Student Visa Requirements for Spain
A visa is one of the key prerequisites for overseas students wanting to study in Spain. Students from the EU/EEA do not need to get a student visa to study in Spain. Unfortunately, this is not the case for students from outside the EU/EEA, who must apply for a student visa to start their studies in Spain. International students must submit documentation for the application at the Spanish embassy or consulate in their country of residence. To apply, students must have their letter of acceptance from the university and the additional prerequisites specified below.
Types of VISAS in Spain
Spanish student visas come in various forms and have varying terms of validity. Students must submit a variety of documents together with their application at a Spanish embassy or consulate. It is required to be accepted onto a course before applying.
Student Permit for less than three months (90 days)
Students from nations that qualify for visa-free access for up to 90 days may enroll in a course without needing to apply for a student visa (as long as the course duration is shorter than 90 days). Those traveling from nations that are not exempt from visa requirements must apply for a Schengen Student Visa. Applications must be submitted at a Spanish embassy or consulate in the student's country of residence to study in Spain.
Short-term Student Visa visa for between 3 and 6 months
As less paperwork is needed, the application is simpler than the one for longer courses. There is never a reason to renew a short-term student visa. With this visa form, students can enroll in short-term courses at colleges and institutions and Spanish language classes.
Long-term Student Visa for more than six months
Students must apply for a student residency permit at an immigration office within a month of arriving in addition to completing the visa application. Compared to short-term visas, this sort of visa application requires more paperwork. A medical certificate and a certificate of no criminal conviction are required of applicants.
How to apply for Student VISA?
Applicants must acquire an enrolment offer before applying for a student visa to Spain. The application must be submitted two to three months before the desired travel to Spain to provide adequate processing time. Different documents may be required depending on the consulate, the applicant's circumstances, and the chosen course. A Schengen Student Visa now costs €60 per person.
Documents required
The required paperwork for a student visa is as follows, though it may change based on your situation:
- 2 completed Schengen Visa application forms
- Passport (valid until the end of your stay)
- ID Card (could be driver's license or national ID card if applicable)
- Current student ID
- Two recent passport photos (one for each application form)
- Letter of acceptance from the course provider
- Health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay (bank statements)
Process and Eligibility
These conditions must be satisfied to acquire the visa :
- Have been accepted into a program at a Spanish institution that is officially recognized to pursue a degree or study certificate full-time.
- However, the center must have the Autonomous Community's approval before enrolling in non-regulated programs, and you must leave with a diploma or certificate of completion.
- To be allowed entry into Spain and not to have their countries of origin turned away if Spain has reached a similar arrangement with them.
Application processing time
A Spanish student visa typically takes 1-3 months to process, depending on the volume of business at the embassy or consulate. You might hear back in as little as 15 days on occasion. To avoid any potential delays, you must apply well in advance.