Poland tightens rules for foreign students: what will change?

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

GET

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.

Do you dream of studying abroad, but don't know where to start? Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you choose a country, university, and complete all the documents - contact us for a consultation!

❗️ 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.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

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.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – health insurance with coverage of war risks;

Visit Ukraine Mini Hull Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Osago – compulsory motor third party liability insurance for cars with Ukrainian registration;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.