- I read something about the new regulations implemented by the government in Poland for student visas — NAWA. How does it work?
Most international students applying for BA studies in Poland must obtain diploma recognition through NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange). This government-mandated process—essential for visa issuance and legal enrollment—often causes delays of 90+ days.
If your high school diploma was issued outside the EU, OECD, or EFTA, you must obtain a Recognition Statement from NAWA.
We strongly encourage you to begin this process as early as possible. Under the new regulations effective July 1, 2025, if you’re applying for TC Studies’ October intake, you should ideally start in December of the previous year.
For step-by-step guidance, please see the link (APPLICATION PROCESS)
- Is a student visa the same as the temporary residence card (TRC)?
No. These are two different things. First, let us explain that WBST – TC Studies, as an accredited program, can provide the student with all the official documents for a student visa application as well as for a TRC.
STUDENT VISA – To be more specific, you will need a “Type D visa”. The type “D” visa allows you to stay in Poland for one year. You must apply for your student visa before you enter Poland (at a Polish embassy or consulate in your country or any other country where you may be residing at).
As a TC Studies student, you need to stay in Poland for 3 years because you will enroll to WBST-TC Studies three-year bachelor’s program. This is why a TRC is needed.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: When filling your student visa application form at the Polish Embassy, the question related to where the studies will take place, you must write the POLISH NAME of the college, like this: WYŻSZE BAPTYSTYCZNE SEMINARIUM TEOLOGICZNE (people at the Polish Embassy will not accept “WBST”, or “International Theological College”, or “NOVUS Foundation”, or “Theology and Counseling Studies”, or any other name.)
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD (TRC) – Karta Pobytu
Any non-EU/EEA citizen who intends to stay in Poland for more than 90 days – including for study purposes – must apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), known in Polish as Karta Pobytu. This card serves as your primary residence document in Poland and allows for multiple entries and exits during its validity.
📢 Advisory Note—While some students find the TRC application process manageable, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice to avoid delays or rejections.
The government fee for a TRC application is approximately €100. Additional fees may apply if you choose to work with a professional advisor.
We are negotiating discounted rates for TC Studies students — stay tuned!
To learn more about the student visa and TRC, follow the TC Application Process – STEPS 9 and 13. (LINK TO APPLICATION PROCESS)
- Can I study in Poland without a student visa?
It depends. You cannot begin studying in Poland without a valid student visa or residence permit that allows you to study. The rules have changed:
It is no longer possible to enter Poland on a tourist visa and then change your status to a student visa while in the country.
If you plan to study in Poland, you must apply for a national visa (Type-D) for study purposes before arriving in Poland. This visa allows you to enter the country legally and begin your studies.
- Can I Apply for a Student Visa from a Country Other Than My Own?
Yes, in some cases you can apply for a Polish student visa from a third country, but only if:
- You are legally residing in that country (e.g. with a residence permit or long-term visa).
- The Polish embassy or consulate in that country accepts visa applications from non-citizens.
⚠️ Important: You cannot apply for a student visa from a country where you are only staying temporarily (e.g. on a tourist visa). In most cases, you must apply from your country of citizenship or legal residence.
- Who Can Study in Poland After Arriving?
There are a few exceptions—some people may already have legal status that allows them to study in Poland without needing a separate student visa:
There are a few exceptions—some individuals may already have legal status that allows them to study in Poland without needing a separate student visa:
- Refugees or persons granted subsidiary protection: You may study in Poland under your protected status.
- EU/EEA citizens: You do not need a visa to enter or study in Poland. However, you must register your stay if it exceeds 90 days.
- Holders of a valid Polish residence permit: If you already have a residence card (e.g., for work, family reunification, or humanitarian reasons), you may be allowed to study depending on the type of permit.
- Holders of a valid work visa or residence permit for work: You may study in Poland while holding a work visa or residence card, as long as your legal status remains valid.
- Can WBST demonstrate its status as an accredited university or college?
Absolutely! Poland has a system called RAD-on, part of the Integrated Science and Higher Education Information Network—the largest public database of its kind in the country.
This official database is used by Polish embassies around the world to verify if a particular college or university exists, is active, and what type of institution it is.
WBST—Wyższe Baptystyczne Seminarium Teologiczne w Warszawie (Higher Baptist Theological Seminary in Warsaw)—is officially listed in this database.
Additionally, WBST is officially listed under ID number 408 in Poland’s RAD-on system, overseen by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Numer uczelni nadany przez ministra 408).
View WBST in the RAD-on System:
https://radon.nauka.gov.pl/dane/profil/651aa452-9be8-4336-a7e3-628c37c29d31
- Is TC Studies a Baptist program?
TC Studies is a Protestant, evangelical Christian program open to all Protestant, evangelical Christians from any country (e.g., Baptists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, etc.).
The TC Studies curriculum includes well-thought-out subjects such as Introduction to Protestant Theology, World Missions, Church History, World Religions, Theological Ethics, Baptist Theology, History and Theology of Revivalism, History of Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism, Distinctives of Presbyterianism, Reformed Ecclesiology and Polity, and Study of Islam.
We believe it is essential for students to understand the richness and diversity of Christian denominations—and even other world religions—in order to offer faithful, respectful, and Spirit-led Christian counseling. A person in need may come from any background, and we trust that God will guide them specifically to you. You must be prepared to assist with wisdom, compassion, and theological clarity, regardless of their denomination or religion. This is part of your calling: to be ready to serve wherever God sends you, and to minister to whomever He places in your path.
- Is TC Studies only for preparing pastors?
No. TC Studies stands for Theology and Counseling Studies. Our program prepares both Church Leaders and Christian Counselors.
What makes TC Studies unique and exclusive is that, in addition to the BA in Theology, students receive formal education in Christian Counseling.
- Can you explain in more detail: Theology, Church Leadership and Counseling?
Before we take any step, we pray. We let God lead. Through prayer, God revealed His plan—and TC Studies was born.
- Theology: An interdenominational, Bible-based education aligned with the EU and Polish core curriculum for accredited theology programs.
- Church Leadership: Equips students to serve not only in churches but also in NGOs, hospitals, charities, and community organizations.
- Christian Counseling: Offers academic and practical training in counseling, with God at the center of every session. As a Christian Counselor a student will be prepared to serve God in Christian and non-Christian institutions including churches, community groups, schools, hospitals, foundations, charities, NGOs, and more.
- Is TC Studies considered a “balanced program”?
Absolutely! TC Studies offers an education that is firmly rooted in the Word of God and spiritual formation, while also nurturing intellectual growth, academic excellence, and practical ministry skills. Additionally, students receive a broader perspective by being taught selected social science classes such as Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication, Healing Questions, Introduction to Mentoring, and others.
Exposure to these subjects prepares students to build and sustain inclusive, life-giving relationships and prepare them to serve effectively in diverse communities.
- Do I have to be Baptist to attend TC Studies?
No, you don’t need to be Baptist.
The diploma states: Bachelor Degree in Baptist Theology, awarded by the International Theological College of WBST. TC Studies is designed to equip students to serve the Kingdom of God—not a denomination. Follow where God leads you.
We must also add that WBST is a well-recognized Baptist college in Warsaw, offering Baptist studies in Polish for local students.
- Once in Poland, do I have to attend a Baptist church?
No. While you may attend a Baptist church, it is not required.
Students must attend a Protestant, evangelical Christian church. Pray, listen, and follow God’s guidance—He knows where He needs you to serve.
- After graduating from TC Studies, can I enroll to a master’s program?
Yes. The degree is accredited by the Polish Ministry of National Education and recognized under the Bologna Process, allowing you to pursue a master’s or even a doctorate in any of the 49 member countries (as of 2024).
- Can a Foreign Student Studying Full-Time in Poland Work Full-Time?
Yes, foreign students enrolled full-time at WBST (all TC Studies students are full-time) are allowed to work in Poland without needing a separate work permit. However, there are important limitations based on the academic calendar:
Work Limits for Students
- During the academic year:
Students may work part-time, up to 20 hours per week. - During official breaks (summer and winter holidays):
Students may work full-time, up to 40 hours per week.
These rules apply to students holding a valid student visa or temporary residence permit for studies.
Key Points
- You may work legally without a work permit as long as you are enrolled in TC Studies.
- After graduation, you may apply for a residence permit for work and work without restrictions.
- Common student jobs include retail, hospitality, tutoring, delivery, and freelance work.
- Students must comply with Polish labor laws, including tax and social insurance contributions.
⚠️ Note: Working full-time during the academic year is not recommended, as it may interfere with your studies and violate visa conditions.
- I understand the legal aspect, but, can I work while studying TC Studies?
Yes, you can. TC Studies is designed with flexibility in mind.
- Offered in-person and in hybrid format
- Classes held three days a week—Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
- Allows time for part-time work
Many jobs in Poland do not require Polish language skills. However, we cannot guarantee employment.
📢 Important— Students on a TC Studies visa must attend all in-person classes. Work must be scheduled outside of class hours.
- Is TC Studies focused on Biblical Counseling or Christian Counseling—and what’s the difference?
TC Studies focuses on Christian Counseling. Both approaches honor God’s Word and the centrality of Christ. Christian Counseling extends biblical care into a wider pastoral, emotional, cultural, and relational framework—without losing biblical conviction.
Comparison Table: Bible Counseling – Christian Counseling
| Aspect | Bible Counseling | Christian Counseling |
| Primary Focus | Scripture-only approach to addressing issues | Christ-centered approach integrating Scripture, theology, and counseling wisdom |
| Training Approach | Often limited to biblical texts and direct application | Comprehensive formation grounded in Scripture, theology, psychology, and pastoral care traditions |
| Ministry Adaptability | More narrow application, may fit specific denominations | Broad, interdenominational approach effective across diverse Christian communities |
| View of Human Experience | Sin-focused interpretation of struggles | Addresses spiritual, emotional, relational, and cultural dimensions of life in Christ |
| Practical Tools | Primarily uses biblical instruction and exhortation | Combines Scripture with clinically informed relational and pastoral care methods |
| Ministry Context | Best fit for specific doctrinal environments | Equips leaders for local, global, and cross-denominational ministry environments |
| Engagement With Human Complexity | Tends to apply universal biblical directives | Encourages discernment, case understanding, and compassionate listening |
| Collaboration With Other Care Providers | Typically stands alone from other helping fields | Works alongside pastors, clinicians, and healthcare providers to offer well-rounded care |
Christian Counseling forms leaders who are biblically rooted, emotionally wise, and equipped to serve a diverse world in Christ’s love.
Bible counseling is valuable in grounding ministry in Scripture and theological conviction. Christian Counseling builds on that foundation while equipping ministers to understand trauma, relationships, emotional development, and cultural dynamics—so they can shepherd people wisely in the complexities of modern life.
Why Christian Counseling?
In today’s global and interdenominational ministry landscape, Christian Counseling offers broader preparation. We believe it is essential for students to be equipped to counsel anyone God sends their way, regardless of denomination or religious background. Understanding diverse theological perspectives and human experiences prepares you to serve with wisdom, compassion, and clarity. In Christian Counseling, you are not just offering advice—you are offering Christ-centered care, led by prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit.