Guide to Student Visa Application in Spain

For many students who want to study abroad, after passing a Spanish institution’s application, the next thing they have to do is to apply for a study visa.

If you’re planning to study in Spain but don’t know where to start regarding visa application, check out the rest of this article for a quick guide.

Eligibility and Qualifications for Study Visa Application in Spain

As a rule, individuals planning to study in Spain need to apply for a study visa or permit before they can go there and study. The type of study visa will usually depend on the student’s length of stay abroad.

Staying abroad for less than three months 

Students who plan to stay in Spain for less than three months can apply for a Schengen Student Visa. A Schengen visa is issued by the countries belonging to Europe’s Schengen area. It allows students to travel in Spain and other Schengen areas for up to 90 days.

Short-term student visa (three or six months)

Students who will only be studying in Spain for short-term study programs (three to six months), can apply for a short-term study visa. These programs usually include exchange programs, language programs, or summer programs. Unlike other study visas, a short-term study visa cannot be extended more than 180 days.

Long-term student visa (more than six months)

For students who will be studying in Spain for more than six months, they can apply for a long-term study visa. Students applying for this type of visa need more documents when applying for it, such as a medical certificate and a certificate of clear criminal records. 

Steps and Requirements for Study Visa Application in Spain

As part of the requirement to apply for a study visa, students must first get an invitation or acceptance letter from a Spanish educational institution. Also, they need to apply for at least three months before they travel to Spain.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

The first thing you should do is to collect all the needed documents, and put them in a big brown envelope. The applicant should write their name (surname first) and contact number on the upper left side of the envelope. Below are the required documents:

• Passport
• Identification card (driver’s license, national ID, etc.)
• Current student ID (if applicable)
• One recent passport-size photo to be included in the application form (with background)
• Duly accomplished application form 
• Institution’s letter of acceptance 
• Details of the course 
• Health insurance
• Proof of funds (bank statements, ITR, International credit cards)
• Medical certificate (for students staying six months and above)
• Certificate or clearance saying you have no criminal conviction (for students staying six months and above)

Step 2: Set an Appointment

After getting all the required documents, students should set an appointment at their local Spanish consulate and pay the visa fee upon submitting their application. 

Step 3: Wait for the Decisions

After attending your visa appointment and submitting the needed documents, you just have to wait for the decision from the consulate. Processing your visa would usually last 12 weeks. 

Study visa application in Spain is easy as long as you know the process and the needed requirements. To learn more tips about applying abroad, including college applications, check out MSM Unify’s article on 6 College Application Tips That You Must Know.