- 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 from where you wish to apply).
As mentioned before, the type “D” visa is for one year only. In your case, 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) – Any person wishing to stay in Poland for more than 3 months, for any reason and on any type of visa, MUST obtain a Polish Temporary Residence Card (TRC). In Polish it is called “Karta Pobytu”.
The procedure for you, as a student, is as follows: You have up to 3 months from the moment you enter Poland to apply for your TRC. You do this after your arrival in Poland.
When you arrive in Poland, we will give you the official documents needed for your TRC application. When you receive your TRC, you will not need to apply for a student visa again because the TRC, together with your passport, becomes your main document in Poland allowing you to enter and re-enter Poland multiple times.
Having your Polish visa stamped in your passport is not enough for you to receive a TRC. The following additional requirements are set by the Polish government. These requirements are for ALL FOREIGN STUDENTS studying in Poland:
- Evidence of FINANCIAL RESOURCES, specifically evidence of having sufficient funds to cover the following:
- costs of living for 15 months – at least PLN776 per each month
(15 months x PLN776 = PLN11.640,00)
- accommodation (amount from point 7 above x 15 months)
- tuition for the next semester
- return travel to the country of origin or residence in the amount of:
- PLN200, if your home country is neighboring Poland
- PLN500, if your home country is within the EU and does not neighbor Poland or if you come from Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Switzerland
- PLN2500, if your home country is any other than the ones defined above
- The above can be evidenced by means of:
▪ travelers’ cheque
▪ credit card with a bank statement confirming the card limit
▪ statement confirming possession of funds in your bank account issued by a bank that has its seat in Poland
▪ a certificate of scholarship award (Polish or foreign)
▪ proof of employment and earnings
Any bank documents referred to above must be confirmed with a stamp and signature of an authorized bank employee and issued no later than one month before submitting the application.
If any of the above documents is not in Polish language you must submit its translation into Polish language made by a Polish sworn translator.
- Health Insurance: documents confirming having a valid health insurance or coverage by the insurer of the cost of treatment in Poland (again if any of the documents is not in Polish language you must submit its translation into Polish language made by a Polish sworn translator) – also, if you are working, a Polish document from your employer (ZUS/NFZ) or, also a ZUS/NFZ if you are self-employed.
Please note that the first residence permit is issued for a period of 15 months, and it will take a few months to receive it. During this waiting time, you cannot travel out of Poland. It can be renewed for periods of up to 3 years but for no longer than the remainder of your studies.
Some students mention that filling out the documents to apply for a TRC is not very complicated. We strongly recommend that a student receive professional advice. WBST-TC Studies does not offer this service but can put you in touch with a person who has advised other students. The fee for a TRC application is about €100 (plus advisor’s fee if you wish to seek professional assistance).
- Can I study in Poland without a student visa?
Some students who enter Poland on a tourist visa decide to enroll at WBST-TC Studies and, once registered as a student, make a change of status from tourist to student. As explained above, as an accredited institution, WBST-TC Studies can provide the official documents needed to facilitate the change of status from tourist to student.
This is a great option especially, but not only, for students coming from countries where a visa is not required to enter Poland.
- Can WBST demonstrate its status as an accredited university or college?
Absolutely! Poland has a system called ‘RAD-on,’ which is part of the Integrated Science and Higher Education Information Network, the largest public system in the country regarding the scope of data collected.
This official database is used by Polish embassies around the world to verify if a particular college or university exists, whether it is active, and its type.
The WBST, in Polish ‘Wyższe Baptystyczne Seminarium Teologiczne w Warszawie’ or ‘Higher Baptist Theological Seminary in Warsaw’ in English, is listed in this official database.
Here’s the ‘RAD-on’ link:
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 in the world (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.
- Is TC Studies only to prepare pastors?
No. TC Studies stands for Theology and Counseling Studies. Our program prepares Church Leaders and Christian Counselors.
Upon completion, students receive an accredited European Bachelor’s degree in Baptist Theology. To earn this bachelor’s degree, we have crafted the program called TC Studies. What makes TC Studies unique and exclusive is that, in addition to the BA in Theology, students receive formal education in Church Leadership and Christian Counseling.
- Can you explain in more detail: Theology, Church Leadership and Counseling?
Always, before we take any step, we pray. We let God lead. After prayers, God revealed to us His plan and as a result a new university career was born: Theology and Counseling Studies – TC Studies.
Through TC Studies, all students, regardless of the chosen specialization, will receive education in Theology, Church Leadership and Christian Counseling.
Theology – an interdenominational theological education based on the Bible. Includes the core curriculum implemented by the European Union in general and Poland in particular. By law, all institutions offering an accredited BA in Theology (evangelical Christian Theology) must follow a core curriculum. TC Studies carefully follows it.
Church Leadership – TC Studies graduates are not only prepared to pastor a congregation but also a community. Students are equipped for a full and meaningful life serving God in different areas such as Christian and non-Christian foundations, charities, non-profit organizations, NGOs, hospitals and more.
Christian Counseling – Students receive formal academic training in Christian counseling, including the practical use of counseling tools. Students are taught to invite God to be the center of each counseling meeting. 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! Students receive a holistic education focused centrally on the Word of God and their spiritual life. Furthermore, students grow academically and intellectually and are imparted practical 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 relationships that nourish people.
- Do I have to be Baptist to attend TC Studies?
No, you don’t have to be Baptist to attend TC Studies.
The diploma states: Bachelor Degree in Baptist Theology, and it specifies that the program of studies is under the International Theological College of WBST, offering an accredited bachelor’s degree in Theology through TC Studies. TC Studies is a Protestant, evangelical Christian program carefully designed to equip and train students to serve in the growth of the Kingdom of God. You are called to SERVE GOD, not confined to any specific Christian denomination. Follow where God leads you.
We must also add that WBST is a well-recognized Baptist college in Warsaw, offering Baptist studies to Polish students in the Polish language.
- Once in Poland, do I have to attend a Baptist church?
No, you are not required to do so. While you have the option to attend a Baptist church, it is not mandatory.
According to TC Studies regulations, students must attend a Protestant, evangelical Christian church. It is essential for each student to pray and follow God’s guidance in choosing a church. God already knows where HE needs you to serve HIM. You must pray, listen, and obey God’s call
- After graduating from TC Studies, can I enroll to a master’s program?
Yes. The bachelor’s degree you receive is accredited by the Polish Ministry of National Education. In addition, since TC Studies is part of the Bologna Process, you can enroll to a master’s program and even continue to a doctorate program in any country member of the European Union. We must add that the number of countries becoming members of the Bologna Process keeps growing beyond Europe. As of 2024 there are 49 member countries.
- Can I work while studying?
Yes. In Poland, international students have the right to work off-campus while studying, as long as they are enrolled in an accredited educational institution, such as ours.
To be able to work in Poland you must have a full-time student status. With TC Studies you are considered a full-time student and you can work.
In the interest of transparency, we strongly advise our students not to work for at least their first semester. Our experience shows that international students need some time to adjust themselves to their new life in Poland. Students need to learn and understand their new demanding schedule as well as to adjust to the Polish culture and language.
- I understand the legal aspect, but, can I work while studying TC Studies?
Yes, you can. We have experienced the life of a ‘foreign student’ and understand the importance of being able to legally work off-campus. With this in mind, TC Studies is offered both in-person and in a hybrid format. The schedule is planned for three days a week, allowing students to manage a job alongside their studies. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with a job or guarantee that you will find one. However, there are numerous jobs in Poland where speaking Polish is not required.
NOTE: Please take into consideration that students who come to Poland with a TC Studies student visa are expected to attend all lectures in person. You can work during hours outside of your TC Studies schedule.