Student Visa - Poland
Study in Poland
Why Poland?
Poland is a fascinating country that serves as the geographical and cultural crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. Located at the center of the Northern European plain, Poland has been a nation of survivors since the foundation of the first Polish state more than 1000 years ago. Through its turbulent history its people have managed to maintain their identity, and today, the country enjoys a crucial position as the largest of the former Eastern European states and one of the most populous members of the European Union.
General information about Poland
Poland is located in the very centre of Europe. With the total area of 312,679 km² (120,728 sq mi) it's the seventh biggest country on the continent. Polish population is nearly 38 million people. The capital city is Warsaw (around 2 million inhabitants). Poland borders 7 countries: Germany on the west, Czech Republic and Slovakia on the south, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania on the east, and Russia on the north.
Weather in Poland
Poland is placed in a moderate zone with mixed continental and oceanic climate influences. The average annually temperature is about 6-8 degrees Celsius while the rainfall is estimated at 700 mm.
Poland in short
- Official name: Republic of Poland /Rzeczpospolita Polska (short form: Poland/ Polska)
- Independence: 11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)
- Government type: republic
- Location: Central Europe
Living in Poland
In Polish cities it's easy for a student to find a part-time job. The wages increase systematically, so many Polish students choose paid studies and start working. Although the permission to work in Poland depends on your country of origin.
Residence Permit
To be able to study in Poland you have to legalize your stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland. If you are a European Union (EU) citizen and you would like to stay longer than three months in Poland, you need to register your stay in the country.
Why study in Poland?
Polish university education system has a history of 650 years of educating high profile professionals. It resulted with a profit not only for Poland, but also for many countries all over the world, where the Poles brought their profesionalism and the spirit of innovation. Want some examples? Ignacy Domeyko established the geology research in 19th century Chile. Between 1872 and 1876 Ernest Malinowski built the world's highest located railroad in Peru. Bronislaw Malinowski was a creator of modern anthropology. Ten Nobel Prizes were awarded to Polish artists, scientists and other public figures. Maria Sklodowska-Curie is one of only four laureates to receive a prize twice.
Scholarships
Poland offers scholarships to students through the government, various foundations and the universities themselves. They are available to students of Polish origin including disabled applicants as well as to international students both from within the EU itself and from countries outside the EU. The high number of institutions that offer scholarships and their fluid availability makes the situation in the country unique.
Polish education system
Since 2007/2008 academic year Polish higher education system has been divided to three stages, which are: Bachelor (Licencjat, Inzynier), Master (Magister), and Doctor (Doktor). This system applies to all fields of education except Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry, which are still based on two-stage system (Master and Doctor).
Tuition Fees
Full-time studies in the Polish language at the state Higher Education Institutions are free for Polish students and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens.These include citizens of the EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka).
How to get a scholarship
Foreign students who holds a Card of a Pole will qualify for some scholarships. Other foreign students living in Poland on a temporary residence permit or a visa are not eligible unless they or their family members fulfil the required provisions of Polish law.
Accommodation
Students can live in dormitories or they can hire private apartments. Many of them rent rooms in bigger apartments.
Travel and leisure
Travelling in Poland is very easy. International flights are operated by airports among others in Warsaw, Gdansk, Katowice, Lodz, Poznan, Szczecin, Bydgoszcz, Wroclaw, Krakow, Rzeszow and Lublin. The main airport in Poland is Warsaw's Fryderyk Chopin Airport. You can take a bus to cities and to most smaller towns that have no rail connections. There is also minibus service offered by scores of carriers. PKP Intercity and Przewozy Regionalne operate railway long-haul connections, while regional carriers take passengers for shorter distances. The fastest train is Pendolino (designated for longer distance).
Cost of living
Poland is a country where cost of living is lower than in other countries. Students should remember that average costs are different in each city.
Visa and Application
EU CITIZENS To enter Poland EU citizen need to have a valid travel document or a document confirming identity and citizenship. If you decide to travel abroad to non EU countries during your stay in Poland you should have a passport with you.
Health care
In the case of an emergency, injury, sudden disease or health deterioration, patients should either call an ambulance or go directly to a hospital. In this case medical transport is free of charge. But remember about presenting in hospital your valid European Health Insurance Card or a replacement certificate.
Public transport
The public transportation system in Poland is easy. Depending on the size of the city you can find buses, trams and trolleybuses. Metro is only in Warsaw. Poland is quite advanced when it comes to handicapped transportation.
Work permit
Foreigners from EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland can work in Poland without work permit or establish own business. Foreigners who don't come from EEA countries need to apply for a work permit. It is important to know that you can't yourself apply for a work permit. Only your future employer can do it.
Safety and security
Most visitors to Poland experience no difficulties. Poland has a low rate of violent crime and a moderate level of street crime. Major cities have higher rates of crime. There is no high risk of terrorism.
Polish citizenship
Foreigners can acquire Polish citizenship in many ways:
Driving licence
In Poland, driving licences are valid for 15 years. If you're a citizen of EU member you only have to make sure you took it with you when you left home as it is valid in Poland.
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