New operating rules for the NAWA Reception Point effective as of 17 May 2021
We wish to inform you that, as part of the gradual removal of restrictions related to the epidemiological situation in Poland, the reception point of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange will open to visitors starting on 17 May 2021.
In order to ensure the safety of our visitors as well as NAWA staff, we introduce the rule that only one visitor at a time may be present at the reception point.
The possibility to personally submit documents concerning the apostille and legalization has been restored, and we will inform you about the date of receipt of documents by phone or e-mail. Please submit the documents for certification in a paper envelope or file. It will still be possible to leave hard copy correspondence in a box located at the entrance to the NAWA building at 40 Polna Street.
We hope that the new rules on the operation of the reception point will make it easier for you to take care of your essential business related to international exchange.
05.12.2021
Announcement on the limitation of direct visits to the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange as of 23 March 2021 until further notice
Due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic and with a view to limiting the spread of the coronavirus, this is to inform you about the limitation of direct visits to the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange.
The visits will be arranged as follows:
- direct visits in the building at 40 Polna Street will be limited;
- visits will take place only remotely (by phone or e-mail);
- matters that cannot be dealt with remotely will be dealt with upon arranging the appointment by telephone with a specific NAWA employee while observing the sanitary protocol;
- we recommend that you send any correspondence and arrange matters by post, e-mail, e-PUAP or telephone; it is also possible to leave hard copy correspondence in a box located at the entrance to the NAWA building at 40 Polna Street;
- visitors entering the NAWA building are required to disinfect their hands, wear disposable gloves and a mouth-nose face covering, and comply with the physical distancing requirements.
All contact information can be found on the NAWA website at https://nawa.gov.pl/kontakt
03.24.2021
New Operating Rules of NAWA’s Reception Point
We wish to inform you that, as part of the gradual removal of restrictions related to the epidemiological situation in Poland, the reception point of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange will open to visitors starting on 18 May 2020.
In order to ensure the safety of our visitors as well as NAWA staff, we introduce the rule that only one visitor may be present at the reception point at a time.
The possiblility to personally submit and/or collect documents concerning apostille and legalization has been restored and we will inform you about the date of receipt of the certified documents by phone or e-mail. Please submit documents for certification in a paper envelope or file.
We hope that the new rules on the operation of the reception point will make it easier for you to take care of your essential business related to international exchange.
05.18.2020
Information on restoring functioning of student houses and university libraries
Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education informs that it is possible for universities to gradually restore functioning of student houses and university libraries. More information on the website https://nawa.gov.pl/en/nawa/news/information-on-restoring-functioning-of-student-houses-and-university-libraries
05.13.2020
Ministry of Science and Higher Education: Admission for studies 2020/2021 – recommendations for universities
Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education announced recommendations for universities regarding the admission for studies 2020/2021. More information on the website: https://go-poland.pl/pl/node/2312
05.04.2020
Coronavirus outbreak – special solutions for foreigners (update)
Polish Office for Foreigners informs that in connection with the current epidemiological situation, the act providing, inter alia, special solutions for foreigners in Poland, entered into force on 31 March 2020. The regulations will allow people who want to pursue their current purpose of stay or cannot leave Poland due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus to stay legally in the country.
We encourage you to read the announcement of the Office for Foreigners.
Please follow further information appearing on the website of the Office for Foreigners: link
04.20.2020
KPRM: Stages of loosening coronavirus restrictions
According to the plan prepared by the Polish government loosening coronavirus restrictions will be executed in four phases. First stage starts on Monday, April 20.
More at https://go-poland.pl/pl/node/2234
04.20.2020
New restrictions in Poland due to COVID-19
At the press conference held on Thursday 9, April 2020 PM Mateusz Morawiecki and Minister of Health, Łukasz Szumowski have announced new restrictions, including mandatory covering the mouth and nose from April 16, 2020. The obligation applies to everyone who is on the streets, in offices, shops or places where services are provided and workplaces.
More at https://go-poland.pl/news/new-restrictions-poland-due-covid-19
04.10.2020
Coronavirus outbreak – another solutions dedicated to foreigners
On 7 April 2020, the Council of Ministers has adopted as part of the extension of the “anti-crisis shield” a draft of another act aimed at counteracting the negative effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic. It provides, among others, for extension of the legal stay of foreigners staying in Poland on the basis of visa-free travel or Schengen visas. The draft also envisages the extension of the period of validity of residence cards and temporary identity certificates for foreigners.
The draft* adopted by the Council of Ministers on 7 April contains additional specific solutions for foreigners residing in Poland. Some of them already came into force on 31 March and their details can be found HERE.
Extension of legality of stay of foreigners residing in Poland on the basis of short-term residence titles, including visa-free travel
The draft applies to foreigners who, on the day of the announcement of the epidemic emergency on 14 March 2020, were staying in Poland on the basis of:
- Schengen visa,
- visa issued by another country of the Schengen area (including a long-stay visa authorising to stay for a period exceeding 90 days),
- residence document issued by another Schengen state,
- on the basis of visa-free travel,
- long-term visa issued by another Member State of the European Union that is not a Schengen state, if, in accordance with the provisions of the European Union law, it entitles to stay on the Polish territory,
- residence permit issued by another Member State of the European Union that is not a Schengen State, if, in accordance with the provisions of the European Union law, it entitles to stay on the Polish territory.
The stay of these people will be considered legal from the day following the last day of legal stay based on the above-mentioned visas, documents or visa-free travel, until the end of the 30th day following the date of cancellation of the state of epidemic emergency or the state of epidemic – depending on which one was the last in force.
The above solution assumes that the extension of legality of stay will occur by law. It will not require submitting any applications or issuing permits or documents.
This will allow for further legal stay in Poland for foreigners who, for various reasons related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic, cannot leave the Polish territory and for those who want to continue to achieve the purpose of their stay, including work. The aforementioned provision allows foreigners to perform work based on possession of a work permit, seasonal work permit and declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner, which under existing provisions are or will be extended by law.
Thanks to this solution, foreigners will not be forced to submit any applications for residence permits in the future to be able to leave Poland without hindrance.
Extending by law the periods of validity of foreigners’ residence cards and temporary certificates of identity
The draft provides for the extension by law of the periods of validity of the foreigners’ residence cards and temporary certificates of identity (known in Poland as TZTC – documents issued to foreigners applying for international protection) if their end would fall during the period of state of epidemic emergency or state of epidemic. The period of validity of these documents will be extended until the end of the 30th day following the date of cancellation of the last of the two above-mentioned states that was in force. This solution is important due to the temporary suspension of direct customer service by voivodeship offices and the Office for Foreigners due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. It will allow foreigners to use these documents until it becomes possible to issue new ones.
* The draft act on specific support instruments in connection with the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was submitted to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland. The content of the draft is available in Parliamentary document no. 330 on the website: www.sejm.gov.pl.
We encourage you to follow further messages to be published on the website of the Office for Foreigners.
Source:https://udsc.gov.pl/en/
04.08.2020
Message to international students from Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education
We encourage you to watch a video with a special message from the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Prof. Wojciech Maksymowicz. The video is available HERE
04.06.2020
Coronavirus outbreak – special solutions for foreigners
In connection with the current epidemiological situation, on 31 March 2020 came into force an act providing, inter alia, special solutions for foreigners in Poland. The regulations will allow people who want to pursue their current purpose of stay or cannot leave Poland due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus to stay legally in the country.
We encourage you to read the announcement of the Office for Foreigners.
Please follow further information appearing on the website of the Office for Foreigners: link
04.01.2020
Communication on the next steps in the fight against coronavirus
From April 1 until further notice, further restrictions due to coronavirus are introduced:
- Limiting social distance – 2 meters from the other person, with reservation for parents with children and as regards to the disabled persons
- People below 18 years old have to move with parents
- Limited access to parks, boulevards, beaches, recreation areas (as emphasized by the Minister of Health one should focus rather on psychological aspects of physical activity - many people need changing place from time to time - than on staying fit as this would be counterproductive in current situation)
- No use of city bike rentals
- Hairdressers, beauty parlours, tattoo and piercing saloons will be closed without exception
- Limit of the people in one store – max. 3 people for cash register
- Limit on stalls – max. 3 people to one stand
- Limit at the post office – max. 2 people at the window
- Introduction the requirement for wearing disposable gloves in stores
- Within 10 to 12 all shops, drug stores and pharmacies would be open only to the people over 65 years old
- Workplaces must be organized so that disinfection and protection is provided to the employees
- Extension of quarantine formula – quarantined person have to stay either in solitary confinement or in a quarantine together with the whole family
- People staying under quarantine will be obliged to use governmental app
- In stores stuff will be obliged to disinfecting points of sales after every single use.
Source: www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus
03.31.2020
Campaign Ready, Study, Go! Poland has launched a website with current information related to COVID-19
Dear Students,
Due to the emergency situation with the coronavirus pandemic spreading all over the world, we prepared a dedicated website with all the most useful links and important information regarding your current stay and studies in Poland. We will be sharing the latest information and decisions from the Polish authorities and university authorities.
Remember this website https://go-poland.pl/coronavirus, check it regularly for the updates, let's altogether stay home, and stay safe!
23.03.2020
Coronavirus: information and recommendations
We encourage you to track information about the state of epidemic threat posted on the website www.gov.pl - Coronavirus: information and recommendations. This page gives you up-to-date, official and reliable information on the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 illness. Learn how you can avoid risk and what to do when you or your family members suspect having contracted the virus. The page is run in Polish, English, Ukrainian and Russian.
20.03.2020
Legal stay of foreigners during the state of epidemic threat
Due to the state of epidemic threat, voivodeship offices have suspended direct customer service. Therefore, all applications for the legalization of stay of foreigners in Poland may be submitted by post.
Applications for the legalization of stay of foreigners may be sent to voivodeship offices via Poczta Polska S.A. by registered mail or via any other postal operator. When submitting applications for legalisation of stay, it is important to do so during legal stay in Poland. Only then the stay during the administrative procedure will be considered legal.
Sending the application to the voivodeship office via Poczta Polska S.A. (which is the designated operator within the meaning of the Postal Law Act) before the period of legal stay has expired, guarantees that the deadline for submitting the application will be met. The legality of a foreigner’s stay during the proceedings results from the fact of submitting an appropriate application within the statutory period, and not from the fact that the foreigner has a stamp in the passport confirming submission of the application. The voivodes will return to calling applicants to appear in person, when required by law, after the restoration of direct customer service.
Legalisation of stay due to the inability to leave Poland
Foreigners who cannot leave the territory of Poland for reasons beyond their control may apply for either a visa extension or a temporary residence permit due to circumstances requiring a short stay.
Detailed information on visa extension and relevant application forms can be found HERE.
Information on the temporary residence permit due to circumstances requiring a short stay and application forms can be found HERE.
When applying for both a visa extension and a temporary residence permit due to circumstances requiring a short stay, it is important to do so during a legal stay in Poland. Only then the stay during the administrative procedure will be considered legal. Applications should be sent to the voivodeship office via Poczta Polska by registered mail or via any other postal operator. Sending the application during legal stay via Poczta Polska S.A. guarantees meeting the deadline for its submission and ensures the possibility of legal stay until the case is considered.
Please follow further information appearing on the website of the Office for Foreigners: link
Source:https://udsc.gov.pl/en/
03.18.2020
Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland offers assistance for foreign students
Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland (PSRP) has launched a special tab at psrp.org.pl with information about current situation in Poland and useful contacts in case foreign students need help. Below you can find information from PSRP.
International students
- We urge that your time off from classes is not an excuse to intensify social contacts. It’s a time of wise health choices. We are responsible for our health. Let’s behave responsibly. Our free time is quarantine. As young people, we can be infected with coronavirus and have no symptoms. However, this means that we can still affect others, especially the elderly or the sick, for whom coronavirus is a much more significant threat!
- Look for information on your university’s website. At most universities, classes are suspended or are taking place online – follow all the announcements.
- If you live in a students’ dorm, you have the full right to stay there according to the rules set by your university, and nobody can tell you to move out.
- Stay in the place of residence as recommended by the sanitary services! During this time, you can catch up on college, watch new series or read books, and these are just some of the many ideas.
- Remember!If you have a problem with understanding a rector’s ordinance, or other problems related to this situation, e.g. concerning language, we are at your disposal. We launched a dedicated mail for you: (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Remember that in Poland, we currently have an epidemiological risk. Therefore, all international travels by plane and train are suspended and not permitted. The government also decided to forbid gatherings of over 50 people – please keep it in mind!
Grocery stores and banks will stay open, so you can stock up on food and have access to your bank in case of any issue.
Check out this news from the radio for more details: https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/2473216,UPDATE-Poland-closing-borders-as-coronavirus-spreads
If you need help, write to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We offer support in several languages: English, German, Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian and Catalan.
Source: psrp.org.pl
03.17. 2020
#LotDoDomu Important information on flights to Poland under #LotDoDomu project
From Sunday, 15 March borders in Poland are closed. The Polish government is organizing support for Poles and foreigners that are coming to Poland on the terms applicable for Polish citizens, i.e.:
- spouses of Polish citizens,
- children of Polish citizens,
- people with a Pole's Card,
- people who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in Poland or a work permit,
- diplomats,
- foreigners who operate a means of transport for the carriage of goods.
Other restrictions that have been introduced:
- Polish citizens and foreigners returning to the country must undergo a 14-day home quarantine,
- restrictions on the operation of shopping centres, * grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies and launderettes remain open in these centres,
- ban on public gatherings of more than 50 people,
- restaurants, bars and cafes will only be available for takeouts and delivery.
PM Mateusz Morawiecki informed about the charter flights operated by PLL LOT under the project #LotDoDomu. At the moment it applies to US, UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta. It will be extended to the less popular countries, more information is available at the link: https://lotdodomu.com
Price for the flights will be the same for all passengers, flat rates: passengers travelling from Europe 400-800 PLN and for passengers travelling from destinations outside of Europe 1600-2400 PLN. The rest will be paid by Polish government. It will apply to Polish citizens and foreigners coming to Poland on terms applicable for Polish citizens (mentioned in the first paragraph of this article).
In connection with the development of the epidemiological situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland launched a helpline regarding the possibility of crossing borders. Information can be obtained by phone +48 22 523 8880.
Source: premier.gov.pl
www.gov.pl/web/jordan/announcement-on-the-closure-of-the-borders-of-the-republic-of-poland
03.15.2020
Information concerning the activities undertaken by NAWA regarding COVID-19
In connection with the spreading SARS-CoV-2 virus and the suspension of didactic classes at universities by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, as the institution supervised by the Ministry, informs as follows:
- Scholarship programmes:
The gen. Anders Programme;
The Lukasiewicz Scholarship Programme;
The Banach Scholarship Programme;
POLONISTA - Programme for students of Polish Studies;
Poland My First Choice Programme;
Exchange programme as part of bilateral cooperation.
stipends are paid according to the current regulations.
- In relation to the scholarship holders in programmes for scientists:
The Bekker Programme;
The Walczak Programme;
The Ulam Programme;
The Iwanowska Programme;
Exchange programme for students and scientists as part of bilateral cooperation.
It is possible to change the date of departure or arrival after agreeing with the host center. In this case, NAWA asks you to submit an application with a proposal to change the date accompanied by the acceptance of the host center. It is not possible to increase the amount of scholarship awarded.
- In case changes in institutional projects are needed:
PROM – International scholarship exchange of PhDPROM – International scholarship exchange of PhDcandidates and academic staff;
International Academic Partnerships;
Welcome to Poland Programme;
Foreign Promotion Programme;
International Alumni;
STER – Doctoral scholarships for foreigners;
KATAMARAN – Establishing and conducting joint second-cycle studies;
CEEPUS Programme – Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies;
Promotion of the Polish language.
Regarding the deadline for the implementation of the actions or planned results to be achieved, please contact the program supervisors.
- In the event of incurring costs in institutional programmes, NAWA asks you to contact the program supervisors to determine the existence of a "force majeure" condition specified in the contracts concluded with NAWA. In these situations, please provide detailed justification for cancellation of departures and arrivals and documented attempts to recover incurred costs.
- From March 16, 2020 to March 31, 2020 NAWA Reception will be closed. Therefore, you will not be able to submit or receive documents personally. Documents can be sent to NAWA by post or courier.
- The certified documents will be sent by registered letter to the person and correspondence address, indicated in the application form, by registered mail with confirmation of receipt.