How to Get a Student Visa for Spain?

Student Visa Spain: Indian students looking to study in Spain would be required to apply for a Spain Student Visa from India before they can enter the European country. In this article, we are going to be talking about how to get a student visa for Spain, Spain study visa requirements, Spain visa fees, and Spain student visa processing time among other important details related to Spain Study Visa.

How to Apply for a Spain Student Visa

In this section, we are going to be talking about who requires a Spain student visa from India. As per the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Government of Spain, students who are participating in the following undertakings are required to apply for a Spain Study Visa:

• Students who are pursuing full-time (minimum of 20 hours per week) studies at an accredited school or educational centre that will result in a degree, diploma, or certificate
• Candidates who are engaged in Doctoral studies or Training activities
• International students applying for secondary school (middle or high school) exchange programmes with an accredited school or science centre.
• Candidates applying for Internships or traineeships at public or private entities that do not qualify for an internship visa
• Volunteer services for programmes working in areas of general and/or public interest “Au pair" programmes, and
• Teaching assistants (auxiliaries de conversación)

Often, students are under the impression that they are eligible to apply for a Spain Student Visa directly. However, that is not the case. At the time of applying for a Student Visa in Spain, the applicant is required to provide proof of acceptance for the study, training or volunteer activity or internship in the foreign country by providing an original copy of the acceptance document.

Check: Student Visas for Study Abroad: Requirement, Fees and Application Process

Spain Study Visa or Schengen Visa: Which is the right Visa for you?

Applicants are often confused about the right kind of visa during the application process. This section is definitely aimed at clearing that confusion. Candidates who are flying to Spain to study, train, intern or undertake volunteer work that is less than 90 days in duration are not required to apply for a Student Visa. Depending on the applicant's nationality, a short-stay visa may be required. However, when the duration of stay exceeds 90 days – the applicant is required to apply for a Spain Student Visa.

Documents Required for Spain Student Visa 

In this section, we are going to be talking about the documents required for Spain Student Visa for Indian students.

Visa application form: Every applicant wanting to apply for a Spain Study Visa must complete and sign a visa application, filling out every section. If the applicant is a minor, a parent or duly accredited representative must sign the application. Download: Student Visa Application Form - Spain

Photograph: the candidate is required to provide a recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s face.

Valid passport: A student applying for a Spain Student Visa is required to have on him/her a valid unexpired passport. The candidate is required to provide a photocopy of the biometric data page(s). The passport must be valid for at least the duration of the planned stay and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.    

Acceptance letter: As mentioned earlier, the applicant is required to provide an original and a copy of the acceptance document. This includes acceptance to an accredited school for full-time studies, acceptance to a research or training centre, acceptance to a student exchange programme, acceptance for an unpaid internship (signed contract) or acceptance to a volunteer program (contract with the volunteering organization).

Proof of funding: The candidate is required to provide an original and a copy of documents certifying that he/she (or the legal representative or relative that supports him/her) has sufficient financial means to cover the living costs - expenses of the student’s stay and return, as well as that of the family members accompanying him/her.

Currently, the living cost in Spain or the minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). 75% of the IPREM must be added for the first accompanying family member and 50% for each additional family member. In 2022, if a student was travelling alone to Spain, the minimum required amount was 700 USD.

Health Insurance: The candidate is required to provide an original and a copy of documentation proving that he/she will have public or private health insurance coverage provided by an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain during the entirety of his/her stay. The insurance policy is required to cover all the risks insured by Spain's public health system. The proof of insurance must demonstrate a minimum general coverage of at least 500,000 USD, with no deductibles or copays.

Character Certificate: Mentioned on the official website as a criminal record check certificate, all applicants of legal age who apply for a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a copy of their criminal background check(s) issued by their country or countries of residence in the past five years. In India, this would be a character certificate vouching that the candidate is not associated with criminal activity.

Medical Certificate: Those applying for a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit an original and a copy of a medical certificate demonstrating that the applicant does not suffer from any diseases that could have serious repercussions for public health, in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

Spain Visa Fees: Finally applicants are required to cover the cost of a Spain visa at the time of their appointment. Applicants should note that payment for Spain Visa fees for Indians can only be in the form of Money Orders addressed to the “Consulate General of Spain” or exact cash is accepted (no credit cards, debit cards, or personal checks are accepted).

Check: Cost of Studying in Spain 

Spain Visa Fee – 2023

Short Term Visa (Schengen Visa)	$60
Long-Term Visa for Non-USA citizens	$80

While submitting the above-mentioned Spain study visa requirements for Indian students, applicants should keep in mind that a lot of the non-Spanish documents must be authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague and translated into Spanish. The applicant must submit a notarized copy of both the original document in English and the Spanish translation.

Visa Requirements for Family Members:

A lot of times, students are accompanied by their parents or spouses. Applicants should note that they are NOT covered by the same Study Visa as the student. They are required to apply for a separate visa. For this visa, the accompanying applicant is required to submit the following documents to process their visa:

• Visa Application Form
• Photograph
• Valid Passport
• Health Insurance
• Character Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Spain Visa Fees

The Consular Office has the authority to request additional documents or information, and/or call the applicant in for an interview. However, the Visa issued to the family member does the allow the member to work in a foreign country.

Check: Cost of Living in Spain

How to Get a Student Visa for Spain?

In this section, we are going to be talking about how to apply for Student Visa from India.

Step 1: The Spain study visa application must be submitted in person by the applicant or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. They may also be offered through a duly accredited representative.

Step 2: The Consular Office is the competent authority to accept visa applications from individuals residing in cities that have a consulate. Candidates can also approach visa agents that are pre-approved by the Consular Office. Applicants are required to only approach agents that are approved by the Consulate General of Spain in India. Don’t forget to make an appointment with the Consular Office nearest to you. 

Step 3: When you submit your Student Visa application, the Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that will enable the candidate to check the status of their dossier through a link found on the official website.

Step 4: At times the Consular Office may ask the candidate to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the Student Visa application for Spain. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.

Step 5: Once a decision has been made, the Spain Study Visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within a maximum period of two months, counted as of the day after the date on which the favourable decision is notified to the candidate. The Consular Office will get in touch with the applicant to inform him/her regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.  

Spain Study Visa – Refusals and Appeals

The Spain student visa is an independent process. When a particular Study Visa application or study stay permit is rejected, the candidate would be notified in writing informing him of the reason(s) for the rejection of his Spain Student Visa application. In case a study permit or visa is refused – the applicant can submit a request for reconsideration to the Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal was received.

What is the right time to apply for a Spain Study Visa?

Candidates are encouraged to submit their visa application form along with the required documents for their Spain Student Visa from India no earlier than 90 days prior to the planned date of travel. Candidates are encouraged to apply early as the process is lengthy and to avoid any last-minute hurdles. 

What is the Spain Student Visa Processing Time India?

Generally, a decision regarding your Spain Study Visa is made in a month’s time from the day after the application submission date. However, the Spain visa processing time could be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.

What is the validity of your Spain Study Visa?

If the duration of stay is for six months or 180 days – the Long Term Study Visa is issued for the entire duration of stay. However, if the applicant is required to stay longer than 180 days, he/she is required to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within a period of one month from his/her entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the Police Station of the province in which the permit was processed. In cases where the duration is longer than 180 days, the study visa is valid for a 90-day stay.

Check: Scholarships to Study in Spain for Indian Students

Consular offices of Spain in India

In this section, we are going to be providing the Consular offices of Spain in India. 

Consulate General of Spain in Mumbai (India)

Express Towers, 3rd floor
Barrister Rajni Patel Marg -Nariman Point
Mumbai 400021
Tel: ( 91) 22 2288 0213/19
Tel. consular emergency (only for Spanish citizens facing an emergency situation): 919987043339
Fax: ( 91) 22 22880254
Email: cog.mumbai@maec.es (assistance to Spanish citizens) and cog.mumbai.vis@maec.es (visas)
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/consulados/mumbai
Opening hours:  09:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Telephonic assistance timings: 09:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Consul General: Mr. Fernando Heredia Noguer

Consular section of the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi (India)

12, Prithviraj Road New Delhi – 110011
Tel: 91 114129 3000
Tel. consular emergency (only for Spanish citizens facing an emergency situation): 919810174160
Fax: 911141293020
E-mail: emb.nuevadelhi.nac@maec.es (assistance to Spanish citizens) and emb.nuevadelhi.vis@maec.es (visas)
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/nuevadelhi
Opening hours: 09:00 to 13:00, Monday to Friday
Telephonic assistance timings: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Thursday; 9:00 to 14:30 Fridays 
In-charge of Consular Affairs: Ms. Helena Escorial Lopez

Honorary Consulate of Spain in Bengaluru (India)

4, Haudin Road (Near Ulsor Lake)
Bangalore – 560 042
Tel: 91 80 4152 6640/41
E-mail: bharathy@itsmaindia.org / surbi@itsmaindia.org
Opening hours: 09:30 to 18:30, Monday to Friday
Honorary Consul: Mrs. Surbhi Sharma

Honorary Consulate of Spain in Kolkata (India)

'Vishwakarma', 86-C, Topsia Road (S)
Kolkata - 700 046
Tel: ( 91) 33 2469 5954
Tel: 91 33 2285 0112/5, 91 33 6701 5208. 91 33 6701 4700
Fax: 91 33 2469 1283
E-mail: consulate_spain@srei.com
Opening hours: 10:15 to 19:00, Monday to Friday
Honorary Consul: Mr. Sunil Kanoria

Honorary Consulate of Spain in Chennai (India)

No. 6 Nimmo Road, Santhome
Chennai 600004
Tel.: 91 44 4210 7657, 91 9841040900
E-mail: spaincon@amloadvisory.com
Opening hours: 10:00 to 13:30, Monday to Friday
Honorary Consul: Mr. Antony Lobo

Candidates looking for more information can get in touch with us in the comments below or refer to the official website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx