Last Updated on March 30, 2022 by Visa Journal
If you want to study in Spain, you will need a Spanish Student Visa. The visa application process can be tricky, so it’s important to start planning well ahead of time. In this article, we’ll explain everything about Spanish student visas, including visa types, language, and documents requirements. We’ll also tell you whether students are allowed to work in Spain or not, and much more on the topic sequentially.
Types of Spanish Student Visas
There are three types of Spanish Student visas: the Spanish Student Visa, the Spanish Temporary Student Visa, and the Spanish Family Reunification Visa. These visas have its own requirements and benefits.
The Spanish Student Visa (Long term student visa)
This particular visa is for students who want to study in Spain for more than three months. This visa permits students to travel in and out of Spain, and to stay in Spain for the duration of their studies. The long-term student visa enables you to obtain the Spanish Resident Card (TIE), which is required for the vast majority of non-EU/EEA students. The TIE is a temporary permit that allows you to stay in the country during your study. The TIE is only valid for one academic year and can be renewed annually until you complete your studies.
Spanish Temporary Student Visa (Short term student visa)
This visa is for students who want to study in Spain for less than three months. This visa allows students to travel in and out of Spain, and to stay in Spain for the duration of their studies.
The Spanish Family Reunification Student Visa
This visa is for students who have family members who are Spanish citizens or legal residents. This visa allows students to travel in and out of Spain, and to stay in Spain for the duration of their studies.
Letter of Acceptance from Spanish Educational Institute
The first step is to get a letter of acceptance from the Spanish educational institution where you will be studying. The Spanish consulate will not process your student visa application without this document.
Language Requirements
Proof of Spanish language fluency is not a requirement for international students seeking admission to a university. Most colleges and universities, on the other hand, offer Spanish-taught degree programmes that require applicants to have a strong command of the Spanish language. The DELE (Diploma de Espaol Como Lengua Extranjera) is the most commonly accepted Spanish test.
If you elect to study an English-taught programme in Spain, unless you are from an English-speaking country, you will also be required to demonstrate a decent command of the English language through the internationally recognized language tests like IELTS or PTE Academic.
Requirements of Student Visa Spain
When applying for a Spanish Student Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed Spanish Student Visa application form.
- Your passport or other travel document, valid for at least three months after the end of your course of study.
- A recent passport photo.
- A letter from your Spanish university or educational institution, confirming that you have been accepted onto a course of study.
- Proof of your Spanish language skills, such as a Spanish language test certificate (e.g. DELE).
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain, such as bank statements or a letter from your sponsor.
- Health insurance with coverage in Spain.
- A criminal background check (certificado de penales).
Spanish student Visa Fee
The Spanish student visa fee is €60. This fee must be paid when the visa application is submitted. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Visas for Dependents of Students
If you are in Spain on a study visa for longer than six months, your spouse or children under the age of 18 can typically accompany you. However, you must demonstrate your ability to financially support them, as well as yourself and your education costs.
Working on a Student Visa in Spain
In Spain, you can work maximum up to 20 hours per week if you have the proper work authorization and it does not interfere with your studies. It is also important to note that you cannot rely solely on job to support yourself while in Spain. Moreover, before you can start working in Spain on a student status, you must first obtain the proper permit from Spain’s immigration officials.
Confirmation of Student visa Spain
After submitting your application for a student visa in Spain, you should expect to hear back within a month. After 30 days, you will be notified if your application was approved or not. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter that will allow you to enter Spain. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the reason for the rejection.
Steps to take if Visa Application is Refused
It is very unlikely that your application will be rejected if you thoroughly complete it and provide all of the related documents. However, if your application is turned down, it does not mean that your ambitions are doomed. If your rejection was due to an incomplete form or missing papers, simply reapply, ensuring that any errors have been remedied.
If you believe your application was denied unfairly, you have a month to appeal the decision. You must include the following information in your appeal:
- A copy of the rejection letter and passport
- A cover letter outlining your reasons for filing an appeal
- Current mailing address and phone number
- An addressed stamped envelope (SAE)
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