Types of Spanish Student Visa
There are several different visas available for international students wishing to study in Spain. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality and your program’s duration.
Here are the different types of student visas available in Spain:
Schengen Student Visa (Less Than 3 Months)
International students from countries other than EU/EEA member states and Switzerland will need to apply for a Schengen Student Visa for courses shorter than 90 days.
On the other hand, students from countries that do not need a visa to travel to Spain for up to 90 days are eligible to pursue studies in Spain without applying for a visa (if the study program is shorter than 90 days).
Short-Term Student Visa (3-6 Months)
The short-term student visa or the 180-day D-type visa allows students to undergo a study course that lasts up to 180 days (3-6 months). These student visas have a less complicated application process and cannot be extended. Through a short-term student visa, the student can take up any short course. If the course duration is longer than 180 days, the student should apply for a long-term student visa to Spain.
Long-Term Student Visa (Over 6 Months)
The long-term student visa to Spain allows you to undertake courses longer than six months in Spain. You will be eligible to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs and reside in Spain for the duration of your study program. The application process for this type of visa requires more paperwork than the previously mentioned type of visa. You will need to provide proof of financial resources and medical insurance.
Spain Student Visa Eligibility
- Certificate of acceptance from the joining university;
• Complete information about the study program, such as the name of the course, duration of the study, and other details;
• Medical insurance proof
• Proof of financial sources to manage expenses in Spain;
• English language proficiency proof;
• Complete tuition fee payment receipt
Spain Study Visa Requirements
- Acceptance letter from a Spanish university;
• Submit the visa application form with all required documents;
• Supporting academic documents of your previous education;
• Travel and medical insurance policy copies;
• Proof of accommodation in Spain;
• Criminal record certificate to prove you have no cases
• Spain study visa payment receipt
Documents required for the Spain student visa application:
- Completed visa application form
- A passport which is valid for the intended period of your stay
- 2 passport size photos
- Certificate of acceptance from the Spanish university
- Information about the study program, such as the name of the degree and hours of study per week
- Health insurance is valid for the whole period of your studies
- Proof of having the required financial resources to cover your living expenses during your course of study
- Medical certificate and Criminal record certificate to be Apostille by MEA/HRD
- Proof of having paid the visa application fees
- Criminal record certificate to prove you have no cases
Spanish Student Visa Cost
The cost of your student visa to Spain varies depending on the visa type and your country of origin. The Spanish student visa fee is usually €60; meanwhile, the cost of a Schengen student visa to Spain is €80 (for citizens of countries excluding the US or Canada).
US citizens will have to pay €132 ($160) for a student visa to Spain and €115 ($140) for a Schengen student visa to Spain. Canadian applicants will have to pay €80 ($98) for a Spanish student visa and €97 ($118) for a Schengen student visa to Spain.
Best Courses to Choose in Spain
Spain is the best place for international students to study. The country has 76 universities, including 24 private universities. Universities of Spain offer graduate, postgraduate, master’s, and special classes. At the Degree level, students can choose many specializations.
Popular courses in Spain you can choose from
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Law
- Computer Science
- Spanish language
Top 5 Courses in Spain
- Business & Management Courses
- Computer Science & Information Technology Courses
- Hospitality Management Courses
- Arts and Humanities Courses
- Natural Science Courses
Other courses include:
- English literature
- Spanish literature
- Western American literature
- History
- Visual arts
- Marketing and Finance
International students can choose bachelor’s or master’s courses in all the top 5 specializations in Spain.
The best universities for Hospitality and Management courses:
- Barcelona Executive Business School
- Ostelea Tourism Management School
- TBS Business School in Barcelona
Best Universities for Natural Science Courses
- University of Valencia
- University of Barcelona
- Pompeu Fabra University
Best Universities for Computer Science & Information Technology Courses
- University Carlos III de Madrid
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- University of Barcelona
Best Universities for Business & Management Courses
- EAE Business School
- IE Business School
- ESADE
Best universities for Arts and Humanities Courses
- Pompeu Fabra University
- University of Basque Country
- University of Granada
