Poland from 2025: New Rules on Education Recognition, Visa Issuance and Study for Foreigners

In early May, the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, signed the Act of 4 April 2025 „On Amending Certain Acts to Eliminate Irregularities in the Visa System of the Republic of Poland".

The Act introduces new rules that change the procedures for recognising foreign educational documents, affect student visas, and establish new requirements for higher education institutions and students from outside the Schengen zone. The changes are designed to eliminate abuses in the visa system and raise the standards of education for foreign nationals. We have outlined the key points of the new legislation for you.

Recognition of Foreign Education — New Restrictions

From 1 July 2025, educational documents obtained abroad — particularly from Ukraine — may only be recognised in Poland on an administrative basis. However, this does not automatically guarantee the right to enter higher education (HEI).

• The right of admission applies to documents issued within the education systems of EU, OECD or EFTA countries, or other documents confirmed through a special procedure.
• In all other cases, it is necessary to obtain written information from the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) confirming that the document does in fact entitle the holder to enter higher education.

Vocational Secondary Schools No Longer Confirm Language Proficiency

Separate changes apply to vocational secondary schools (szkoły policealne), which were a popular educational option for Ukrainians:

• From 1 July 2025, a diploma from a vocational secondary school will not serve as proof of Polish language proficiency when applying for citizenship or a residence permit.
• Admission to a vocational secondary school will require a mandatory B1-level Polish language certificate, issued by an accredited institution.
• Even if you studied in Polish, you will need to confirm this with a separate language document.
• Applicants who complete their studies by 30 June 2025 may still use the old rules until 30 June 2026.

Language of Instruction and B2 Level — Mandatory

All foreign nationals entering Polish universities must demonstrate language proficiency at a minimum B2 level in the language of instruction (whether Polish or English). Without a language certificate, admission will not be possible.

Student Visas: Stronger Controls

Poland is creating a unified register of foreign students — accessible to consulates, prosecutors and government agencies. Enrolling more than 50% foreign students at any institution will be prohibited — if the limit is exceeded, recruitment will be suspended. Institutions that violate the requirements or merely formally enrol students may lose the right to admit foreign nationals for up to 5 years.

New Obligations for Higher Education Institutions

To accept students from outside the Schengen zone, a university must:

• Have been in operation for at least 5 years;
• Undergo inspection by the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
• Comply with reporting rules in the national register (POL-on);
• Monitor student status and report absences.

Language Confirmation for Citizenship

A vocational secondary school diploma can no longer be submitted as proof of Polish language proficiency. To apply for EU citizenship or a residence card, an official Polish language certificate at B1 level or above is required. Those who obtain their document by 30 June 2025 will be able to use it until mid-2026.

When Do These Changes Take Effect?

• Main changes: from 1 July 2025.
• New rules for vocational secondary schools: from 1 September 2025.
• Old documents obtained before mid-2025 remain temporarily valid — until 30 June 2026.

What Should You Do Right Now?

If you are studying or planning to study — check your educational documents and language level. If you want to enrol in a vocational secondary school in autumn 2025 — obtain a language certificate as soon as possible. If you are planning to apply for citizenship or a visa — keep track of updated requirements.

Source: Act of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of 4 April 2025 Official title: Ustawa o zmianie niektórych ustaw w celu wyeliminowania nieprawidłowości w systemie wizowym Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej