In recent months, international students from non-EU countries have encountered increasing difficulties obtaining visas to study in Poland. This shift follows a major visa scandal in 2023 and the subsequent tightening of Poland’s visa issuance policies, which authorities claim is aimed at curbing abuse of the student visa system.
Poland has long been an attractive destination for international students, thanks to its affordable tuition, growing number of English-language programs, and position within the European Union. However, a surge in applications from outside the EU — particularly from Asia and Africa — raised red flags within the Polish government. Investigations revealed that a portion of student visa applicants had little intention of studying, and instead used their visas as a gateway to work in the EU or to move onward to Western Europe.
The so-called “visa scandal” uncovered irregularities in the issuance of visas through Polish consulates, allegedly involving intermediaries who facilitated fast-tracked or fraudulent applications. In response, the government launched reforms aimed at tightening control, increasing scrutiny, and restoring the integrity of the visa process.
These measures include stricter document verification, longer waiting times, and more frequent in-person interviews at embassies and consulates. Universities, particularly private institutions, are now being asked to provide additional documentation and justify the legitimacy of foreign student enrollments.
One of the most significant new obstacles is the requirement for applicants to obtain an official certificate confirming that their existing diploma is equivalent to a Polish-recognized qualification. For instance, candidates applying for undergraduate (bachelor’s) programs must present a document proving that their secondary school diploma is equivalent to the Polish “matura.” Similarly, those seeking admission to master’s programs need to verify that their bachelor’s degree meets Polish academic standards. Obtaining these certifications can be a lengthy and bureaucratic process, often requiring evaluation by the Polish education authorities or consular staff, adding another layer of complexity to the visa application.
As a result of this requirement, some university departments have not admitted a single international student for the current academic year. Despite strong interest from qualified candidates, none were able to fulfill all the new formal conditions in time to secure a visa and enroll. This is particularly concerning given the efforts of educational consulting firms like MyVisa, which has been actively supporting both students and universities in navigating Poland’s complex visa and admission system. MyVisa works closely with several Polish academic institutions to promote internationalization and ensure that well-prepared applicants receive the guidance and documentation they need. However, even with professional support, the new regulations have proven to be a major barrier for many.
While the policy shift is intended to prevent abuse, it has had a chilling effect on genuine international applicants. Many report visa denials despite meeting all formal requirements, and universities are beginning to see a drop in non-EU enrollments. Some academic institutions worry this could harm their internationalization efforts and result in financial losses, especially for programs that rely heavily on foreign tuition fees.
Critics argue that the policy change may be overly broad and risk discriminating against students from countries with higher migration rates. Others point to the lack of transparency in the visa review process and call for more balanced reforms that ensure both national security and fair access to education.
As Poland seeks to strike a balance between immigration control and its educational ambitions, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the current approach enhances credibility — or deters the next generation of international scholars.
