2022, 8 percent in 2020 and 10.3 percent in 2019.
For universities, the main directive in the government’s announcement is mandatory pre-admission screening of foreign students. All credentials must be cross-checked.
Is this a big obstacle for Indians who genuinely want to study in Poland? NO
Indian students who can show proof of academic eligibility for their desired course, proof of financial solvency and who give no cause for suspicion of law-breaking intent, are very likely to be granted university admission and a study visa.
While Polish universities may take intake capacity into account in accepting students, Poland does not set a specific maximum number of student visas that can be granted annually. Neither does it set a cap on the number of work permits that can be granted annually.
For information about rules governing students working while they are studying, see the Poznan University website . On its website, recruitment agency A to Z Serwis Plus outlines all five types of work permits issued by the Polish government, the duration of each type and employer/employee requirement.
At present, graduates of full-time studies at a Polish university can work without needing a separate work permit. However, they must apply for a temporary residence permit for up to nine months immediately after graduation. This permit allows them to stay in Poland while seeking employment or planning to establish an economic activity
As the table shows, in absolute numbers, very few Indians study in Poland.
Average Monthly Costs* Of Studying And Living | ||
Country | Cost (EUR) | Cost (USD) |
Poland | 330 – 430 | 360 – 470 |
USA | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,100 – 1,700 |
UK | 1,200 – 1,800 | 1,300 – 2,100 |
Canada | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,100 – 1,700 |
Australia | 1,200 – 1,800 | 1,300 – 2,100 |
Germany | 800 – 1,200 | 880 – 1,320 |
France | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,100 – 1,700 |
*Includes accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, health insurance, entertainment. Will vary depending on city and lifestyle. Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Poland | ||
In the past, Indian students have typically sought admission in the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia, but as the immigration issue has become steadily more contentious in these countries, it is likely that universities in Europe, Singapore, Korea and Japan will gain in appeal.
In terms of the cost of studying and living, latest figures for Poland show that it is drastically cheaper than other countries
For international students who graduate from a Polish university, career prospects are bright. Start with the demographics:
According to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical agency, its population is 36.6 million, down 1.9 million from its peak in 1998. Last year 272,451 babies were born, the lowest number in modern Polish history.
In 2023 it was calculated that Polish women on average have 1.16 babies each, one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, despite years of attempts by the hard-right government then in power to encourage larger families. By 2035, the country’s overall population is forecast to decrease by 1.5 million people, while the number of citizens over the retirement age (60 for women and 65 for men) is set to rise rapidly – a trend reflected across the former eastern bloc. According to Eurostat, people aged 80 years and over will account for 15 percent of the EU’s population by the year 2100, a two-and-a-half-fold increase. Far more Poles die every year than are born. The only bright spot is the huge influx of refugees, chiefly from war-torn Ukraine and Belarus. Some 3 million refugees have poured into Poland and have eased the perennial labour shortage. These refugees however rarely possess high-level technical skills.
Poland needs people. Specifically, the kind of people Poland would like to get are the highly educated who have technical skills. Here are the exact figures from the 2024 Report of the European Commission :
The relative proportion of graduates in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is among the lowest in the EU.
In 2022, the proportions of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at 19.4 percent, and in ICT at 4.3 percent remained below the EU average (26.6 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively).
In natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, it is less than half the EU average (3.3 percent vs EU 7.3 percent in 2022).
In terms of employment opportunities, demand in some fields is high. In 2024, the most prominent skill gaps were in advanced IT fields such as data analysis, AI systems management, and cybersecurity. In just one month of 2024 (November), employers reported over 60,000 job vacancies to labor offices. The demand spanned multiple sectors, from production workers, sales staff, warehouse operators, and construction laborers to white-collar professionals. According to Poland’s National Bank (NBP), 66.8 percent of large companies, 46.8 percent of medium-sized enterprises, and 26.7 percent of small and micro businesses are grappling with unfilled positions.
Poland’s economy is projected to grow by 3.6 percent in 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by robust private consumption and investments, particularly in EU-funded public projects.
For those who not only think of building a career but also settling in Poland, the country must be one of the easiest in the world in terms of requirements for permanent residence: A person has only to live in the country for three years with a temporary residence permit. Period of residence must be continuous and legally documented. Marry a Polish citizen, and get permanent residence in two years.
Considering Study in Poland? Here are the pros and cons:
On a long-term basis, the DOWNSIDE to Poland is …
● Language Barrier: Polish is the primary language, and not everyone speaks English fluently. Committing to the country means learning the language.
● Weather: Poland’s climate can be quite harsh, with cold winters and relatively short summers.
● Cultural Differences: Adapting to Polish customs and traditions can take time, and there can be a sense of cultural isolation, especially in smaller towns.
The UPSIDE is strong …
● Affordability: Poland offers relatively low tuition fees and living costs compared to other European countries.
● Quality Education: Polish universities are known for their academic excellence and are recognized internationally. Institutions like Jagiellonian University and the University of Warsaw offer a wide range of programs taught in English.
● Scholarship Opportunities: Numerous scholarships for international students reduce the financial burden.
● Cultural Experience: Poland has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk.
● Schengen Visa: A student visa for Poland allows a person to travel freely within the Schengen area, providing opportunities to explore other European countries.