Degree Programs and Graduates

STUDENTS

A foreign national may apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing higher education if the purpose of their stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland is to pursue full-time higher education: to begin or continue undergraduate or doctoral studies at an educational institution approved by the competent minister of internal affairs, unless that institution is not subject to the employment requirement and no decision has been issued prohibiting it from admitting foreign nationals, provided that these circumstances justify the foreign national’s stay in Poland for a period longer than 3 months.

The first temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing full-time studies is granted:

Subsequent permits of this type are granted for the duration of the studies, extended by 3 months, but for no longer than 3 years.

Important!

After obtaining a temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing full-time studies, a student may take a job in Poland without needing a work permit.

Part-time students must apply for a temporary residence permit—other circumstances—education.

GRADUATES

A graduate of a Polish university who plans to start a business or is looking for a job may be granted a temporary residence permit once, immediately after completing their studies, for a period of 9 months.

This permit does not grant the right to work in Poland. You must also obtain a work permit, unless one is not required. Graduates of full-time degree programs at Polish universities are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit.