In a significant policy shift, Poland has announced that it will no longer issue student visas to international students who do not possess a high school diploma. This move, confirmed by Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, is part of a broader effort to crack down on visa abuse and ensure that only genuine students gain access to Polish educational institutions.
Why the Change?
The decision comes on the heels of a scandal revealed by the Polish daily Dziennik Gazeta Prawna in May, which uncovered that some student visas were being issued to individuals not eligible for college admission in their home countries. Many of these individuals, rather than pursuing academic degrees, were using their student visas to seek employment in the Schengen Area. This misuse of visas undermined the integrity of both the Polish education system and broader EU labor regulations.
Minister Sikorski emphasized that the new rules are not introducing any new legal measures but rather reinforcing existing laws that were not consistently enforced. The requirement for international students to verify their high school diplomas should have been a standard practice, but some universities had neglected this crucial step, leading to the current issues.
Visa Abuse and the Impact on Polish Education
Poland’s decision to tighten its student visa requirements is also a response to broader concerns about visa abuse. A student visa in Poland not only allows for study but also grants the right to work for one year. Unfortunately, this has led to numerous cases where individuals obtained visas, never attended the university they were supposed to, and instead sought employment in the EU.
To address this, the Polish government has clarified that moving forward, students from specific countries—such as Algeria, India, Iraq, Ethiopia, and South Sudan—must present their high school diplomas before applying for a student visa. Those who fail to meet this requirement will have their visa applications denied.
The Broader Scandal and Future Measures
The crackdown on student visas is closely tied to a larger “cash-for-visas” scandal, where allegations surfaced that up to 350,000 visas might have been issued between 2021 and 2023 through corrupt practices, including bribery. However, later investigations suggested that these figures may have been exaggerated, with only about 34,000 individuals entering Poland during that period for work, family reunification, or studies.
The scandal has led to the arrest of several individuals, including a former deputy foreign minister, for their roles in facilitating the issuance of work visas in exchange for bribes. The current Polish administration has established a parliamentary commission to investigate these claims further.
What This Means for International Students
For prospective students looking to study in Poland, the new visa regulations mean that they must meet stricter eligibility criteria, including the submission of a verified high school diploma. Poland’s commitment to upholding these standards is a clear signal that the country intends to maintain the integrity of its education system and prevent any misuse of student visas.
Despite the tightening of rules, Poland remains a popular destination for international students, with over 100,000 students from 179 countries studying there during the 2022/23 academic year. The country’s educational institutions have seen a significant rise in international enrollment over the past decade, a trend that is likely to continue as long as the focus remains on attracting genuine, eligible students.
Poland’s new visa regulations represent a critical step in ensuring that student visas are used for their intended purpose—education. While the recent scandals have highlighted weaknesses in the system, the government’s response shows a strong commitment to reform. For international students, these changes underscore the importance of meeting all eligibility requirements to secure a study visa and make the most of their educational opportunities in Poland.
