International Student Support Office
The International Student Support Office (ISSO) is one of the key units dedicated to assisting students who come to Poland to pursue their studies. ISSO serves as a comprehensive help center for international students from the moment they arrive in the country. Our team provides support with residence legalization, diploma recognition, and communication with local authorities.
ISSO maintains close cooperation with public institutions such as the Voivodeship Office as well as the Board of Education and the National Health Fund (NFZ). Thanks to these partnerships, we ensure that all necessary formalities are handled effectively and efficiently.
In addition to administrative assistance, ISSO coordinates various initiatives and programs designed to help international students adapt to life in Poland and integrate into the academic community. We also offer support for our graduates — WSIiZ alumni can rely on ISSO for help with preparing documents and completing procedures required to obtain a graduate temporary residence card (TRC).
By offering comprehensive guidance and practical assistance, ISSO makes it easier for international students and graduates to settle in, build their careers, and start a new chapter of life in Poland.
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Opening hours for Students:
From Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
Weekends – closed.
You can also contact the employees of the office by telephone number or e-mail:
Dominika Cichocka
International Students Consultant
(Studies in English)
+48 17 866 11 69
Viktoriia Shumlianska
International Students Consultant
(Studies in English)
+48 17 866 12 91
The university stands against of any form of discriminative or unacceptable behavior. There is no place in our community for racial, ethnic, religious, gender and sexual orientation related intolerance. Racist and discriminative behavior should be immediately reported to the office employees. Students may approach the office regardless of the reason of the discrimination, the circumstances in which the actions took place or the person who behaved in an inappropriate manner. The office ensures full anonymity of reporting students.
Information can be provided personally at the office or by phone/e-mail. Your well-being is our priority!
As mentioned before, the International Students Support Office remains in constant contact with the Voivodship Office, City Hall of Rzeszow, Board of Education, as well as with cultural organizations and non-governmental organizations in the city. The office also cooperates with local schools and kindergartens that want to host foreign students with presentations about their countries of origin.
Beginning studies in Poland may involve challenges related to local administrative requirements and legal procedures. Support is available to help international students complete all necessary steps to legalise their stay in Poland and access essential services.
Consultations and assistance with documentation are provided free of charge.
Key areas of legal assistance:
- PESEL Number: A unique national identification number issued once in a lifetime to individuals residing in Poland. Obtaining a PESEL is often required for many administrative procedures.
- Registration of Residence (Meldunek): Formal confirmation of residence at a specific address in Poland. Registration is necessary to apply for other official documents.
- Health Insurance: Access to public health care services, including medical consultations, treatment, and hospital care. Proof of insurance is required when applying for a residence permit.
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC): A permit issued to a foreign national who has fulfilled the conditions for legal residence in Poland. This document grants the right to stay in Poland for a specified period.
For students whose foreign secondary school diploma must be verified, an individual written statement issued by the NAWA Director confirms that the qualification allows access to higher education in Poland. This document replaces the previous nostrification procedure and is required for admission and continued study at UITM.
The Buddy Programme connects first-year international students with senior students who act as mentors. Activities include welcoming new students upon arrival, assisting with everyday tasks such as opening a bank account or purchasing a SIM card, accompanying students to public offices, and sharing essential information about university rules and student life. However, the support does not only cover the area related to the University and studying, but also settling in Poland and Rzeszów.
People participating in the Buddy program belong to the Multicultural Academic Club. Buddies will receive the following benefits:
- Activity points required for the scholarship (max. 25);
- Priority in recruitment to the Erasmus + program;
- Opportunity to participate in events organized by ISSO and the academic club (f.e Orientation Week, Easter, Christmas Eve, etc.);
- Gaining experience of working in a multicultural environment, valued on the labor market;
- Active participation in the integration of the academic community.
People who want to become Buddies should contact Dominika Cichocka (dcichocka@wsiz.edu.pl).
Foreign students, especially those who have just started their studies and moved to Poland, should know emergency numbers. In situations where life or health are under the risk, the relevant services should be informed immediately:
- 112 – General emergency number
- 997 – Police
- 999 – Ambulance
- 998 – Fire Brigade
- 992 – Gas Rescue Service
If student needs help of an employee of the International Student Support Office (e.g. in order to communicate with the above-mentioned services), they can call the emergency number: +48 667 961 186.
Please note, that you can call this number only in emergency situations.
The Multicultural Academic Circle brings together students from different countries to encourage intercultural exchange, integration, and active community building. MAC creates opportunities for students to develop and present artistic talents, including singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments. The highlight of the integration activities is the annual International Day, an outdoor event held on the Kielnarowa campus, which attracts several hundred participants and showcases the cultural diversity of the university community. The club is open to all students who are considering joining the programs or want to contribute to the strengthening of the internationalization of the University.
Information about the club is provided by Dominika Cichocka – dcichocka@wsiz.edu.pl
Read more about student life at UITM -> here
