Polish Senate Approves Stricter Regulations on Student Visas

Polish Senate Approves Stricter Regulations on Student Visas

Key Highlights

  1. Poland’s Senate has approved new legislation tightening student visa requirements for international applicants.

  2. The law was passed without modifications, receiving 61 votes in favor.

  3. Foreign students must now prove B2-level language proficiency in the language of instruction.

Nearly a year after the student visa scandal, the Polish Senate has enacted stricter regulations for international students applying to study in the country. The law passed with no amendments and introduces tougher controls over national visas and temporary residence permits for study purposes.

Under the new rules, applicants from third countries will need to present proof of B2-level proficiency in the language in which their academic programme is taught. This requirement aims to ensure students are genuinely pursuing education and not seeking entry into the Schengen Area for work or irregular migration.

Universities will now also be responsible for reporting students who are granted visas but do not attend classes, allowing authorities to identify and act against misuse.

New Cap on International Students: Another major change limits the share of foreign students at Polish universities to 50% of total enrolment. Institutions exceeding this threshold will be barred from admitting more international students until the proportion is reduced.

Moreover, a national registry will be established to track all admitted international students, including relevant personal and academic details.

Finally, students holding study visas will no longer be allowed to apply for a combined temporary residence and work permit, adding another layer of control to the updated policy.

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