Spain Student Visa Application: Requirements and Process

Previously in our article the education system and the language of teaching in Spain, we talked about languages and education in Spain. Today we will talk about how to get a student visa for Spain and the required documents and conditions.

In order to get a study visa in Spain, the student must apply for formally from the consulate of Spain within his/her country. This is necessary due to the inability to convert the tourist visa to a study visa upon arrival in Spain.

The visa application should be sent to Spanish university admission. Taking into account the exact period to study the major because it cannot be changed later after applying.

This is one of the important points that many may ignore and cause them a major crisis later. Students have to obtain a card enabling them to reside in Spain from the second month of arrival. It is necessary for students to know that if the study period is less than six months, this period cannot be changed later.

Here’s an overview of everything you need to know before you apply for a student visa for Spain.

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What are the types of student visas in Spain?

International students from the EU/EEA/Shenghen areas don’t need any student visa but only a residence card for which they can apply for at the local authority’s office. Non-EU/EEA/Schengen students on the other hand need one of the 3 following types of student visa:

Schengen visa for up to 3 months study stay

This visa is for students who plan to study or work on academic research that need them to be in Spain for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day time frame. The holders of this visa can also freely travel through 26 Schengen countries, although they cannot apply for a residence card.

So, if your program duration falls into the 90 days validity period, you can apply for this visa. Moreover, this visa can’t be extended, you have to come back to your home country once it’s expired and apply for another type of visa.

Short-term student visa for up to 180 days study stay

The short-term visa allows you to stay in Spain for a longer period than the Schengen one if your program duration is for more than 3 months and less than 6 months. Holders of this student visa can’t apply for a residence card nor work during their stay in Spain.

Long-term student visa in Spain

This visa, as suggested in its name, is for more than 6 months long study stay in Spain. It also gives its holder to apply for a foreigner identity card, the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card, within 30 days within their arrival in Spain.

Spain Student Visa Requirements

As for the documents, papers, and conditions to apply for a visa, here’s the list:

A passport valid for at least six months and not expired to study in Spain, and previous passports if available.
A true copy of the visa information page of the valid passport.
Personal photos, such as those used in official documents, with a plain white background, preferably white.
An official acceptance letter in applicants’ name for a visa by a Spanish university. Taking into account both the level of study and the time specified and the university major.
Obtaining health and medical insurance appropriate for the duration of the stay and studying in Spain. Taking into account the different treatment expenses and the return to the home again if the student has health issues.
Visa application obtained from the Spanish embassies or consulates distributed in the countries correctly packed with the information of the applicant.
Paying the students’ visa fees, which is 60 euros or its equivalent in the currency.
Official document certifying that the student is free of serious diseases that require the quarantine, in compliance with health laws.
An official document that shows the student’s resources. Also, it’s possible to provide a document for students on scholarship, where both duration of stay and the amount needed is available.
A criminal record certificate stating the disclosure of the last five years to ensure no legal provisions on the student.

All of these conditions are important and necessary conditions to get a student visa for Spain, as they are basic conditions that a student must submit to obtain the visa easily without facing any difficulties.

How long does it take to get a Spanish student visa?

Processing times for a study visa for Spain vary depending on the type of visa you apply for. For the Schengen one, you need to submit your application as early as 3 months or as late as 2 weeks before your travel date to Spain.

For the short-term visa, processing time may last up to 3 months, so make sure you submit your application 2 to 3 months before your departure to Spain. And for the long-term study visa, application processing varies depending on your country of origin. So, make sure to check with your embassy or consulate before starting your application.

How much does it cost to get a student visa for Spain?

Usually, the visa fee for Spain is of an amount equivalent to 80 euros. The short-term visa may cost less. Also, applicants from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, United States and United Kingdom might be required to pay different rates. If that’s your case, you need to consult with your Consular Office.