At the end of April, the Polish Senate passed a bill concerning the issuance of student visas to foreigners. The new provisions contained in the amendment aim to strengthen the visa system.
This is reported by Finway
From now on, foreigners planning to study in Poland will be required to present a document confirming their knowledge of the language in which the instruction is conducted. This innovation has already been signed by President Andrzej Duda, with the goal of eliminating violations in the visa system.
According to the new rules, student visas cannot be used by foreigners who obtain them not for the purpose of studying, but for work or travel to other Schengen countries.
Furthermore, when applying to an educational institution, a foreigner will need to prove their language proficiency at least at the B2 level. University rectors will be obligated to immediately inform the consul who issued the visa if the foreigner has not commenced their studies.
Restrictions on the Admission of Foreign Students
The new legislation also introduces a limit on the admission of foreign students to higher education institutions: the number of foreigners cannot exceed 50% of the total number of students in the academic year. Universities that already have more than 50% foreign students will not be able to admit new foreigners until this number is reduced to 50%.
Registration of Foreign Students
In addition, there are plans to create a register of foreigners enrolling in studies and doctoral programs. The register will contain personal data, PESEL number, and in the absence of this, the identification document number, country of birth, as well as information about enrollment in studies or doctoral programs.
The new provisions will grant the Minister of Foreign Affairs and consuls access to the necessary data for the visa issuance or cancellation procedure.