Poland Study Visas in 2025: What Changed and What You Need to Do

Poland has introduced new recognition rules for foreign education documents in 2025. The key change is that, from 1 July 2025, NAWA (the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) issues recognition statements through the online SYRENA system. Many applicants will also need an Apostille or consular legalisation on their documents before recognition or admission steps. Below is a clear summary for South African students and others applying in Pretoria.

1) NAWA recognition: the new baseline

  • Effective date: From 1 July 2025, NAWA issues recognition statements confirming that a foreign secondary school certificate gives the right to apply for first cycle (bachelor) or long cycle studies in Poland, and also issues statements for foreign diplomas for higher cycles.
  • Where to apply: Applications are filed online in the SYRENA system (NAWA). The final document is a digitally signed PDF in Polish.
  • Processing time: NAWA indicates up to 60 days after a complete application is submitted in SYRENA. Incomplete files pause the clock until corrected.
  • Free of charge: NAWA recognition statements are issued free of charge.

2) Who needs NAWA recognition and who may be exempt

  • Secondary school certificates: NAWA recognition generally applies for admission to first or long cycle studies. Certificates already recognised by a Regional Education Authority (Kuratorium Oswiaty) or listed for automatic recognition may not require a new NAWA statement. Always check the university's admission page and NAWA guidance.
  • Higher education diplomas: For master's or doctoral admission, NAWA can issue recognition statements on foreign diplomas. Universities may state when recognition is required at the document submission stage.
  • Important filing rule: Applications for secondary school certificate recognition submitted in SYRENA before 1 July 2025 are rejected; submit under the new process only.

3) Apostille vs. consular legalisation

  • South Africa: As a Hague Convention state, South African public documents typically use Apostille, not full legalisation. DIRCO in Pretoria issues Apostilles for qualifying SA documents.
  • Non-Hague documents: If a document is from a non-Hague country, consular legalisation may be required. Follow the Polish consulate's specific instructions for the country of issuance.
  • Typical documents needing certification: school certificates, diplomas, transcripts, and civil status documents that support identity or education history. Universities and NAWA pages specify when certified translations are required.

4) Poland D-type study visa: compact checklist (Pretoria)

  • Visa form: Complete via e-Konsulat, print, date, and sign.
  • Passport and photos: Passport validity and photo specs as required by the consulate.
  • Offer/admission: Letter of acceptance or conditional admission from the Polish university.
  • Recognition: NAWA recognition statement via SYRENA when required by the university. Keep the digitally signed PDF ready.
  • Apostille/legalisation: Apostille from DIRCO for SA documents, or consular legalisation when applicable. Include certified translations where required.
  • Funds and accommodation: Proof of maintenance and housing per consular guidance.
  • Insurance: Medical insurance that meets Polish requirements.
  • Other: Any consulate-specific items listed on the Pretoria page. Always follow the exact list for your post.

5) Timeline planning

  • NAWA recognition: Up to 60 days from a complete SYRENA submission; allow extra time during peak months.
  • Visa appointment: Availability changes by season; check the consulate website and plan around admission deadlines.
  • Document chain: Sequence your tasks: Apostille/legalisation and certified translations, then NAWA recognition (if required), then visa filing.

Key reminders

  • Read the university's 2025 admissions page carefully. It will state whether NAWA recognition is required at admission or later.
  • Keep copies of everything you upload to SYRENA and track status in the system. NAWA does not provide individual email status updates.
  • Polish consulates may publish local notes that add detail for applicants in their region. Always follow the Pretoria page if applying in South Africa.

Editor's note: This report summarizes official guidance available as of Aug 29, 2025. Always follow the current instructions on the NAWA and consulate websites for your specific case.