Poland is tightening control over the flow of foreign students by making student visas exclusively for study purposes. This creates additional requirements, but also protects the education system from abuse and increases its transparency. Find out how the rules for students will change
Legal advice for Ukrainians
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In April 2025, the Polish Senate passed a law that significantly changes the conditions for obtaining student visas for foreigners. The document was signed by President Andrzej Duda and will soon come into force. The main goal of the new rules is to fight abuse of the visa system and make sure people come to Poland to study, not to work or move to other EU countries.
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What exactly is changing?
❗️ Proof of language skills at B2 level is now required
Every foreign student who wants to enrol in a Polish university will have to provide a document confirming their knowledge of the language of instruction — Polish or English — at a level not lower than B2. Without this, their application will not even be considered. This requirement is intended to ensure that students can fully participate in the educational process.
❗️ Restrictions on the proportion of foreign students
Each educational institution now has a quota: the number of foreign students must not exceed 50% of the total number of students. If this limit is exceeded, the university will not be able to accept new foreign students until the proportion is reduced to the permissible level.
❗️ Register of foreign students and postgraduate students
All higher education institutions are required to keep a special register of foreign students, which will contain their personal data: PESEL number (if available), identity document number, country of birth, admission information, and whether they have a Polish Card. This data will be available to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Polish consuls.
❗️ Notification of non-attendance to the consulate
If a student who has obtained a visa does not commence their studies, the university management is obliged to immediately notify the Polish consulate. This will allow for the prompt cancellation of visas of those who have not used them for their intended purpose.
❗️ Strengthening the purposes of visa use
A student visa will no longer be used as a ‘convenient way’ to legally stay in Poland or travel within the Schengen area. It can only be used for study purposes. Work and other activities will require a separate permit.
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Who is this important for?
These changes will affect both students and universities. Foreigners will now need to obtain certificates in advance and be more careful when choosing a university. Educational institutions will have new administrative responsibilities and restrictions that may affect their international recruitment strategy.
Visit Ukraine offers professional legal services, including full support for educational emigration – from program selection to assistance in document preparation and obtaining a visa.
Get advice from a qualified lawyer today. Our experts will help you avoid common mistakes and successfully go all the way from choosing a university to starting your studies abroad.
Reminder! In 2025, more and more Ukrainians are choosing to study abroad, not only because of the quality of education, but also because of their desire to live and work in a stable environment. Find out how much it costs to study in different countries, what the admission requirements are, what the prospects are for free education, and get useful advice on visas, documents and legal support.
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Frequantly
asked questions
What are the new requirements for foreign students in Poland from 2025?
From 2025, foreign students will be required to present a document confirming their knowledge of the language of instruction at a minimum level of B2, and the higher education institution must notify the consul if the student has not started their studies.
Do I need to prove my language skills to study in Poland?
Yes. To obtain a student visa, you now need a certificate confirming knowledge of the language of instruction (Polish or English) at a level not lower than B2.
Are there restrictions on the number of foreign students in Polish universities?
Yes. In each university, the number of foreign students cannot exceed 50% of the total number of students.
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