Students who are interested in various study programs in Spain, have to obtain a student visa. Read the following article to know more about the process of getting student visa for Spain.

Student Visa for Spain

Spain is widely famous for its beautiful landscape and cultural attractions. But that is not all to this impressive country, which is an influential country of the European Union and one of the largest economies of the world. One of the main reasons for the high living standards and economic growth of Spain is its efficient education system. The higher education system of the country is among the best in the world and provides high level of educational facilities and research training. There are a total of about 73 universities in Spain, out of which 23 are private institutions. Some of the world's oldest universities are located in Spain. Spanish scholars are responsible for opening several important universities across the world at the time of the Spanish Empire. For international students, there are various short and long term courses available in different institutions of Spain. However, in order to enroll in the same, students will require student visa. Read the following article to know the general guidelines and procedure for getting student visa for Spain.

Student Visa for Spain

Types of Visa

Short Stay: For short stay up to 90 days, students of following countries don’t need a student visa. USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, , Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. Students of other countries have to apply for a student visa.

Long Stay: For a longer stay (more than 90 days), students are required to apply for student visa. However, citizens of EU countries don't require student visa at all.

Requirements for Student Visa

Completely filled National Visa Application Form with recent passport size photograph pasted on it.
A valid passport for the time period of your stay.
A confirmation letter from the Spanish university indicating which course you are signed up for, how many hours and for how long.
You have to show proof of your financial means for the period of stay in Spain. Evidences can include a letter from your educational institution stating educational and living expenses have been paid for in advance. You can also show a notarized letter of parents/custodians, assuming financial responsibility during your stay in Spain.
For international students, proof of medical/accidental Insurance with international coverage is compulsory. You will need to show written confirmation from insurance company of valid health/accidental insurance with full international coverage in Spain.
In case you are staying for more than 6 months, you will need to show a Medical Statement indicating that you are free of any of the illnesses that may have serious public consequences
If the applicant is staying over 6 months, he/she need to show Police clearance certificates (for any country of residence during last 5 years)
Non-refundable visa processing fee.
In case, the applicant is below 18 years of age, a notarized authorization from both parents and a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate showing parents' names is compulsory.

Time Required to Issue a Visa

Generally, the short stay (Schengen) visa applications are processed within fifteen calendar days from the date of submission of application. In certain cases, this period can be extended to a maximum of 30 calendar days. In some other cases where additional documentation is required, this period can be extended to a maximum of 60 calendar days. Visas are not granted on the spot; as such, it advisable to apply for the visa well in advance, in order to allow enough time to process them. The applicant must collect his/ her visa within two months of being notified that it has been granted. Students are advised to obtain a foreign national’s identity card within one month of his or her entry into Spain.

Evidence of Funds

To receive student visa, you need to produce following evidences of funds.

In case there is someone in Spain who is sponsoring your education, you have to present signed statement of responsibility, a photocopy of the identity card of the sponsor, and proof of sufficient financial assets to provide the promised support.
If you are arranging financial support from abroad, you have to produce an evidence of the opening of a bank account into which the necessary funds will be deposited and a written commitment from your sponsor.
In case your government is providing financial support for your education and stay in Spain, you have to present a letter from government regarding the funding.
If you are getting scholarship under any scheme funded by Spanish Government, you have to show the scholarship certificate.
As evidences of funds, you can use cash, traveler's cheque, bank drafts or a recognized credit card.

Student Visa for Spain

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