Spain is regarded as a popular tourist destination, but on closer inspection, you will realize what a wonderful country it is to pursue your academic dreams. Replete with universities well-known for their law and humanities programs, Spain will surely cater to the aesthetic, intellectual and artistic being within you. In order to study in Spain, Indians require a Spanish visa for Indian students. Pursuing your higher education in this country will definitely lead to bright prospects for your career. Through this article, we will discuss the Spanish visa requirement for Indian students. Just follow each step carefully to obtain your visa with ease.
Who needs a student visa?
Student visas are needed to pursue any educational course in Spain. Students are also permitted to work part-time or full-time, provided it doesn’t interfere with their study routine. This visa is granted only to full-time international students, following are the programs or courses that require a Spanish student visa for Indian students: -
- Primary and secondary schools
- Secondary school exchange programs
- Higher education
- Vocational Education or Training
- Unpaid internships or volunteering services
- Graduate and Post Graduate Coursework
- Postgraduate Research
It is important to identify the specific student visa required by you. There are two kinds of student visas, namely: -
- 180-days D type visa – To study in Spain between 3-6 months
- Student visa (type D) – To study in Spain for more than 6 months
These visas allow you to acquire Residence Card for foreign students (TIE). A temporary permit, the TIE enables you to stay in Spain for the duration of your studies.
What are the documents needed?
The documents required before and during your Spanish visa application as given below. It is highly advisable to keep 2-3 photocopies of each document mentioned, just in case of emergencies.
- A passport with validity until after 3 months of the entire duration of your stay is required. It should be issued within the previous 10 years and must have minimum two blank pages.
- Properly filled Schengen Visa Application Form. Ensure that no errors are committed herein as it may lead to rejection of your application.
- Official letter of acceptance from the university or institute recognized by Spain’s Department of Education. Additionally, you should attach the institutions’ letter outlining the course details. Please note that if this letter is in English, it needs to be translated into Spanish and vice versa.
- Proof of accommodation
Evidence of your accommodation is required, this can be in the form of confirmation email from your hostel or a print out of the booking form, or any other relevant document. This is essential to judge that your stay is for study purpose only.
- Proof of Medical insurance
A medical insurance is mandatory for your entire stay in Spain. It is necessary to cover any medical expenses that you might incur during your stay. This ensures that you receive at least basic medical treatment.
- Medical Certificate
You are required to provide a Medical Certificate from a recognized doctor or hospital; this indicates that you are mentally and physically fit to enter Spain.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
An apostilled PCC issued from the Regional Passport Office from the place you’ve been residing in for the past 5 years is compulsory. This is required to ensure that you don’t have any criminal record.
- Proof of financial means
Adequate proof of financial means to prove that the student is financially secure is required. The funds shown must be enough to support the academic and living expenses and return transportation cost. Copies bank statements (6 months’), mutual or provident funds can be provided for the same.
- Photocopy of the previous academic qualifications, such as your recent college degree and 10th -12th mark sheets. You should also have recently clicked coloured passport-sized photographs.
- Photocopy of the demand draft issued in favour of the “Embassy of Spain”.
Procedure for a student visa
Once you have collected almost all the required documents, proceed to the Spanish visa application. Follow these steps carefully to obtain your Spanish visa for Indian students.
- First, you need to obtain the student visa application form. You can get this either from Spain’s Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post of India, or simply download the National Visa Application Form.
- The National Visa Application Form needs to be filled and signed. At this step, you should also gather all the required documents and prepare a checklist of the same.
- Next, you need to provide your recent colour photographs, ensure that they must not be more than 6 months old. Two copies of your passport-sized photo need to be attached.
- Once your application is complete, and documents are ready, proceed to pay the visa application fee. Visa fee for ‘Long term stay visa’ is only payable via demand draft (DD) and are non-refundable. This must be issued in favour of the “Embassy of Spain” for the exact amount payable. Note that any additional charges are also paid via a DD and are non-refundable.
- After the fee is paid, you can submit your visa application form and other required documents, in person at the Spanish Consulate nearest to you. Ensure not to rely on travel agents for this, as Long-term visa process is to be carried out entirely by the applicant.
- Following your submission, you can track your visa application online. Ideally, it takes about 7-8 weeks’ processing time.
- You will be notified regarding the issuance of your visa. If granted, you must collect the visa from the Consulate or Embassy directly. Although, authorized personnel may collect it on your behalf. Please ensure that the visa is collected within 30 days of being notified of its issuance.
Things to keep in mind
Following are some aspects which you must keep in mind while fulfilling the Spanish visa requirement for Indian students: -
- Students apply for a ‘Long term visa’. Therefore they must complete the application process in person. Do not apply via a travel agent or any other study-abroad service centres.
- Do take note that the visa shall not be granted for the entire duration of your stay. It is given only for 3 months approximately, hence on your arrival in Spain; you’ll have to apply for a Student Residence Card. This shall serve as your legal residence document.
- It is advisable for you to carry copies (soft copy and hard copy) of your certificates and documents, as they will come in handy in case of loss or theft.
- .If you change your course or coursework provider, please ensure to inform the immigration department at the earliest.
- Please note that the TIE is valid up to one academic year and needs to be renewed annually.
- You should be wary of not extending your stay in Spain without proper legal sanctions.
Reasons for rejection
Due to the following reasons, your visa application may be rejected: -
- Inadequate proof of financial stability and/or lack of sufficient funds to support your stay.
- If the visa office fails to comprehend the choice of your program.
- Discrepancies in any other documents, such as travel or identity proof.
- .Failure of medical examination or Police Clearance Certificate.
- Filling incorrect or false information in the application form.
- If the visa office questions the credibility of your Letter of Acceptance.
- Inability to prove that you will return to your home country after your program ends.
Although, the good news applicants may be issued a rejection letter in case of visa refusals. They may submit an appeal for reconsideration before the Embassy of Spain (in New Delhi). This is to be done within one month from the date of refusal’s notification.
Spain offers numerous opportunities to Indian students, what’s more, is that diplomas acquired from Spain’s universities are recognized worldwide! To take your academics, career and self to greater heights, do check out various programs offered at Spain’s universities or institutions. You can obtain a Spain tourist visa easily- all you need is to follow each step efficiently!