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Are you considering studying in SPAIN? Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Located on the Iberian Peninsula and bordered by France and Portugal, Spain is a beautiful country with a long history and rich culture, known for its architecture, food and wonderful climate.
The country is composed of a number of semi-autonomous regions each with a distinct culture and sometimes even local language. In Spain, you can find any landscape from beaches to high mountains – with climates to match. There are historic and modern universities to choose from in large and small cities in every part of the country.
Country Information – Benefits to be in SPAIN
Studying in Spain, Visiting Spain or moving for work to Spain! In recent years, Spain, one of Europe’s overlooked studies abroad destinations, has experienced a huge boost in interest from prospective students, and we think we know why.
Every year thousands of students from across the world make their way to Spain to attend one of the 76 universities located in the country. They come to the country for numerous reasons, with the knowledge that studying here is a truly enlightening experience. Spain offers its international students the opportunity to create new attitudes and concepts about life. It gives students a fresh perspective on the world around them.
Spain is rich in history and culture, and as so, it provides the complete package for anyone coming to the area from international lands. While quality education is among the main reasons why international students should study in Spain, you will be able to find plenty of other complementary factors that add up to the experience.
- Learning new languages: Studying a foreign language by immersion with native speakers will give you a chance to master the Spanish language, be more fluent and improve your accent and pronunciation.
- Boosting your resume: Studying abroad in Spain will make your resume stand out and give you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Being independent: Studying abroad in Spain will help you develop independence and self-reliance.
- Experience new culture and perspective: Studying abroad in Spain will give you the opportunity to experience a new culture and gain a new perspective on the world.
- Enhance your network: Studying abroad in Spain will help you build a global network of contacts and friends.
- Discover new land in Spain: Studying abroad in Spain will give you the opportunity to explore the country and discover new places.
Details about Educational institutes, Colleges, Universities
Student have lots of institutions to choose from for education in Spain. A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in Spain.
There are a large number of universities of Spain, many of which hold a great reputation internationally and get ranked high in international rankings. Although most universities in Spain focus on teaching in Spanish, the trend points toward more degree programmes offered in English. Some of the most notable Spanish public universities include the University of Barcelona, the Complutense University of Madrid, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
If you are thinking about getting a Business degree, Spain might be the place for you: Spain is home to many great business schools, including 3 of Europe’s top 10 business schools are located in Spain: IESE Business School, IE Business School, and Esade Business School. These highly respected institutions have spawned many international top managers.
Universities can be divided into three groups:
- Public University or Universidad Pública: It’s funded by the national or autonomous community government.
- Private University or Universidad Privada: They’re funded and run by private organizations. Some of them also receive state funding.
- University run by the Catholic Church or Universidad de la Iglesia: They’re run by the Catholic Church and grant official titles and certificates with the same validity as public and private universities. These institutions are usually financed mostly by the students. The main difference with private universities is that church universities are governed by the agreements between the Holy See of Rome and the Spanish State and they have educational projects based on Christian humanism.
A few reasons to study in Spain:
- Receive Quality Education
- Study in English
- Enjoy Brilliant Outdoors
- Learn Spanish!
- Indulge in Spanish Cuisine
- Earn New-Found Knowledge
Join the Increasing Number of Intl Students
List of Top Spain Universities:
- Autonomous University of Barcelona
- University of Barcelona
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Pompeu Fabra University
- University of Navarra
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- IE University
- Technical University of Madrid
- University of Granada
- University of Alcalá
- University of Zaragoza
- University of Seville
- University of Valencia
- Comillas Pontifical University
- University of Salamanca
- Ramon Llull University
- University of the Basque Country
- Rovira i Virgili University
- University of Santiago de Compostela
- University of Alicante
- University of Murcia
- King Juan Carlos University
- University of A Coruña
- University of Castilla–La Mancha
- University of Oviedo
- University of Valladolid
- University of Vigo
- European University of Madrid
- Jaume I University
- Miguel Hernández University of Elche
- Open University of Catalonia
- Pablo de Olavide University
- Public University of Navarre
- UIC Barcelona
- Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)
- Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena
- Universitat Politècnica de València
- University of Almería
- University of Burgos
- University of Cantabria
- University of Cádiz
- University of Córdoba
- University of Deusto
- University of Extremadura
- University of Girona
- University of Jaén
- University of La Laguna
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- University of León
- University of Lleida
- University of Málaga
- University of the Balearic Islands
- University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia
Language Tests or Language requirements
Do I need to pass and ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST to study in Spain? Is the question you must be having in your mind. Let us make it clear and precise for you. If your first language is not English, you’ll need to show excellent language proficiency to apply to a Spanish university.
If students want to study at a major Spanish university, they now have the choice between studying in Spanish or English, since most departments offer at least one program taught either entirely or partially in English. International students will certainly need to provide proof of language proficiency, which generally means appearing for one of the accepted exams and receiving a minimally acceptable score.
Spanish Language Tests for International Students: There are no set regulations regarding proof of proficiency in the Spanish language like you have for the English language. Generally, students applying to a study program which are taught in Spanish have the following 2 options for proving their proficiency in the Spanish language. They are: DELE & Selectividad.
English Language Tests for International Students: Every university in Spain accepts IELTS Academic as well as TOEFL iBT or PBT, and almost all also accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic), and Duolingo. CPE is also accepted in Spain.
- IELTS: IELTS is a commonly accepted English test all over the world. The most common requirement to study in Spain in an English-language Masters or Bachelor’s degree programme. an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no section below 5.5), an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0), and/or an IELTS score of 7.0 (with no section below 6.0). When applying to universities in Spain, keep in mind that the minimum IELTS score required may vary depending on the institution and program.
- TOEFL: TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is accepted by most Spain universities and colleges. A TOEFL PBT overall score of 480–523, a TOEFL iBT an overall score of 80–90, and/or a TOEFL cBT score of 318–287 in the written test with an overall score of 90, When applying to universities in Spain, it’s important to research which English proficiency tests are accepted by your desired institutions and programs. The minimum required TOEFL score varies depending on the institution, with a typical range of 60 to 70.
- DUOLINGO: Going a bit virtual, Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test gaining popularity among Spanish universities. The Duolingo test also measures the same four language skills but in an adaptive format. Universities accepting Duolingo scores are the University of Eastern Spain and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The minimum accepted score varies, but most universities require at least 75. But as compared to the other two, Duolingo offers an affordable and accessible option for students who need to prove their English proficiency.
- PTE: PTE is accepted by 60% of Spanish schools and universities. It is usually available in over 50 countries. However, it is currently available in 10 countries, including India and Nepal. Results are available immediately. The minimum PTE score required in Spain is 58 and it may go up to the highest depending on the course level.
VISA types and Its Understandings
A student visa is a type of visa required by foreign nationals to study and stay in Spain for the duration of their studies. A student who is not a citizen of Spain but wants to study in Spain requires a Spain Student Visa to fulfil this purpose. Any foreign student who enrols on a course lasting three months or more in Spain will require a student visa.
There are different types of visas meant for people intending to pursue educational activities in Spain. The type of visa that you require to travel or migrate to Spain depends on your purpose of visit and the number of days you intend to remain there. The length of your study program will determine which type of student visa you should apply for.
Type of Visa for 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-days 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 enrol 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 visas. You will need to provide proof of financial resources and medical insurance.
- After obtaining a long-term Spanish student visa, international students should also apply for a student residence card within a month after arrival.
Admission & VISA Application Process
Admission process explained in a simplified way. If you’re from a country outside the EU, you need to have a recognized high school certificate. This certificate serves as a confirmation that your diploma is valid according to the requirements in Spain. You can easily have your diploma validated at the Spanish embassy in your country. Spanish embassies will provide you with a Volante Accreditation which can be used to apply to the university of your choice.
Additionally, you will have to pass an entrance exam, called selectividad or Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad. You can take this exam twice a year in your country of residence. Once passed, you will be eligible to study at any public or private Spanish university.
Apply for a school in Spain
Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
Submit Visa Application & Book Biometric at VAC
Attend Visa Interview
Visa Approve or Decline
1. Apply for a school in Spain
Before you apply for a student visa you will need to apply for admission into the Undergraduate or Graduate program. Before starting your study abroad in Spain, you will have to be admitted and get a study visa. As a potential future student in Spain, the first thing you need to do is find a university there that suits your study program. As soon as you have a school in mind then you should apply at the university. If you are not accepted, you won’t receive a student visa. Proof of enrolment is obligatory.
2. Receive Offer Letter & Pay Initial Fees
Now that you have been admitted and you receive a document called Letter of Acceptance from the institution’s international student office. You will be instructed to pay some fees to confirm your admission to the institution. Pay the fees from your bank account for safer transactions and then get Final Offer Letter from the college.
Once you receive your acceptance letter then you can apply for a student visa. In this case, you actually need a visa on the basis of studying. The application process for the visa starts by creating a user account. Once you create an account select the application form for a visa on the grounds of a study program in the e-service.
Fill in the online application with the correct information and submit your application. You must attach scanned copies of the required documents (see above) to your application. If by any chance you can’t fill in an online application then you can visit a local embassy or consulate and fill in a paper application in person.
3. Submit Visa Application & Book your Biometric at VAC
You must submit the student visa application to the Spanish Agency Once you submit your application through the e-service then you have to go to the embassy to prove your identity and submit your fingerprints. Bring all the documents you submitted in the online service with you. Additionally, you must pay the application fee at the embassy/consulate. If you apply in person then similarly you will be asked to submit your fingerprints and pay the fee. You might also be asked to sit for an interview. The interview is just to get a feel of your personality and your reasons why you want to study in Spain.
4. Attend Visa Interview
Now is the time to wait for reply from High Commission and based on your application, biometric and details you will be asked to submit documents (if required). Attend the interview.The embassy will ask you to show up for an interview to ask questions related to your application process and education. Then, you must wait to receive an answer whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
5. VISA Approve or Decline
- Once you submit your application you must patiently wait for an answer. The Spanish Immigration Office evaluates students’ applications as a top priority so the processing time will be done as soon as possible.
- The time will vary especially if you are missing anything from your application and the embassy contacts you to submit the missing documents, but, the usual time it takes to review an application is usually sometime between 1 to 3 months. As soon as your application has been approved the Spanish Immigration Office will send your residence card to the embassy.
Applying for Student Visa?
Understand the procedure and then only start the visa application process. You are expected to apply six months in advance of your trip. It takes about four to eight weeks to get your visa if you do not forget to submit any documents or have to re-submit them. Here are the steps for applying for your Spain student visa:
Eligibility Criteria for Spanish Student Visa: To be eligible for a visa to study in Spain you must fulfil the following conditions. These are some of the documents you need to submit during the application for a residence permit:
- A valid passport to be current throughout the whole time of stay in Spain
- Letter of acceptance from the university
- A copy of all the passport’s pages
- A recent passport-style colour photo
- Confirmation of school or university registration issued by the academic institution in Spain
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Students must possess sufficient economic funds to maintain themselves in the country
- A medical certificate issued by a doctor
- A negative criminal record checks from the countries students have lived in for the past five years.
- If there is a lack of income, you should present a sponsorship letter from your parents stating they will cover all costs.
- Copy of marriage certificate with notarized translation into English. (if applicable)
- Visa Fee will not be reimbursed in case of visa refusal.
Dos and Don’ts for Spain Student Visa Application: You need to remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for Spain student visa.
Dos
- Apply for a student visa at least 5 weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course.
- Remember that if you are applying online, you can only apply for your visa a maximum of 180 days before your course starts
- Fill up your visa application form carefully with all accurate details.
- Submit all the required supporting documents along with your visa application form.
Don’ts
- Do not present false documents for your visa.
- Do not provide any false information.
- Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your visa application.
Financial requirements, Finances & Cost of Living
How much does it cost to study in Spain? Spain remains the most preferred among most international students when it comes to popular study-abroad destination options. However, proof of clear available funds is required to pursue studies in Spain to cover tuition and living expenses.
- How much are the tuition fees in Spain?
- How to prove funds for Spain?
- How much does student accommodation costs in Spain?
- How much does it cost to live in Spain?
- What financial support is available to international students in Spain?
- How much are the TUITION FEES in Spain?
- Spain is one of the most popular destinations for university study but, like the UK, Australia, Canada and the US, it is not much expensive.
- One thing to pay attention to is that tuition fees in Spain are calculated in a pay-per-credit format. This means that you might end up paying more if you withdraw and enrol for the second or third time in the same program. Annual tuition fees in public Spanish universities are generally between €4,000-8,500.
- Quick Facts about Tuition Fees in Spain: Spanish universities follow the Bologna university system and each student is required to complete a minimum of 60 (ECTS) credits for one year of university. Tuition fees are calculated and presented according to credits. A Bachelor program can cost between €2,800-6500 per year at a public university. Masters or Doctoral degrees at a public university can vary between €50-80 per credit. Fees to attend a Bachelor program in a private university can vary between €8,500-24,000 per school year. Along with tuition fees, students have to pay a college application fee. These fees vary but remain less than €100.
- How to prove FUNDS for Spain?
- In order to pursue your studies in Spain, proof of sufficient funds is required to cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove to fund with the following:
- You’ll need to show that: 1) You have paid for your studies. A receipt from your university or institution or a letter showing that a scholarship or endowment will cover fees.
- 2) You can support yourself. You’ll need at least €600 per month of study, but each Spanish consulate has different standards. The amount is lower if you can show proof of accommodation or support, like a bursary.
- If someone else is covering your costs (like your parents), you’ll need a notarized letter assuming financial responsibilities.
- A savings book or deposits in a bank (the account has to be accessible from Spain). Proof of purchase of traveller’s cheques. A letter of guarantee from a person living in Spain or an institution domiciled in Spain. A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 6 last months).
- How much does the student ACCOMMODATION costs in Spain?
- Student accommodation is generally provided by Spanish universities in student residence halls (Colegios Mayores) or student apartments. Rent and accommodation costs vary depending on the location you choose, amenities offered and other factors. In general, if you pick Madrid or Barcelona, the prices are a bit higher than in other cities. Typically, an apartment in Barcelona is around €850, while in Madrid the one-bedroom apartment costs around €1000 per month.
- Types of Student Accommodation in Spain:
- Host families’ welcome students to live with them throughout Spain, providing a highly rewarding and immersive experience for your education in Spain. You can study, learn Spanish in a natural environment and get first-hand experience in Spanish culture.
- Studio apartments are a more independent housing option but tend to be a little more costly than other forms of housing. They are usually smaller and you don’t have to share a room with other students. As mentioned, however, they are usually more expensive, especially the closer they are to the centrum.
- Finding a roommate is also a great and cost-effective accommodation option for those students wanting a sociable living arrangement. A lot of students opt for this choice because it is more affordable to split the cost and you are bound to meet new people easier. So, if you’re looking to pay less and get a friend included.
- Apartments, flats and townhouses are also available as a means of student housing. It is however difficult to obtain these and they are usually more expensive. It is best to contact an agent if you prefer to choose this.
- How much does it cost to LIVE in Spain?
- The cost of living in Spain varies by location, but in general it is easy to live well in Spain on a student budget. Food is cheap and high quality and there are many inexpensive fashionable clothing shops. However, it can be expensive to find accommodation in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. If you are on a very tight budget, you could consider cheaper cities such as Valencia or Seville. And remember, public transport in Spain is efficient and cheap, so you will be able to experience everything the country has to offer no matter where you choose to base your studies.
- Transport Cost: A regular trip by public transport usually costs 1.5 EURO, and a monthly transport pass is 42 EURO and a little over 54 EURO in large cities. You can travel around Spain and see its lovely cities with AVE (speed train): the average price for a trip is 75 EURO. With the youth travel card, you can get major discounts. If you prefer private transport over walking, you can also rent a car from local companies.
- Cost of Food in Spain: Students in Spain will find plenty of choices from the local cuisine, such as “paella”, “escabeche” or “merienda”. For your monthly groceries, you would normally spend between 200 and 400 EURO. It depends a lot on your habits: if you cook or not, how often you eat out, and so on. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Spain are Dia, Bally, Dani and Mercadona. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant cost around 10 EURO, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is 35 EURO.
- Basic utilities: Electricity, Water, Heating, Garbage will cost you around 115 EURO/month. Internet: 30 EURO/month. Home content and baggage insurance: get insurance advice and insight in costs, based on your situation.
- Extra costs and savings: Extra costs: Special classes with different fees: from 30 EURO to around 200 EURO. Health insurance: between 70 and 180 EURO/year. Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Spain.
- Books and supply costs: It should also be considered in your budget plans. How much money you will have to spend on them vary. On average, you will spend around €900 per year. Luckily there are alternatives if you’re looking to save money without compromising on your education. A lot of sites like Segunda Mano, one of Spain’s most famous websites for selling and buying of second-hand items, can be the right place to find textbooks at a discount price. This is a great way to get the things you need without breaking the budget.
- What financial support is available to INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS in Spain?
- Financial aid comes in many formats: Scholarships, Grants, Assistantships, and Work–Study Schemes. In Spain, there are 2 main ways that students can fund their studies–scholarships and financial aid. There are a few scholarships that students can apply for which can help towards living expenses and tuition fees.
- Grants & Scholarships in Spain: Several options are available for students looking for financial help with their Spanish-based studies. These include loans, scholarships (even offered by the Spanish government) and various grants. This comprehensive Scholarship Guide, brought to you by educations.com, outlines the top scholarships currently available in Spain as well as other countries around the world.
- International students pursuing a Master or Doctorate program are eligible to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Erasmus offers a grant for exchange students (EU only) pursuing a Bachelor degree (first and second cycle) and Master program who meet the general, academic and financial requirements.
- The Ministry of Education can provide financial aid assistance. An application form must be completed and submitted to the ministry of Education, Instituto de cooperacion Iberoamerican or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application often asks personal questions including the amount of money you and your parents make.
- Universities in Spain sometimes offer various study grants for international students coming to their university to study. Application deadlines vary so talk to your university’s admission staff as soon as possible to avoid missing out on applying.
Funding & student support: If you need financial support to build your future career through education, you have several options in Spain: The EU provides funds to international students enrolled in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmes, either for Master’s or doctoral degrees. The fund is equally provided to students coming from both EU and non-EU countries.
Work Opportunities and Work environment
Currently, Spain has announced that there will be a temporary lift in the current work hour restrictions placed on international students in Spain. Working in Spain as an international student.
- Career Opportunities in Spain: Students enrolled in a full-time program in Spain can also work part-time at different establishments in the country. This is a very good way to rake in more income towards their tuition and living expenses.
- Working part-time in Spain is such an attractive option for many, students can work up to 20 hours per week and even more during the summer holidays. In Spain, there are many employee benefits and regulations that make working part-time in the country very organized and streamlined.
- Working in another country is always a challenge and working part-time in Spain is a unique opportunity to know a country and its people and develop a strong collection of new experiences.
- The first step would be to secure the job, research is very important in this regard, students must seek out information through their university and many other online platforms. Consult the main recruitment organizations on the internet, many of them are pretty straight-forward and direct.
- On the other hand, finding unemployment might not be easy for everyone but personal experiences differ and it is definitely worth the shot. Noteworthy also is the fact that in Spain wages are typically below the EU average, but they well up make up for this with employee benefits.
- One skill that is important but is gradually phasing out, is the need to be able to speak Spanish, although many locations around the country only employ English speakers, many others require a good level of Spanish proficiency. In the past few years, however, with a growing expat community in larger cities, there are many job openings for only English speakers.
- Also in these expat communities, many jobs are not only available, but they also pay very significantly. Students work in tourist locations as waiters, bar staff and cooks. The best way to secure these jobs is to ask locally and look in local dailies. Jobs in the catering trade do not tend to be advertised online.
- Some of the more common part-time opportunities to be found in Spain include; Cleaning, Maid services, Bar work, Waiters and Waitresses, Manual labour, Shop work, Front Desk Operations, Leaflet distribution, and Entertainment. Etc.
- The average income in Spain is around €12,000 a year. The minimum wage is €506 per month. Business hours vary in Spain also, traditional working hours are 08:00 or 09:00 to 13.00 then lunch break or siesta and then from 14:00 to 16:00 or 17:00.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Visa
- How to get student visa for Spain?
- Spain is relatively expensive when it comes to living costs in comparison to other To get a student visa for Spain, you should first gain admission to your chosen course or program in Spain. The letter of admission is a necessity among the student visa requirements. After gaining admission, you should contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country or the one closest to your home country to submit your documents and application. Find the student visa to Spain requirements listed below.
- Where to apply for Spanish Student Visa?
- You should submit your Spanish student visa application at the Spanish Embassy/Consulate in your home country (or the closest one to your home country). If you are in Spain at the time of your application, you should request authorization to stay in Spain to pursue your studies from the Government Delegation or Sub-Delegation in the province you plan to study at. Ensure that you submit your application in due time, meaning at least two-three months before your travel date to Spain.
- When to apply for Spanish Student Visa?
- The application for the student visa to Spain should be made when you are offered a place in your chosen study program. You should begin the preparation process as soon as you get your admission letter. Additionally, to avoid any visa processing delays, it is essential to apply for your Spanish student visa at least two or three months before traveling to Spain.
- How long does it take to get a Student Visa to Spain?
- The processing time for a Spanish student visa is usually somewhere between 1-3 months, depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate. Sometimes, you might receive an answer for as little as 15 days. However, you must apply well ahead of time to avoid any possible delays. Make sure you begin preparing the required documents as soon as possible after receiving your letter of admission from your chosen education provider.
- Can I work while I study in Spain?
- Yes, you can work in Spain during your studies while being on a student visa. The Spain student visa allows students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, meaning students (on a student visa) cannot undertake full-time employment during their studies in Spain. Your employer in Spain has to obtain a work permit for you, from the Foreign Office. Meanwhile, your student ID will be enough if you want to undergo an unpaid internship.
- Can my Spanish Student Visa get rejected?
- Your student visa to Spain may get rejected on certain occasions. Applying for a student visa can be a complicated process because you have to make sure you have all the required documents and meet the requirements (including proof of financial resources or health insurance). Here are some of the reasons why your Spanish student visa can get rejected: Lack of financial support, Incorrect documentation (or missing documents), Failure to provide suitable answers to the consular officer during the interview, The Spanish authorities are not convinced of the applicants’ intentions.
- Simply make sure you provide the correct documents, prepare for the interview and state your intentions of studying in Spain clearly and efficiently.
- How to apply for Student Residence Card in Spain after Visa?
- You should obtain your student residence card (TIE or Foreigner Identity Card) after arriving in Spain. Specifically, you should apply for this card within one month of your arrival. Do so by visiting the nearest Immigration Department branch or local police station in Spain. You should submit a set of documents such as a letter of residency, letter of admission to studies, passport, and ID, as well as recent photographs.
- How to apply visa for family members in Spain?
- Visa applications for a spouse, domestic partner, a child or children (under the age of eighteen or with a disability) are allowed alongside an application for a study visa. This means they can enter and live legally with you during the duration of your studies in Spain.
- How long is my Student Visa valid in Spain?
- For courses under a year, your visa will be valid for the duration of the course. For courses one year and longer, a one-year visa is issued. You can renew the visa as long as you continue to meet the conditions.
- Can I work on a Student Visa in Spain?
- Yes, you can work while in Spain on a student visa, but you need a Spanish Student Work Permit. There are conditions for any work. You can only work a maximum of 30 hours per week. The job can be either part-time or in casual positions. This restriction includes holidays or vacations. The work must not interfere with your studies. Your employment contract cannot be for longer than your student visa. An exception is an internship that is a part of your studies. For these roles, you do not need a work permit.
- Can I study in Spain in English (and other languages)?
- Many universities in Spain offer programs entirely in English, particularly at the graduate level. However, having a basic understanding of Spanish is beneficial as it can enhance your overall experience and help with daily life in Spain.
- Is English Proficiency Test required for English courses on a Spain Student Visa?
- You only need these qualifications if you are looking to study an English language course at a Spanish institution. The English language requirement may be a part of the course admissions process. You should find out any language requirements from your chosen educational institution. The visa requirement is for a successful application to your choice of course. You meet the visa requirements as long as you meet the course requirements.
- Can International Students stay in Spain after graduation?
- Yes, you have two options: 1) Spain Post-Study Work visa or 2) Job Seeker Visa. Spain allows international students to remain in Spain after their studies. The Spain Post-Study Work visa is called the Job Seeker Visa. It allows you to live in Spain for two years while you attempt to find work. Be aware; this is not a work permit but a bridging residency permit. This distinction means you cannot work on a Job Seeker visa. Once you find a job, you’ll need to apply for a Spain Work permit.
- Can I transfer my tourist visa to a student’s visa in Spain?
- Yes, you can apply for a student visa while in Spain on a SCHENGEN visa. The Spanish government changed the law in 2018 to allow this. You need to apply with enough time left on your tourist visa to allow processing. It is advised to apply as soon as possible to ensure timely processing. We recommend a minimum of 60 days left on your visa to be safe.
- Can my family come with me if I have a study visa in Spain?
- Yes, the Student Visa Spain allows direct family members to be included on a joint visa application. You can also add family members to your visa while it is still valid. This provision only covers direct family members. You must submit a marriage certificate, civil partnership record, or birth certificate as appropriate. 1) Your spouse. 2) Your registered civil partner. 3) Dependent children under 18 years. 4) You’ll need to show that you can support the family members. 5) Your dependents cannot legally work on this visa.
- Is a study visa a pathway to Spain PR and citizenship?
- Yes, but not directly. For more details, please see the Spain Work Permit section and the Spain Post-Study Visa sections. In short, you’ll need to spend five years in Spain before applying for permanent residency and five more for citizenship. Your time in Spain on the student visa will count, but only 50% – so two years of study is one year of qualification.