Application Process

TC Studies Application Process

Theology and Counseling Studies (TC Studies) at WBST – International Theological College in Warsaw, Poland.

Welcome! This guide walks you through the admissions and visa process for the TC Studies program at WBST.

📢 Important Note: New student visa and university admission regulations—NAWA diploma recognition—came into effect on July 1, 2025. These changes were introduced by the Polish government and apply to applicants from most countries worldwide who are seeking admission to colleges and universities across Poland.

⚠️ If you are already legally residing in Poland—whether under a student visa, work permit, refugee status, or another legal basis—you are not subject to NAWA’s entry controls. Please email us to request an online meeting. We will review your legal status and guide you through the next steps. Email your online meeting at contact@wbst.edu.pl

We trust that by now you’ve already felt God’s call and chosen to become a servant leader with a counselor’s heart. Before immersing yourself in the application process, we encourage you to pause and pray. Ask the Lord to guide you through each step. Let Him lead.

You are not alone in prayer. As soon as we receive your application, we place your name on our prayer list and begin praying for you.

Don’t be intimidated by the application process—it’s much simpler than it seems. We’ve laid everything out clearly so you can move forward with confidence, one step at a time.

NAWA diploma recognition is not required for:

EU Member States
OECD countries
EFTA countries
International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas, regardless of country of origin

⚠️ All other diplomas must go through NAWA recognition. This currently takes up to 3+ months—we urge you to begin the application process for our October 2026 intake as soon as possible.

TC Studies– Application Dates

Fall Intake
- Application Deadline: September 15
- Classes Begin: 1^st-2^nd week of October
Spring Intake
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Classes Begin: Second or third week of February

⚠️ Please note: We are no longer accepting applications for the February intake.

Before you begin

Download your application checklist: (DOWNLOAD PDF APPLICATION CHECKLIST)

Use it to check ✔️ each step

STEP 1 — Submit your Application

✅ Option A—Apply Online (Recommended): <<CLICK HERE>>

⚠️ If you’ve already submitted your application through this website, check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 2. If not, start here.

📝 Option B—PDF Application

Download form: <<CLICK HERE>>
Fill out clearly
Scan (only clear scans accepted. Photos will delay processing)

Done? check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 2.

STEP 2 — Pay the Application Fee (in US dollars)

Non-refundable 100 USD fee (equivalent in PLN or EUR accepted) within 15 days of submitting your application.

⚠️ Payments processed by the NOVUS Foundation (Fundacja NOVUS), which also manages scholarships.

Two payment options

Option A: Bank Transfer

Santander Bank Polska S.A.

SWIFT: WBKPPLPP

Bank Address: Al. Jana Pawła II 17, 00-854 Warsaw, Poland

Choose currency:

USD IBAN: PL69 1090 2590 0000 0001 5144 4855

EUR IBAN: PL53 1090 2590 0000 0001 6361 6121

PLN IBAN: PL44 1090 2590 0000 0001 5144 4820

📢 Important Note: Payment Reference —You must include the following as the

payment transfer title:

“Donation for statutory objectives (education) – YOUR NAME – AF”

(e.g., Donation for statutory objectives (education) – JOHN DOE – AF)

⚠️ Ensure your name is correct in the payment title to match your application.

Recipient name and address:

NOVUS Foundation
UL. W. PYTLASIŃSKIEGO 16/13
00-777 WARSAW, POLAND

Option B: PayPal

Search for Fundacja Novus

Or, use link or QR Code: https://paypal.me/novusfoundationPL?country.x=PL&locale.x=en_US

📢 Important Note: Payment Reference—You must include the following phrase as the payment transfer title:

“Donation for statutory objectives (education) – YOUR NAME – AF”

(e.g., Donation for statutory objectives (education) – JOHN DOE – AF)

⚠️ Ensure your name is correct in the payment title to match your application.

Save proof of payment. Check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 3.

STEP 3 — Submit Required Documents

Email high-quality color scans (PDF or JPG only. Photos not accepted) to contact@wbst.edu.pl

📢 Important Note: The “Required Documents” listed below are necessary for enrollment at WBST-TC Studies and subsequently for your student visa application under the new Polish regulations.

NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) does not require sworn translations into Polish for documents originally issued in the following languages:

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian.

Furthermore, IB and EB diplomas, as well as diplomas from countries within the EU, OECD, and EFTA, are fully exempt from NAWA recognition procedures.

⚠️ Action Required: If your high school diploma or transcripts were not originally issued in one of the languages listed above, you MUST provide a sworn translation into Polish. Without it, NAWA will reject your application—and this could lead to a student visa refusal.

Possible exception: In rare cases where it’s genuinely difficult to obtain a sworn Polish translation, NAWA may accept a sworn English translation instead. However, this is not guaranteed and is evaluated case by case. We strongly recommend contacting NAWA in advance to confirm eligibility.

Required Documents:

Proof of Application Fee Payment
- Bank transfer receipt or PayPal confirmation
High School Diploma
- If not among the languages listed above, include a certified or notarized Polish translation
High School Transcript
- Showing subjects and grades (last two to four years, depending on your country’s high school’s system)
- If not among the languages listed above, include a certified or notarized Polish translation

⚠️ Translation Support—The cost of translation into Polish by a certified/sworn translator typically ranges between 15–40 USD per page, depending on the original language. A “page” refers to a standardized unit of text, not necessarily a physical page. Most certified/sworn translators define one page as 1,800 characters with spaces or 250–300 words of source text.

WBST-TC Studies can help arrange discounted services. You’ll receive a scanned and properly formatted copy suitable for upload to the NAWA Recognition Statement via the Syrena system. Just email: contact@wbst.edu.pl

Passport
- Clearly legible scan—must be valid for at least six (6) months
Digital Passport-Style Photo
- White background, recent, professional
Official proof of English Proficiency
- Minimum level: B2 (according to CEFR)
- Accepted certificates: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge (these are considered “visa-safe”)
- Certificate must be in English and issued within the last 2 years

⚠️ This applies to all colleges and universities in Poland, including WBST-TC Studies. An English medium of instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school is generally no longer sufficient on its own. Prepare your certificate early to avoid delays.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 800–1,000 words, written by you in English
- Share your background, reasons for choosing TC Studies, interests, and goals

⚠️ Please ensure your SOP is personally written and reflects your authentic voice

Recommendation Letter
- Written in English by your pastor, church leader, or supervisor
- Must include recommender’s full name, position, email, and phone number
- Should address your character and spiritual life
Health Certificate
- Simple statement from a doctor confirming you’re fit to study
- If not in Polish or English, include a certified Polish translation

⚠️ Health Certificate not required for online students

Once submitted, the TC Admissions Office will review your documents and contact you via email. All documents submitted? check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 4.

STEP 4 — Meet-and-Greet Interview

Once your documents are reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an invitation attend an online, conversational, and friendly meeting with the TC Studies Admissions Office.

We’ll discuss:
Your calling and spiritual journey
Your motivation for studying theology and Christian counseling
Program expectations and faith commitment
Tuition and scholarships

You’re welcome to ask questions too.

Interview results by email

✅ Accepted: check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 5.

❌ Not Accepted: You’ll receive a detailed explanation—request a second interview to appeal the decision or you may opt to withdraw from the application process

STEP 5 — Sign Agreements

You’ll receive documents to sign—English and Polish versions

TC Studies Agreement
Tuition Payment Agreement

These are legally binding contracts that confirm your enrollment and financial commitment.

What to Do

Download and print
Fill in all required fields and sign—digital signatures not accepted
Scan in color (no photos)
Email back scans of both agreements to contact@wbst.edu.pl

Done? check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 6.

STEP 6 — TC Admissions Signs the Agreements

You’ll receive scans of:

✅ Official signed agreements—TC Studies Agreement and Tuition Payment Agreement

✅ WBST Official Admission Letter (Zaświadczenie)—required for your Polish student visa

📢 Important Note—you must bring the original WBST Official Admission Letter (Zaświadczenie) to your visa appointment at the Polish Embassy

Delivery Options

Regular mail — Untracked and very slow (we cover the cost)

DHL Express — Secured, tracked delivery in 7-10 days; estimated cost: 90-120 USD (you cover the cost)

InPOST — For deliveries within Poland, 2-4 days; estimated cost: 7-10 USD (you cover the cost)

⚠️ Provide a real street address (not a P.O. Box) where someone can receive and sign for the package. Send your delivery address to contact@wbst.edu.pl

Official WBST letter received? check ✔️and proceed to STEP 7.

STEP 7 — Student Visa Application (for non-EU/EEA citizens)

Apply for a National Type-D Student Visa

📢 Very Important—when filling out your visa application, you must enter the full official Polish name of the institution exactly as shown below:

WYŻSZE BAPTYSTYCZNE SEMINARIUM TEOLOGICZNE W WARSZAWIE

✅ Only the full Polish name is accepted by the embassy.

❌ Do not use abbreviations like “WBST” or alternative names like “International Theological College” or “NOVUS Foundation” or “Theology and Counseling Studies.”

Check ✔️and proceed to STEP 8.

STEP 8 — Get Your NAWA Diploma Recognition Statement

If your high school diploma was issued outside the EU, OECD, or EFTA, you must obtain a Recognition Statement from NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange)

⚠️ Not sure if your country is part of the EU, OECD, or EFTA? Country list:

(DOWNLOAD PDF List of Countries Exempt from NAWA Diploma Recognition)

Is your country on the list? Check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 9.

Your country NOT on the list? continue with the process:

To get the NAWA Recognition Statement you need to apply through the Syrena System portal.

Follow these instructions carefully:

Prepare to upload—PDF or JPG, max 3 MB each
High School Diploma—Must confirm completion of secondary education and eligibility to apply for higher education in the issuing country
Transcript of Grades / Academic Records—showing subjects studied and final grades
Passport—a high-quality and clear scan of the data page
Sworn Translation into Polish—required if the original documents are not in: English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian

Access the Syrena System portal. Link: https://syrena.nawa.gov.pl
Change language to English (click on the British flag)
Register and log in to initiate your application
Fill out the online application form with your personal and education details
Upload the prepared documents
Click “Submit” and check your email for the activation link

⚠️ Action in the Portal: Once you are confident all information is accurate and all documents are uploaded, you will find a “Submit” or “Send Application” button within the portal interface. Clicking this button locks the application; you can no longer edit the details or add new documents unless NAWA specifically requests corrections

System Action: The system then generates a formal application packet and sends an automated confirmation email to the address registered with your account

Email Confirmation—The email you receive contains a unique activation link.

This activation link serves two purposes:

Verification: It verifies that your email address is correct and accessible by you
Formal Activation: You must click this link within 48 hours. Clicking the link is the final action that officially signals to NAWA that your application is complete, verified, and ready for review by their specialists

⚠️ Consequences of Inaction: If you do not click the activation link within the 48-hour window, the application is automatically canceled or deleted from the system, and the process stops. You would have to restart the entire application process from the beginning. You must ensure you check your spam/junk folder for this specific email

Once activated, the official 60-day processing period for your “Individual Recognition Statement” begins

📢 Be patient—current processing time is 60-90+ days

Monitor your application status—two methods:
Primary Monitoring Method—Syrena Portal

Log into the NAWA Syrena portal to track your application. The status field shows updates like “Submitted,” “In progress,” “Under evaluation,” or “Accepted.” You’ll also see any comments or requests from the evaluator.

Secondary Monitoring Method—Email Notifications

Check your email for important alerts. NAWA only emails when action is needed—such as missing documents. Use the link they provide to upload missing items to your existing application (don’t start a new one).

Application Ready—You will be notified by email when your “Individual Recognition Statement” is ready. Download it.

After Submission
PDF—You’ll receive a digitally signed PDF confirming your eligibility to study in Poland
Download—Download the PDF from your Syrena System Portal account and include it in your visa application

For help, contact NAWA at dyplom@nawa.gov.pl

Learn more nawa.gov.pl/en/nawa/news/system-syrena

Confirmation on PDF? Check ✔️and proceed to STEP 9.

STEP 9 — Book your visa appointment (National Type-D Student Visa)

Please read carefully and follow all instructions

Go to the official website: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/
Change the language from ‘Polska’ to ‘English’
Select your country and nearest consulate
Choose National Visa – Register Form (this refers to Type-D visa)
Choose a date. If none available, check back often
Fill out the form truthfully—write your full name as written in your passport
Travel details—arrival date, duration of stay
Purpose of stay—select study
Polish university or institution details—you must write the full Polish name of the college exactly as follows: WYŻSZE BAPTYSTYCZNE SEMINARIUM TEOLOGICZNE W WARSZAWIE
Confirm your appointment and print—You should receive a confirmation email with appointment details

Documents to Prepare—have with you all originals + 1 set of copies

Completed visa application form
Valid passport (issued in last 10 years, valid 6+ months)
Two biometric photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background)
WBST Official Admission Letter (Zaświadczenie)
NAWA Recognition Statement (see STEP 8.10)
Proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor support)
Accommodation proof—rental agreement must be signed between you and the landlord. (WBST-TC Studies does not offer accommodation at the moment)
Travel medical insurance for at least one year (min. €30,000 coverage, valid in Poland/EU. Polish government accepts PZU, Allianz, Signal Iduna, AXA, Compensa, and Generali)
Travel itinerary or flight reservation
Visa fee (check with your consulate)

The waiting time to receive a decision on your Polish visa after your consulate appointment typically ranges from 15 days to 4 weeks. Please, keep us informed

Some consulates require legalized or apostilled education documents. Always check your consulate’s checklist.

⚠️ Avoid Visa Agents— Polish embassies do not work with third-party services such as visa agents, travel agencies, or intermediaries. All student visa applications must be submitted directly through official Polish government platforms. Be cautious of anyone offering to “guarantee” a visa or sell appointment slots.

Using an agent may result in your application being blocked, delayed, or rejected.

✅ Visa approved? Praise the Lord!!!! Check ✔️and proceed to STEP 10.

❌ Visa denied? Pray and ask the Lord for clarity and wisdom regarding the next steps He has for you. Proceed to STEP 12.

STEP 10 — Pay Your Tuition Fees (in US Dollars)

Annual Tuition Fee: 2,200 USD (equivalent in PLN or EUR is accepted)

Please pay the full first-year amount as specified in your signed Tuition Agreement, which reflects the scholarship awarded after your interview.

All fees must be paid by September 15 for the October intake, or by January 15 for the February intake.

⚠️ Payments processed by the NOVUS Foundation (Fundacja NOVUS), which also manages scholarships.

Two payment options

Option A: Bank Transfer

Santander Bank Polska S.A.

SWIFT: WBKPPLPP

Bank Address: Al. Jana Pawła II 17, 00-854 Warsaw, Poland

Choose currency:

USD IBAN: PL69 1090 2590 0000 0001 5144 4855

EUR IBAN: PL53 1090 2590 0000 0001 6361 6121

PLN IBAN: PL44 1090 2590 0000 0001 5144 4820

📢 Important Note: Payment Reference —You must include the following as the

payment transfer title:

“Donation for statutory objectives (education) – YOUR NAME – TF – 2026”

(e.g., Donation for statutory objectives (education) – JOHN DOE – TF – 2026)

⚠️ Ensure your name is correct in the payment title to match your application.

Recipient name and address:

NOVUS Foundation
UL. W. PYTLASIŃSKIEGO 16/13
00-777 WARSAW, POLAND

Option B: PayPal

Search for Fundacja Novus

Or, use this link or QR Code: https://paypal.me/novusfoundationPL?country.x=PL&locale.x=en_US

📢 Important Note: Payment Reference—You must include the following phrase as the payment transfer title:

“Donation for statutory objectives (education) – YOUR NAME – TF”

(e.g., Donation for statutory objectives (education) – JOHN DOE – TF)

⚠️ Ensure your name is correct in the payment title to match your application.

After Payment

Email a scan or screenshot of your payment confirmation to contact@wbst.edu.pl

⚠️ Unpaid fees may cancel your application.

Check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 11.

STEP 11 — Access to WBST Systems—Receive Your Welcome Kit

Once your tuition payment is confirmed, WBST-TC Studies will send you a personalized Welcome Kit to help you get started.

What’s Included

Your WBST Student Email Address
- Activation instructions provided
- All future communication will use this email
Access to all Live-Online Classrooms
- Login details and links to your virtual classrooms
- Available only through your WBST email
First Semester Class Schedule
- Includes course names, dates, and access links
Official WhatsApp Group Invitation
- Used for internal communication between students and administration
- Please provide your phone number
TC Studies Rules & Regulations Booklet
- Latest version with academic and conduct guidelines
TC Studies Student Handbook
- Practical tips and resources for life as an international student in Poland

⚠️ You must ensure you check your spam/junk folder. All materials will be sent to your WBST email. Make sure to activate it promptly!

✅ Pack your bags 🧳✈️ Poland awaits!! We are waiting for you.

Check ✔️ and proceed to STEP 13.

STEP 12 — Visa Denial Policy

We understand that visa decisions are beyond your control. If your student visa is denied after you’ve paid your tuition, WBST-TC Studies offers two options:

Option 1: Tuition Refund

You’ll receive a refund within 4 weeks—transferred to the same bank account used for the original tuition payment
The refund will be in full minus any applicable bank transfer fees

Option 2: Pursue your Studies Online

You may choose to pursue your studies online
All academic and spiritual components of TC Studies are available remotely

📢 Important Note: If your visa is denied, please notify the TC Admissions Office immediately at contact@wbst.edu.pl so we can guide you through your options.

STEP 13 — Arrive in Poland & Apply for Your TRC

Once you arrive in Poland, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)—known in Polish as Karta Pobytu—to legally stay beyond 90 days.

📘 What Is a TRC?

A residence permit for non-EU/EEA citizens studying in Poland
Required even if you already hold a national D-type student visa (you must apply before it expires)
Issued by your local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki)
Allows for legal residence and travel within the Schengen Area

📝 How to Apply

Visit the Voivodeship Office appropriate for your place of residence
Submit your TRC application with all required documents
Attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo collection)
Wait for the decision — processing may take up to 90 days

📄 Documents You’ll Need

WBST-TC Studies will provide:

Official confirmation of enrollment (stating the duration of studies)
Proof of tuition payment for the current academic year
Official letter of support for TRC application (institutional details, purpose of the letter, official signature and stamp)

You’ll also need to prepare:

Valid passport (plus copies of all pages)
Visa and entry stamp (if applicable)
Proof of accommodation (e.g., dormitory certificate, lease agreement)
Health insurance (valid for the duration of your intended stay in Poland)

⚠️ If the health insurance your purchased for your visa application only covers the first year, you can later purchase Polish insurance and submit updated proof when renewing or extending your TRC

Financial means documentation

Proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs and return travel

Currently estimated at 776 PLN per month per student (subject to change—confirm with your local office)

Standard Requirement

Minimum monthly amount: 776 PLN
- Duration: Typically 12 months
- Return travel: Additional ~2,500–3,000 PLN recommended
- Total suggested amount: ~11,800–12,300 PLN

This can be shown through:

Bank statement (Polish or international)
Proof of savings in your name
Letter from sponsor (if applicable)

Acceptable Alternatives–Students may also meet the requirement through documented, consistent income or institutional support:

Legal Employment in Poland—monthly salary of 1,200-1,500 PLN
Valid job contract
Monthly tuition payment agreement with WBST–TC Studies
Letter confirming monthly tuition installments
Statement that the student is in good standing and not at risk of expulsion

All documents must be official, translated into Polish or English, and provide clear evidence of financial stability and access to sufficient funds

Legal Support (Optional)

Legal advisors can simplify the TRC process. We are negotiating discounted rates for TC Studies students—stay tuned!

With your TRC approved, you’re officially ready to begin your adventure in Poland. Welcome to the TC Studies family!

You are joining a community committed to:

The authority of Scripture
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Spirit-empowered discipleship
Counseling with biblical truth and Christlike compassion
Global mission and servant leadership

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18