How to Apply for a Spain Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on: Sep 5, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Apply for a Spain Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

For Indian students, Spain is a great study abroad destination. Besides its good climatic conditions and scenic beauty, Spain has several top universities that are excellent for international students. Indian students who are considering Spain would need a student visa from India before they can enter the country.

Any student who is going for training, studies, voluntary work, or internship that exceeds 90 days would need a Spanish student visa. For a shorter duration, a short-stay visa will also work. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the same in this student visa guide for Spain.

Spain Student Visa Guide

Applying and getting a student visa for Spain is a time-consuming process, and therefore, you must apply at least 3 months before the start of your course. Your documents must state that you can pay for tuition, such as income tax papers, bank statements, and liquid and movable assets.

You will also be asked for a police clearance from the country where you have stayed for more than 5 years, with an Apostille stamp. In addition, there will be a need to attest to health certificates and academic documentation. Madrid approves student visas from Spain, which must be applied for in advance.

You must also provide valid Spain travel insurance or international travel insurance, covering the duration of your stay. This ensures you meet the mandatory health coverage requirement while studying in Spain.

However, the process is straightforward if you follow the requirements correctly. You must visit the Spanish Embassy or the consulate for your visa application.

Types of Student Visas for Spain

Spain offers two kinds of student visas for international students, and these are mentioned below:

1. Short-stay visa (Schengen Visa)

A short-stay visa is given for courses that last for less than 90 days. This visa is best for summer courses or seminars.

2. Long-term stay visa (Visa D)

If your program lasts for more than 3 months, you will need a Visa D. It is best for master's, undergraduate, exchange, and doctoral programs. Along with other documents, international travel insurance that includes medical coverage must be submitted.

Eligibility Criteria for Spain Study Visa

The section listed below of this Spain student visa guide will share the eligibility criteria for applying for the visa:

1. A letter of acceptance from the joining university.

2. All the information about your study program, like the course name, duration, etc.

3. Medical insurance proof

4. Proof of financial sources to manage expenses in Spain

5. English language proficiency proof

6. Tuition fee payment receipt

Additional Requirements for a Spanish Student Visa

Before you go ahead and understand the documents you need to apply for the visa, here are some more requirements you must fulfil:

1. You should not be a national of the EU or EEA.

2. You must not be banned from entering Spain.

3. If you are currently in Spain, you must have a valid and legal immigration status.

4. You should have a clear criminal record in Spain or any country where you have lived for at least 5 years.

Additionally, consider travel insurance for the time you will stay in Spain, in addition to a mandatory medical insurance. In this link, you can find comprehensive packages for the same.

Application Process for a Spanish Student Visa

Here is the Spanish visa application process when applying from your home country:

1. Download, print, and fill out the Spanish student visa application form.

2. Book an appointment at the consular office or diplomatic mission in your country, in this case, India.

3. Make the visa fee payment that the consulate or the Spanish embassy sets.

4. Hand over the documents and application form. The documents also include the acceptance letter from a recognised Spanish university, medical insurance, financial proof, criminal record, medical certificate, valid passport, and passport photos.

5. You should receive your visa within 2-4 weeks, and you can collect it then.

As suggested above, if you're looking for student travel insurance, please check the link to secure your study journey in Spain.

Spain Student Visa Required Documents

Let’s have a look at the complete list of documents you need to apply for your Spain student visa:

1. Application form

2. Photograph

3. An unexpired and valid passport

4. Photocopy of the passport pages with biometric information, previous visas, and migration stamps

5. A Spanish University acceptance letter

6. Enrollment fee and tuition fee payment evidence

7. Financial means proof

8. Health insurance

9. Criminal record check certificate

10. Medical certificate

11. Proof of residence in the consular district

12. Evidence of the representative's capacity and identity

13. Authorisation of legal representatives

14. Visa fee payment

Best Time to Apply for a Spain Student Visa

You must apply for your Spain student visa as soon as you get selected in a Spanish University. This means the moment you receive your acceptance or admission letter, you must start the application process. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid any visa delay and missing your spot in your favourite study program.

While you apply for the student visa, do remember to apply for the student travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen situations during your time in Spain. You can find all the related information about this insurance on this page.

Conclusion

It may not seem easy to understand the student visa process for Spain, but with this complete guide, you can easily handle the process. The first and most crucial stage is to gather the necessary paperwork, comprehend the conditions, and make sure you fulfil the legal, financial, and health requirements.

In addition, do not forget to buy a Spain travel insurance that will protect you at every step while you complete your education. In this link, you can find many different insurance options, and you can select the one that suits you the best.

FAQs

1. Can I study with a tourist visa in Spain?

Yes, you can enter and study with a tourist visa in Spain if the course is for less than 90 days. However, you won't be able to study with it if the course duration exceeds this timeframe.

2. Can my Spanish student visa be used to travel to other Schengen countries?

With your Spanish student visa, you can visit any Schengen country for up to 90 days in a total of 180-day period.

3. Can I get a student visa for an online course?

No, you cannot get a Spanish student visa for an online course because you won't be physically present in the country to complete the course.

4. Can I stay in Spain after completing my studies?

A student visa is given for the duration of your course. Therefore, if you want to stay beyond the same, you will need a new visa.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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