are you planning to study in Spain?
here is everything you need to know about securing a Spain student visa!
summary
1. The Long-Term Student Visa in Spain is for students taking courses that last for more than 6 months.
2. It is best to apply for the Student Visa one month before the departure date.
3. Students must purchase travel medical insurance from an authorized provider in Spain.
4. Students with a Long-Term Study Visa are allowed to work while studying.
Long-Term Student Visa
A Student Visa in Spain allows you to take/extend your studies to obtain an official degree; participate in research/training activities; join exchange programs; volunteer as a student; and carry out non-work placements.
The Long-Term Student Visa is suitable for students who are taking courses that are longer than 6 months, such as undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. If your course only lasts up to 180 days (3-6 months), you are encouraged to apply for the Short-Term Student Visa instead.
International students who have received their Long-Term Student Visa are required to apply for a student residence card within a month after arrival.
To be eligible:
- You must be enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Spain, or
- You must be admitted at an officially recognized research/training center in Spain, or
- You have a signed agreement with a center where you will be volunteering.
Exemptions
If you are a citizen of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or the European Union member countries, you may not need a Student Visa. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
What You Need
01.
Letter of acceptance from a higher education provider in Spain
02.
2 completed Student Visa application forms
03.
2 Biometric Photos (Contact [email protected] for more information)
04.
A valid passport
05.
Copies of your passport pages that contain your information
06.
Flight reservation that contains your name, dates, and the location of your arrival and departure
07.
Medical insurance
08.
Financial proof to show that you are able to fund your living, accommodation, and study costs
09.
Certificate of no criminal conviction
When To Apply
- We recommend that you apply for a Student Visa at least one month in advance. The earliest you can apply is three months before your departure to Spain, and the latest is three weeks prior.
Application Process
- Complete the Visa application form with the correct information.
- Compile all the required documents.
- Schedule a Visa appointment and interview.
- Attend the interview and submit your biometrics.
- Pay the Visa fee.
Fees
- USA citizens: €141
- Canadian citizens: €83
- Other nationalities: €80
- *(Contact [email protected] for the latest update)
Medical Insurance
- You must present proof of your travel medical insurance purchase to the Spanish authorities of the Visa application department in your home country. Your health insurance should be from an authorized provider in Spain.
Extended Stay
- You are advised to renew your Student Visa 60 days before it expires.
Duration of Stay
- If your Long-Term Student Visa only allows you to stay for 180 days, you cannot stay in Spain for more than the stated duration.
- If your Student Visa does not have such a restriction and you intend to stay in Spain for more than 6 months, you will have to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card that is valid for one year.
- You are allowed to renew it for up to five times, as long as you are still continuing your studies.
Biometric Data
- You must submit your biometrics if this is your first time traveling to the Schengen territory in the last five years, which include your facial image and copies of your fingerprints. Contact [email protected] for the requirements.
Your Arrival
- If you intend to stay for more than 6 months, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within one month of your arrival. You can visit the nearest Foreigners Office in the area of your residence in Spain.
Working While Studying
- If your Student Visa is valid for 6 months or more, you can get a work authorization once you obtain your Foreigner Identity Card.
- Your Spanish residence permit allows you to work part-time or in a temporary position.
- You cannot work in Spain if your Visa is only valid for 180 days.
