Visiting Spain to Study | Visa and Application

International students have long regarded Spain as the best country to study abroad. Spanish colleges and universities are well-known and provide many options for prospective overseas students.

Obtaining a Spain study visa is essential for international students seeking to experience the rich culture and excellent educational opportunities in this beautiful European country.

What is a Visa to Study in Spain?

Overseas students can live in Spain while attending school if they have a Spanish student visa, also called a Spain study visa. If an individual wants to study in Spain and is from a non-EU country, they must apply for a student visa. Once an applicant obtains a letter of confirmation from the university indicating they have been accepted, they can apply for a visa to study in the country.

A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days for volunteer work, internships, or studies. 

Eligibility for A Study Visa for Spain

To obtain a Spain study visa, an international student must follow several steps to fulfill the requirements. The first step involves completing the student visa application, which can be accessed online or obtained from the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s home country.

Applicants must gather the required documents, typically including a valid passport, proof of acceptance to a Spanish educational institution, evidence of financial means to support themselves during their stay, and proof of health insurance coverage. Additional documents may be required, depending on the individual’s situation and the specific program of study.

Once the necessary documents have been collected, the applicant must schedule a visa appointment at the Spanish consulate. It is essential to book this appointment well in advance, as consulates often experience high demand, and securing an appointment can take several weeks or even months. The applicant will submit the completed student visa application and the required documentation during the visa appointment. The consulate official may also ask the applicant questions to assess their intentions and eligibility for a student visa to Spain.

Upon approval of the student visa application, the applicant will receive a Schengen visa, which allows them to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. However, to study in Spain for an extended period, students must apply for a long-term student residence permit within 30 days of arriving there. Obtaining a Spain study visa is crucial for international students looking to pursue their education in the vibrant and culturally rich nation of Spain. Students can embark on an exciting academic journey in this popular European destination by following the proper procedures and meeting the necessary study visa requirements.

Depending on how long prospective students plan to be in Spain for school if they are a citizen of a country outside the European Union, they must make arrangements for their legal standing.

Students can stay in Spain for up to 180 days if they have a long-term study visa. In this instance, unlike a bundle of paperwork for a resident study visa, two certificates that typically cost a lot of time and money to process are necessary:

• A medical certificate, issued no more than three months before filing for a study visa, accompanied by a translation into Spanish or signed by a Spanish official.
• A recent apostille certificate of clean record translated into Spanish or prepared by an authorized translator in Spain with official recognition. It must have been issued no earlier than three months before applying for a visa by the appropriate authority of the country where the applicant has lived for five years before applying.

In Spain, this visa cannot be extended. Therefore, if an applicant intends to study longer than 180 days, they must apply for a resident study visa with one-year initial validity.

Activities That Justify a Student Visa

• We are pursuing full-time study (minimum of twenty hours weekly) at a recognized university or other educational institution leading to a diploma, certificate, or degree.
• Training exercises
• D./Doctoral Programs
• Exchange programs for secondary school students (high school or middle school) with a recognized scientific or higher learning institution.
• Internships or traineeships at organizations, whether private or public that are ineligible for internship visas
• Volunteer work for organizations addressing issues of general or public interest
• Teaching Aides (auxiliaries de conversación)
• Au Pair Programs

What Qualifies to be A Student

To qualify as a student, an individual must qualify for higher education in Spain after completing upper secondary (high school) studies. Additionally, they must hold a valid high school diploma and be eligible for continued-higher education in their home country.

However, prospective students should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in either Spanish or English. In some circumstances, students may also need to complete additional prerequisite coursework or pass an exam at the school of their choice to satisfy the eligibility requirements. If students want to be sure that the course they are applying for requires such particular tests, they should check with the Spanish institution.

Additional Information

Non-EU nationals who intend to study in Spain for over six months must apply for an "open" Type D study visa. Once in Spain, the applicant must get the Student Residence Card for foreigners, also known as TIE, to reside there legally. This type of visa is valid for entry into the Schengen region for three months. The TIE is a short-term visa that enables an individual to remain in the nation while attending school.

The card can be renewed every year until they complete their studies and has a maximum validity of one academic year. When renewing the permission, academic standing will be taken into consideration. In addition, the document grants prospective student permission to stay in Spain while they pursue their studies legally.

A student visa is not required for those who plan to study in Spain for less than 90 days. However, the ETIAS visa waiver for Spain will be needed. Up to 180 days can be spent in Spain for studies with a Type D visa. It is valid for a study period of up to six months. However, the Residence Card for International Students is unavailable with this sort of visa.

Study Duration of More than Six Months

After entering the European Union, prospective students have 30 days to start the Student Residence Card application process. The flight ticket (boarding pass) or the passport stamp indicating the date of their entry into the European Union must be presented for this.

The local Spanish Embassy or Consulate is where one can submit a visa application. Once an individual is in Spain, the visa issued cannot be modified; therefore, when the visa issued from a Spanish embassy or consulate is valid when traveling to Spain.

Eligibility

• Non-EU nationality.
• Be present in Spain regularly.
• If students have a short-term visa (90 days maximum), or if not, they are allowed 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen region, they must start the application process for a study permit within the first sixty days of their stay.
• When a resident and work permit is available, the study permit must be applied for at least thirty days before the residence and employment permission expires.
• Not have a travel ban prohibiting them from entering Spain.
• Be accepted into a full-time program in a Spanish higher education institution. A minimum of twenty hours per week or sixty credits are considered for the case.
• Possess ample financial resources.
• Possess either public or private medical insurance from a business authorized to conduct business in Spain.

The following relatives can also apply for a visa to travel with the student:

• A civil partner or spouse.
• Children who are underage or have special needs.

Visas for family members of students don’t count as a work permit.

Documents and Application for Study Visa Application

The following documents are necessary for anyone planning to pursue higher studies in Spain:

• Duly signed and completed visa application
• A passport is valid for the intended stay and two passport-size pictures.
• An acceptance letter from the Spanish university
• Information regarding the study program, such as the degree’s name and the number of hours per week of the study valid throughout the entirety of the academic career.
• Evidence that the overseas students have the necessary funds to support themselves financially during their term of study
• MEA/HRD must apostille certificates of good health and criminal history.
• Evidence that the visa application fees have been paid.
• Proof of lack of cases through a criminal record certificate

Top Universities in Spain

Most Spanish universities are among the best in the world and Europe. There are several universities in Spain, many of which are well-known abroad and consistently score high in global rankings. Even though Spanish is the primary language of instruction at most Spanish colleges, many degree programs are now offered in English.

Some of the top universities in Spain are listed below:

• Technical University of Madrid
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
• University of Barcelona
• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Pompeu Fabra University
• IE University
• University of Navarra
• Complutense University of Madrid

Spain draws students with its world-class universities and affordable tuition rates, so it’s not just the fantastic weather and stunning beaches that do it.

Price to Attend

One of the most affordable countries in Europe for tuition is Spain. It is a reasonable choice for overseas students because the tuition cost for bachelor’s programs is from 750 to 2,500 euros per year and 1,000 to 3,500 euros for master’s programs.

Private institutions determine their tuition rates, which may top twenty thousand Euros yearly. Although the cost of living in Spain varies by region, it is often simple to do so while maintaining a high standard of living. Food is affordable and of excellent quality, and there are many places to buy affordable, stylish apparel. However, lodging in significant cities like Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey.

Budget-friendly locations like Valencia or Seville can be worth considering if an individual is on a tight budget. Additionally, remember that Spain’s public transportation is practical and affordable. So, wherever students base themselves, they can explore everything the country offers.

Getting the School Application Started

Even if a person is not a resident of the consular district, the consular officer alone has the authority to accept visa applications from them if they regularly visit the district for study or if they live there. A study stay permit must also be applied for in addition to a study visa.

Who Can Apply for a Spain Study Visa?

If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must submit the visa application on their behalf. A duly authorized representative may also submit it on their behalf.

Timeframe for Applying for a Visa

The application must be submitted 90 days before the anticipated departure date. However, visa applications must be submitted far enough before the start of the relevant study programs because the process involves consulting with other authorities.

Submission Location

At the consular office, applications must be delivered in person. Therefore, it is essential to make an appointment.

Evidence of Delivery

The consular office will give the applicant evidence of receipt of the application along with a code that enables them to track the progress of the file.

Application Corrections

To process the application and make a decision, the Consular Office may ask the applicant to supply any missing documents or to give more information. A personal interview with the candidate may also be scheduled.

Decision Timeframe

Legally, a decision must be made within a month of the application’s filing date. However, this window may be extended if an interview is scheduled or more paperwork is required.

Visa Collection

The visa must be picked up in person by the applicant or their agent (if the applicant is a minor) within a maximum of two months, beginning the day following the date the applicant is notified of a favorable decision. The application process for returning any other original documents and the passport will be explained to the applicant by the consular office.

Rejection of a Visa or Study Stay Permit

Rejections of a visa or study stay permit are always communicated in writing and include the reasons for the rejection.

Visa Plea

If a visa or stay permit for studying in Spain is denied, the applicant may appeal to the consular office for reconsideration. This must be done within one month of the day after they get the notice that their application was denied.

Within the two-month window commencing the day after the applicant receives notice of the visa refusal or the rejection of the reconsideration appeal, they may also submit a judicial review application to the High Court of Justice of Madrid.

Spain Study Visa Validity

The visa will be valid for the entire stay if the study period is no longer than six months and a foreign identity card is not required. However, if the length of the study stay exceeds six months, the visa is only valid for a 90-day stay. The student must visit the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the Police Station of the region where permission was obtained within one month of their admission into Spain to apply for a foreign identity card.

It can be challenging to apply for a student visa since applicants have to make sure they have all the relevant paperwork and can demonstrate that they have the necessary resources, such as health insurance or funds, among other things. However, when an applicant has all the necessary information, the application process may be relatively straightforward, simplifying getting this visa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Spain study visa process requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation from international students. The required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, health insurance coverage, an acceptance letter from a Spanish educational institution, and evidence of language proficiency, are crucial for a successful application. Additionally, students should be prepared for a visa interview, during which they may be asked about their intentions and eligibility for the visa.

The visa success rate depends on the applicant’s adherence to immigration regulations and ability to demonstrate genuine intent to study in Spain. Once in the country, students must apply for a student residence permit to extend their stay beyond the initial 90 days granted by the Schengen visa. This permit ensures that international students can legally reside in Spain for their studies.

Spain continues to be an attractive destination for international students, offering a rich cultural experience and high-quality education. Students can embark on a rewarding academic journey in this beautiful European nation by following the necessary steps and meeting the requirements for a Spain study visa.