Publication date: 26.03.2025
My name is Murzanovska Olena. I am a lawyer from Warsaw, Poland. I have 10 years of legal practice in Ukraine and 3 years of practice in Poland. The key areas in which I work are migration issues and labor law.
One of the Ways to Obtain a Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) in Poland – Becoming a Student at a Polish University. Elena Murzanovska provides consultations on education in Poland. You will receive a detailed list of educational institutions according to your chosen field of study. She will also fill out all the required documents and forms in Polish, provide a complete list of necessary documents for the university, their submission deadlines, and the stages of the admission process.
Admission to a Polish University
When choosing a university and a study program, keep in mind that Poland has both public and private universities. Select a university based on your specialty, language of instruction (Polish/English), and tuition fees.
Admission Requirements for Polish Universities
- High school diploma or degree (depending on the level of study). Some universities require diploma recognition (nostrification).
- Language proficiency: For Polish-language programs – B1/B2 certificate; for English-language programs – TOEFL/IELTS.
- Motivation letter, recommendations, portfolio (if required for the chosen specialty).
- Entrance exams or an interview (depending on the selected university).
Language Proficiency Requirements for Studying in Polish. To study in Polish, you need to confirm your language proficiency at a B1 or B2 level.
Documents Confirming Polish Language Proficiency
There are three options:
- State Certificate of Polish Language Proficiency (Państwowy egzamin certyfikatowy z języka polskiego) – an official document accepted by all universities.
- University certificate – some universities conduct their own language tests for applicants.
- Certificate of completion of a Polish language school or courses (in some cases, this may be accepted).
Visa and Residence Card (Karta Pobytu)
To study in Poland, you need a Type D visa (national, student), which is issued based on an invitation from a university. The Karta Pobytu (residence permit) can be obtained after your first arrival for studies (the application is submitted to the voivodeship office).
Important Requirements:
- Medical insurance
Proof of financial stability
Proof of residence
Elena Murzanovska Can Help with Your Admission to a Polish University:
- Select a university and program according to your goals
Assist with document preparation (diploma, transcripts, translations, motivation letter, etc.)
Help obtain a student visa and residence card
Enroll you in language courses (if you need to improve your Polish)
Assist in finding accommodation and adapting in Poland
How to Obtain a Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) While Studying in Poland?
If you arrived in Poland on a Type D student visa, you can later apply for a residence card – a temporary residence permit that allows you to stay in Poland after your visa expires.
Full-time students can apply for a residence card if they:
- Are enrolled in an accredited Polish university
Have official confirmation of enrollment
Are financially stable and have proof of residence
The application must be submitted before the visa expires.
Documents Required for a Student Residence Card:
- Completed application form (wniosek)
Copy of passport (all filled pages)
Photos (4 pieces, 35x45 mm)
University contract or enrollment certificate (Zaświadczenie z uczelni)
Medical insurance (minimum 1 year coverage)
Proof of financial stability: bank statement (at least 800–1000 PLN/month for living expenses), document confirming a scholarship or financial support (if applicable)
Proof of residence (rental contract or registration – zameldowanie)
Receipt for state fee payment – 340 PLN
It is recommended to submit the documents 2–3 months before your visa expires, as processing may take from 3 to 8 months.
The student residence card allows you to work without additional permits, but only during your studies.
Studying in Poland is one of the legal ways to stay in the country.
Experienced lawyer Elena Murzanovska provides consultations on choosing and applying to Polish universities and assists in preparing all necessary documents.
