Study visa

A visa for stays exceeding 90 days for higher education studies, post-compulsory secondary education, student mobility programs, volunteering services, and training activities. A study stay of up to 90 days does not require a study visa. Depending on nationality, a short-stay visa (Schengen Visa) may be required.

Eligible Family Members

The following family members may apply for a visa to accompany the holder of a higher education or specialized healthcare training visa:

Spouse, registered partner, or stable partner.
Children of the visa holder, spouse, registered partner, or stable partner, if they are minors or require support due to disability or illness.

Activities Eligible for a Study Visa

Higher Education

Higher education includes university or non-university studies at a recognized higher education institution in Spain, leading to degrees aligned with the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (Royal Decree 1027/2011). It also includes university-specific degrees provided by recognized institutions under Spain's higher education regulations, as well as Master's degrees in Vocational Training established under Royal Decree 659/2023.

Higher education studies may include:

Preparatory courses leading to a degree program.
Mandatory training internships, considered as part of higher education.
On-campus or hybrid university studies, following curriculum guidelines and current university regulations.
Non-university higher education studies, which can also be conducted in hybrid or on-campus formats, as long as at least 50% of the coursework is delivered in person.

Post-Compulsory Secondary Education

Studies undertaken in a recognized educational institution in Spain as part of a full-time program leading to a recognized qualification. These may be completed in on-campus or hybrid formats, provided at least 50% of the program is delivered in person. Vocational training programs include mid-level training cycles and Specialist degrees in Vocational Training established under Royal Decree 659/2023.

Student Mobility Programs

Programs that allow secondary or post-secondary students to pursue education in officially recognized educational or scientific institutions, either through exchange programs or educational projects.

Volunteering

Participation in volunteer programs run by legally established non-profit organizations, officially registered with competent authorities, and contributing to causes of general interest.

Training Activities

Includes:

Foreign language teaching assistants in Spanish schools officially registered with Spain's State Registry of Non-University Educational Centers.
Spanish language courses or official co-official language courses (e.g., Catalan, Basque, Galician) delivered in person at Official Language Schools or certified centers recognized by the Instituto Cervantes or equivalent regional institutions.
Preparatory courses for entrance exams for specialized healthcare training.
Training leading to technical certification or professional qualification, based on official training activities, duration, and conditions established by the relevant authority.
Full (not modular or partial) vocational training in authorized institutions, leading to Level 2 or 3 professional certificates within the Spanish Vocational Training System.

Required Documents

All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled, and if not in Spanish, accompanied by an official translation.

Visa application form: Fully completed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, a legal representative must sign.
Photograph: Recent passport-sized, color, light background, facing forward, without glasses or obstructions.
Valid passport: Original and copy of biometric data pages. Minimum one-year validity with at least two blank pages. Passports issued over ten years ago are not accepted.
Proof of admission & tuition payment:

For higher education, post-secondary education, and training programs: Official proof of admission and tuition payment in a recognized institution.
For student mobility programs: Admission proof, confirmation of accommodation, and a commitment from the program organizer to cover expenses.
For volunteer programs: Signed agreement with the volunteer organization.

Proof of sufficient financial means: Original and copy of documents proving the applicant (or legal representative) has adequate funds to cover expenses for the student and any accompanying family members. Minimum required funds:

100% of IPREM for the student.
+75% of IPREM for the first accompanying family member.
+50% of IPREM for each additional family member.
If accommodation is prepaid, this amount is reduced accordingly.

Health insurance: Original and copy of a public or private health insurance certificate, contracted with an authorized insurer in Spain, providing coverage similar to Spain's National Health System, valid for the entire duration of the stay.
Criminal record certificate (for stays over 180 days): Applicants of legal age must submit an original and copy of a criminal record certificate from all countries where they have resided in the past five years.
Medical certificate: Original and copy of a doctor's certificate confirming the applicant does not have any serious public health risks, per the International Health Regulations (2005).
Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction: Original and copy of a document proving residency within the Consular Office's jurisdiction.
Proof of identity & legal capacity of the representative (if the applicant is a minor): Copy of the passport or ID of the parent/legal representative and proof of parental relationship. Originals must be presented upon application. If the visa is requested through a representative, a copy of their passport or ID and a notarized power of attorney or proof of representation must be provided.
Legal authorization for minors: If the applicant is a minor, authorization must be obtained from both parents or the legal guardian, specifying the institution, organization, or entity responsible for the activity and the duration of stay.
Visa fee payment

Documents for Accompanying Family Members

For each accompanying family member, the following must be submitted:

Copy of the student's passport or Foreigner Identity Card.
Documents listed above in points 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12. If applicable, also points 7, 10, and 11.
Proof of family relationship: Marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate, as applicable.

Procedure

This Consular Office is responsible for processing visa applications for individuals residing within its consular jurisdiction.

Applying for a study visa also includes a request for authorization of stay for studies.

Eligible Applicants

Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or, if they are a minor, by one of their parents. It can also be submitted through a duly authorized representative.

Deadline for Application

The visa application must be submitted at least two months before the start of studies or training, unless justified reasons prevent submission within this timeframe.

Place of Submission

(To be specified based on consular jurisdiction)

Application Receipt

The Consular Office will provide the applicant with a receipt confirming the submission of their visa application. Visa application portal

Correction of the Application

The Consular Office may require the applicant to submit any missing documents or provide additional information necessary for processing the request. Additionally, the applicant may be summoned for a personal interview.

Processing Time

If the authorization of stay for studies is approved, the Consular Office will process the study visa within one month.

Visa Collection

The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or their representative (if the applicant is a minor).

Visa or Stay Authorization Denial

If denied, the decision will always be notified in writing, stating the reasons for refusal.

Appeals

In case of visa or study authorization denial, the applicant may:

File an appeal for reconsideration with the Consular Office within one month from the day following receipt of the rejection notification.
Submit a contentious-administrative appeal before the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months from the day following receipt of the visa denial notification or the rejection of the reconsideration appeal.

Visa Validity

If the authorized stay is less than 180 days, the visa will be valid for the entire stay, and obtaining a Foreigner Identity Card is not necessary.
If the authorized stay exceeds 180 days, the visa will be valid for 365 days. The applicant must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within one month of arrival at the Police Station in the province where their residence authorization was processed.