Spanish Student Visa Requirements, Fees & Processing Time

Securing a proper student visa from Spain is an essential first step for students from India who would like to study in Spain as Spain has many of the world's most well-known universities, boasts a rich cultural heritage, and has sunny weather. The application process may seem very complicated to Indian students, but with the right information, this process is relatively easy. This article will help you understand the requirements and costs associated with obtaining a student visa for a student from India and the time frame in which you can submit your application for a student visa for Spain.

Things You Need to Know Before Applying for a Student Visa for Spain

The most important part of applying for a student visa is demonstrating that you are a genuine student that will study in Spain and that you have the financial ability and intention to study in Spain. A complete list of the Spanish student visa requirement India, including details on supporting documents, is provided below. If you do not submit all of the required documents, you will experience delays and potentially have your application denied.

Acceptance Letter: The most important piece of documentation for your student visa application is an official and unconditional acceptance letter from a recognized Spanish university or institution of higher learning for full-time study.

Passport: You must have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least the entire duration of your intended stay in Spain. Your passport must have a minimum of two blank pages and also include copies of all of your previous passports (if you had any) that contain a visa.

Visa Application Form Completed: The national application for a visa needs two identical forms (complete both sides and sign each). 

Photographs: Currently, there are two similar photographs with white backgrounds.

Proof of Financial Support: Must demonstrate that you can afford to live and go to school in Spain and have enough income (about €600/month) for the minimum.

Health Insurance: Proof of an international or Spanish insurance plan that meets all Spanish health coverage requirements throughout your entire stay.

Medical Certificate from Doctor: Must be issued by a medical practitioner and should show that you have no contagious diseases within 3 months from the date of the consulate application.

Police Clearance Certificate: An original police clearance certificate from your country's law enforcement agency indicating that there are no criminal records against you (apostille attestation may be needed).

Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed plan or rental agreement/contract for the entire period of your stay in Spain.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Obtain Your Acceptance: Acquire an acceptance letter from the Spanish institution

Compile Your Documentation: Carefully gather everything that is included on the checklist for applying for a Spanish student visa requirement for India. Ensure to obtain your translations and Apostille as soon as possible.

Schedule Your Appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment with your specific country’s BLS office on the BLS Spain website.

Bring Items to Your Appointment: You will need to bring your visa application, biometric data, and payment for any applicable fees to the BLS Centre to present to the visa officer.

Track Your Student Visa Application: You will be able to track your student visa online and receive a notification when you are able to pick up your passport.

Timeframe and Fees for Visa Processing

Processing a Spanish Student Visa for Indians may take from 15 up to 30 working days. During peak periods, particularly just prior to the start of the academic year, processing times will most likely take longer than normal. Therefore, if possible, you should submit your student visa application at least 2 months before your intended departure.

The cost for applying for a student visa varies by nationality and type of visa applied for. As an example, students from India generally have to pay around ₹5,000 when applying for a student visa. However, additional service charges will apply if you apply through a visa application center. Therefore you will want to confirm the current rates when applying.

If you have an urgent case and need to apply for an express processing option, there is an additional fee for this service. Regular processing should be utilized unless you have an unavoidable timeline that requires an immediate response.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Spanish student visa is the first step towards an amazing academic and life journey in Spain. Know what the requirements are for a Spanish student visa, build your budget for visa fees and apply for your visa before the processing timeline so you can move through the process easily.