Study Visa

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Spain: Requirements, Cost, Eligibility, & Process

Published on November 24, 2022

This article contains all the information you need about the student visa in Spain, its requirements, and how to apply.

Spain is a beautiful place to study and a great place to learn more about the Spanish language’s history. Spain is more than just beautiful scenery and warm weather.

International students are drawn to the diversity of programs that Spanish universities are now offering in English. Every year, Spain welcomes roughly 50,000 foreign students. Continue reading if you’re considering traveling to Spain to study.

Depending on the length of the course, you must first choose the sort of visa you require. A normal Schengen tourist visa will do if your intended stay is shorter than 90 days.

You will need to obtain a student visa and a student residency permit, also known as a tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (Foreigner’s Identity Card, TIE), if the program is longer than six months.

Within 30 days of your arrival in Spain, you can do this at a police station or an office for foreigners.

7 Reasons to Study Abroad in Spain

One of the most popular international locations for students looking to study abroad is Spain. There were approximately 100,000 overseas students in the nation as of 2018.

Spain offers a staggering variety of destinations for students. In Madrid and Barcelona, which have sizable English-speaking communities and can offer a cosmopolitan European experience, learners might frequently find familiarity.

Additionally, Andalusia has bustling cities and beautiful beaches, and you may sample pintxos in the Basque cities like San Sebastián or Bilbao.

1.You Get to Experience Spanish Culture

The fundamentals of Spanish culture—family, nightlife, siestas, and a healthy balance between work and play—are certainly recognizable to you.

But Spain also has a long history of creativity in the arts, literature, and music. It may seem as if various independent communities are whole different nations.

The pintxos, cider, and folk dances of the Basque Country are very different from the flamenco, orange wine, and Moorish influences of Andalusia.

You can gain a broader, more global viewpoint by investigating these many groups. Particularly Spanish culture has shaped a large portion of contemporary life in Europe.

Check out: How To Apply For A Student Visa in Italy

2. There Are Plenty of Programs to Choose From

Most significant Spanish cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Valencia, and Sevilla, have universities. Students might venture off the usual road to Santander, Cádiz, or Bilbao for more personal experiences.

Spain offers a wide variety of study abroad opportunities, wherever you go. Spanish universities also take part in Erasmus, so it should be easy for students from around Europe to find an exchange opportunity.

3. You’ll Receive a High-Quality Education

Spanish colleges, especially those in Barcelona and Madrid, offer a reputable education that is of the highest caliber in all of Europe.

High-ranking universities with bases in Barcelona include Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, and Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya.

All three of the capital’s universities—Universidad Carlos III, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid—are highly regarded.

Many programs allow you to take courses at these universities as you live in and explore Spain.

Check out also: How To Apply For A Student Visa in Netherlands

4. You Can Learn Spanish in an Immersive Environment

Immersion in the Spanish language is one of the finest advantages of studying abroad in Spain. If you live with a host family, you can speak Spanish at all of your meals, whereas you might get away with speaking English in Madrid or Barcelona.

You can practice your Spanish with nearby students if you reside in a university residence.

Studying abroad in pueblos (small towns) or other smaller cities might help students improve their language abilities. In spite of this, you can enhance your Spanish wherever you study in Spain as long as you take advantage of the chance.

5. You Can Eat Authentic Spanish Cuisine

Spanish major cities with a diverse population provide food from throughout the globe. You might eat a lot of kebabs if you indulge in the nightlife in Madrid or Barcelona. There are always possibilities to eat genuine Spanish food even outside of the city, especially if you stay with a host family.

Often sliced to order, jamón ibérico is one of Spain’s most well-known foods. Popular comfort dishes include patatas bravas and tortilla de papas. In a bar or restaurant, if you order a drink, you’ll often get a tapa, or little appetizer, to go with it.

Your palate and your mind can both grow by trying new meals.

Check More- How To Apply For A Student Visa in Italy

6. It’s an Inexpensive Country to Travel In

Spain is a fairly inexpensive place to visit, live, work, and study.

According to Eurostat, Spain’s costs for entertainment, transportation, and food were lower in 2020 than the EU as a whole.

Spain’s housing expenses were just somewhat more than the EU average, making it more cheap than other well-known European nations like France and Germany.

Additionally, as a student studying abroad in Spain, you won’t need a car because you can go around most of the cities on foot. Barcelona and Madrid both have reliable, inexpensive metro systems.

Additionally, the AVE high-speed train system provides inexpensive tickets to virtually any location inside the nation.

7. You Can Experience a Stunning Landscape

The Climate and natural scenery in Spain are diverse.

Some of Europe’s most well-liked beaches may be found in Valencia, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Marbella, and Andalusia, among many other places.

Or you might drink Tempranillo wine in La Rioja, Spain’s wine region. Check out the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia and the Pyrenees in the country’s north if you enjoy mountains.

Additionally, some students decide to walk the renowned Camino de Santiago, which has a number of peaks and valleys.

What Are The Best Places To Study Abroad In Spain in 2024?

Thousands of international students are drawn to Spain, the most southern country in the world where the majority of Spanish speakers are from Castile, and with good reason.

Its vibrant cities burst with unique culture, Gothic architecture, mouthwatering tastes, and a variety of abroad programs with opportunity for intense language learning.

However, considering the diversity of the nation, how will you decide where to spend a semester? This ranking of Spain’s top cities for study abroad

Seville
Barcelona
Madrid
Granada
Valencia
Salamanca
San Sebastián
Alicante
Cádiz

What are the Requirements to Study Abroad in Spain in 2024?

The majority of the time, entry criteria include copies of a valid passport, necessary transcripts, and verification of a previously acquired Bachelor’s degree.

The majority of colleges and universities offer both fall and summer semesters, each with a distinct application deadline.

These are the documents you will need to apply for the student visa:

An acceptance letter from the school you are applying to, the program should be at least 20 hours per week
2 passport photos
A valid passport
A medical certificate proving you don’t have any diseases that would require quarantine
Medical insurance (Sanitas and AME are two insurance providers in Spain)
Proof of financial means showing that you have enough to support yourself for the duration of your stay.
This can be a bank statement, scholarship details, or letter from a parent saying they are taking full financial responsibility.
A criminal record certificate proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement

Do I Need A Visa To Study Abroad In Spain in 2024?

A student visa is not required for those who plan to study in Spain for less than 90 days. Short-stay visas may be necessary depending on the applicant’s nationality (see “Schengen visas”)

Visa required for stays longer than 90 days for volunteer work, internships, or studies. Au pairs and teaching assistants (auxiliares de conversación) may also be granted this visa.

A student visa is not required for those who plan to study in Spain for less than 90 days. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, a short-stay visa may be necessary (see “Schengen visas”).

The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the student:

Spouse or civil partner
Children who are minors or have a disability

Visas for students’ family members do not constitute a work permit.

Do You Have To Speak Spanish To Study Abroad in Spain?

There are still program options available if you’re one of the many students worried about having an academically effective study abroad experience without giving up all of your leisure time learning Spanish.

The kind of courses you want to enroll in can also affect the availability of English instruction. Due to their global nature, courses that concentrate on business, finance, information technology, international relations, and economics typically include additional English education.

Check also: Student Visa Attorney | Applying for a Student Visa in the U.S.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad In Spain in 2024?

Spanish semester tuition costs, on average

Private providers with more flexibility include Spanish Studies Abroad. However, the majority or all of your direct costs for a semester program will still range from $12,000 to $20,000 (excluding your own travel and some spending money or airfare).

It is challenging to offer more than a choice of programs here because many colleges also operate their own programs in addition to suppliers. Remember that if your university offers a program, you’ll normally pay the same costs – less any financial help – as you would to attend classes there.

What Are Scholarships To Study Abroad In Spain in 2024?

Each year, Spain welcomes over 34,000 American students, many of whom quickly become enamored with the country’s diverse terrain, unique cultures, energizing culinary adventures, and fascinating language learning chances.

It ranks third on the list of preferred study-abroad locations for American students.

But there are scholarships available to pay for your study abroad experience in Spain because neither study abroad programs nor the cost of living in Europe are particularly low.

Scholarships are given expressly for studying in Spain by the governments of the United States and Spain, as well as by some colleges and independent organizations. We’ve done the homework for you because the internet may be a deluge of confusing information.

1. Fulbright Scholarship

This renowned option is available to recent college graduates, those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and young professionals with less than five years of work experience, despite being competitive.

Students in the humanities, social sciences, and arts can take courses without pursuing a degree or enroll in master’s or doctorate programs. There are also possibilities like doing research alone, doing research, and going to classes.

2. CIEE Scholarships and Grants

Students who suffer financial obstacles to studying abroad can get assistance through CIEE’s need-based awards.

In accordance with students’ EFCs and their choice of study, CIEE distributes need-based grants. The Gilman Go Global Grant provides students with $750-$2,000 toward flights in addition to $2,500 toward program costs for the semester or $1,000 toward program costs for the summer.

3. Global Experiences Generation Study Abroad Scholarship

Scholarships are available through Global Experiences for both summer and semester periods in any of the organization’s 11 international cities.

Full scholarships are provided for programs lasting a semester, and students who are underrepresented in study abroad programs are given special consideration.

For both on-site and online programs, Global Experiences also provides support for students who are awarded a Pell Grant or a Benjamin A. Gillman scholarship.

4. Global Leadership Scholarship

The Global Leadership Scholarship is open to MSc International Management candidates who can show a good overall application, an outstanding leadership track record, and/or outstanding leadership potential.

Candidates that are chosen will have shown they have the skills and drive to run a company with vision. You must demonstrate leadership skills and great career potential in your application to be given consideration for this scholarship.

5. Dean’s Impact Scholarship

The goal is to leverage the power of creative thinking to advance society and industry.

The Dean’s Effect Scholarship is available from Imperial College Business School to those who excel and make an impact.

What Are The Best Programs To Study Abroad In Spain?

There is a reason why thousands of foreign students select Spain as their country of study. Spanish universities are renowned internationally for their expertise and for their favorable learning environment.

Additionally, Spain offers a wide variety of worthwhile courses for international students.

There are intriguing courses available at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Thus, the most employable courses are not just found at the degree level.

It will be simpler to choose what will be lucrative in the long term if you have a clear idea of the most well-recognized courses in Spain.

Law program
Arts and Humanities
Marketing and Finance
Spanish Language Courses
Hospitality Management
Art & Design
Architecture
Business and Management
Finance, Financial Services & Risk Management
Engineering, Technology, Robotics
Data Science, Cybersecurity & Telecommunications
Law & Public Affairs
Medicine, Healthcare & Pharmacy
Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology
Energy & Sustainable InfrastructureInternational Relations
Hospitality & Tourism

How To Pack For Study Abroad In Spain?

The most important packing tip is to “pack light” when traveling to study abroad in Spain or any other country. Although it’s a straightforward idea, obtaining it when spending a significant amount of time studying abroad can be really challenging.

Here’s how to properly pack in just a carry-on suitcase and one personal bag by making sure you bring everything you need to Spain (and leaving everything you don’t need at home).

Even if you have the option to check your luggage, I advise sticking to a carry-on and a backpack while packing; this will make traveling much simpler for you. (Plus, you’ll be the hipster who can claim to be at least partially backpacking around Europe and pack light.)

Tickets
Passport
Prescription medicine
Glasses Money (For taxi rides to and from airports, phone calls, emergencies, etc…)
Other official documentation, including the Final Acceptance Letter and Guardianship Forms
Change of clothes (in case of delays)
Toiletries
Underwear
A good hooded waterproof jacket (a must in Ireland!)
Proof of Travel Insurance
Money BeltBackpack (for class and the day–trips)
Camera/Journal
Prescriptions (translated)
A few family photos (so you don’t get homesick)

Steps To Prepare You For Study Abroad In Spain

Continue reading for some advice for foreign students who are already studying in Spain or are thinking about doing so in the future.

You can probably use this advice to get the most of your Spanish learning experience. Although the Covid-19 pandemic now makes travel arrangements challenging, Spain will always be open to receiving overseas students.

1)Practice Spanish

2)Learn How to Save Money

3)Explore the Outdoors (and Spanish Culture)

4)Socialize, Socialize, Socialize!

5)Grow Academically

6)Find a Balance

FAQs

Is it easy to get a student visa in Spain?

Student visas in Spain are usually easy to obtain after you get accepted into a Spanish university.

Is studying Abroad in Spain Worth it?

Yes, studying in Spain is worth giving a shot at; Spain is a wonderful country for academics, so it is definitely worth it.

Can an English person study Spanish?

Sure. If you’re living in a major city, studying a course taught in English, interning, or working at a company that requires English.

Conclusion

After reading the aforementioned post, we feel you have a solid grasp of how to obtain a student visa to study abroad in Ireland, the costs involved, and the necessary advice.

Spain is a wonderful country, and studying there has many advantages.