Find out how to apply for Student Visa in Spain

Going to study in Spain is something we have all dreamed of at some point. European Union students have it easy because they don't need a visa for Spain, but if this is not your case, you can apply for a student visa to study in Spain and enjoy the Spanish way of life while you continue your education.

Want to know how to obtain a study visa for Spain? We explain everything you need to know: what it is, who it is for, what documents you need, how and where to apply... Let's get started!

What is a study visa?

A student visa is an authorisation granted to a student to be able to reside in a country while studying. The need to obtain this visa depends on the country of origin and the country of destination. This authorisation allows students to live and study in Spain for a determined period of time in order to obtain a certificate or an official study qualification.

In this case, the Spain Student Visa is aimed at all those students who want to study in Spain and reside outside the European Union and Swiss.

Spain student visa types

There are three different types of student visa for Spain depending on the length of stay:

• Student visa Spain 3 months: if you plan to stay in Spain for a maximum of 3 months (90 days), you don't need to apply for this visa. Keep in mind that this visa cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances, so after 90 days, you will have to leave the country.
• Student visa Spain 6 months: in case you are going to stay in Spain for 3 to 6 months, you must apply for a student visa that authorises you to stay for more than 90 days for academic training purposes, as long as it is in an authorised centre and the purpose is to obtain a degree or certificate of studies.
• Student visa Spain for more than 6 months: if you are staying in Spain for more than 6 months, you will have to apply for the same visa as for stays of 3 to 6 months, except that you will also have to obtain your NIE (Foreigner's Identity Number) at a foreigners' office, as well as provide a series of additional documents. The maximum stay limit, in this case, is 1 year, or 2 years in the case of higher education studies.

Spain student visa requirements

In order to apply for your student visa to study in Spain, you have to meet the following requirements and check whether you are eligible for this type of visa:

1. You must have been admitted to your authorised study centre in Spain.
2. You must be financially stable and have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay and studies.
3. Have health insurance with coverage in Spain.
4. In case of staying in Spain for more than 6 months, you must have a clean criminal record.

Documents required to apply for a visa for Spain

This documentation may vary depending on the situation and regulations of the country, so we recommend that you always check the information by calling the consulate. Currently, the documentation required for a foreigner to study in Spain is as follows:

• Valid passport or recognized travel document. It must be valid for at least the length of stay requested.
• Official national visa application form. If you have applied from outside Spain, you will have to present this document in duplicate, completed and signed.
• Proof of insurance. Prepare the document that proves that you have an authorised health insurance policy that offers coverage in Spain. If your study centre offers insurance cover for students, this is also valid.
• Certificate of admission. This document is official proof that you have been admitted as a full-time student leading to obtain a degree or certificate; it must be a school or university authorised in Spain.
• Proof of funds. You will have to provide proof, either of grants, scholarships, or proof of your own or family members' funds so that you can demonstrate that you can cover the expenses of your stay in Spain and the return to your country.
• Proof of payment of the fees for the procedure.

In case your stay in Spain is longer than 6 months, you will have to provide the following documents:

• Medical certificate. This certificate will prove that you do not suffer from any serious illness that represents a risk of contagion for the population.
• Criminal record certificate. Unless you are not of legal age, you will have to present proof that you have not had a criminal record either in Spain or in your country of origin during the last 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to apply for a student visa for Spain?

You can apply either at a Spanish consulate in your home country or get your student visa in Spain. If you apply in Spain, you will need to submit the official application form at least one month before the end of your period of stay in Spain.

How long does a student visa for Spain take?

You will receive your student visa from Spain within a maximum of one month. If you do not receive a reply within one month, your application will be deemed to have been rejected. It is advisable to apply at least 2 months (3 maximum) in advance in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances and to be able to organise your trip in advance.

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