Short Stay Visa Guide for Spain

Nestled in southwestern Europe, Spain is an enchanting country beckoning travellers with its rich history, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm Mediterranean climate. From the iconic architectural wonders and bustling cities to the tranquil beaches and charming villages, Spain offers a diverse tapestry of experiences that leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Spain is renowned for several engineering courses, MBA programs, and medical courses worldwide.

For students looking to study in Spain for a short period, you need to apply for a short-term student visa Spain. A short stay visa Spain will permit you to stay and study in the country for a short period, either less than 90 days or between 91 to 180 days. Getting a visa also depends on the country you belong to. Spain offers two types of short term student visas: Schengen Student Visa and Short-Term Student Visa. You will need the Schengen Student Visa when you intend to study in Spain for less than 3 months (90 days). If you stay in Spain for longer than 90 days but shorter than 180 days (between 3 and 6 months), you will need the Short-Term Student Visa. 

If you're planning a short stay in this beautiful country, familiarising yourself with the visa requirements and application process is essential. This short stay visa Spain guide will assist you in making your trip a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Short Stay Visa Spain Guide: What You Need to Know

Understanding Short Stay Visa Spain

Spain offers short stay visas for international students planning to stay and study in the country for up to 90 to 180 days. The student visa is usually for non-European Union (EU), non-European Economic Area (EEA), and non-switzerland students who want to study in Spain. However, students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, do not need a student visa to study in Spain. 

Types of Short Stay Visa Spain

Before applying for a visa, you must determine the type of visa you need to stay in Spain. Depending on your nationality and duration of stay, you will apply for the short stay visa Spain. Spain offers two short stay visas: Schengen and Short-Term Student Visa. The Schengen Student Visa, which is part of the Schengen Area's common visa policy, is required when you want to study in Spain for less than 90 days. When you want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days but less than 180 days, you will go for the Short-Term Student Visa.

Benefits of Short Term Visa Spain

There’s so much you can do with a short term visa Spain! For starters, the Schengen Student Visa enables you to travel to the 27 Schengen countries. When you want to pursue short-term academic or training courses, you can apply for the short term visa Spain. The kind of courses you can take up with the short term visa Spain include.

1. Full-time programs at a renowned university or school
2. Doctorate studies
3. Short training courses
4. Student mobility courses at a compulsory and non-mandatory secondary education level at any officially organised teaching or scientific centre
5. Volunteer Services
6. Au Pair programmes
7. Conversation class assistants

Who can apply for a Short Stay Visa Spain?

International students from certain countries are required to obtain a short stay visa before entering Spain. To determine whether you need a visa for your trip, it's crucial to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

Eligibility Criteria for Short Term Student Visa Spain

To obtain the Schengen Student Visa, you need to follow the following criteria.

1. You must not hold citizenship from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
2. You need to showcase financial proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself throughout your stay in Spain. This requires a minimum of €600 per month and a total of at least €900 for the entire visit, regardless of duration.
3. You must possess medical insurance that covers your period of stay in Spain.
4. You need to show proof of acceptance into a Spanish educational institution. This can be in the form of an admission letter from a recognised school or university in Spain. Application for the student visa should only follow acceptance into a course. 
5. You must have a clean criminal record.
6. A confirmed return flight ticket is necessary to indicate your intention to stay in Spain temporarily.
7. For those pursuing higher education, such as PhD or Master’s degree, you need to show validation of your degree from your home country.

Documentation for Short Term Student Visa Spain

A student must present certain necessary documents to apply for the short term student visa Spain. These documents include the following.

1. A visa application form
2. A passport that should remain valid throughout your stay and extend at least 3 months beyond your intended stay
3. You must provide two recent, colour passport-sized photographs (3x4 cm).
4. You must present your travel itinerary detailing flight dates and entry/exit points within the Schengen area.
5. Showcase proof of health insurance
6. A medical certificate is required, confirming your good health and no medical diseases that may threaten public health.
7. You need to present proof of accommodation, showcasing your intended place of stay while in Spain.
8. Show a bank statement to verify adequate funds for your stay.
9. You must also submit proof of enrollment at your chosen university or college.

For applicants below 18 years old, classified as minors, additional documents are required to support the student visa application. These include:

1. Student’s birth certificate.
2. Include a copy of the identity document or passport of each parent or guardian (one document per parent /guardian).
3. Obtain written consent from parents allowing you to travel and pursue studies in Spain.
4. If relevant, a court judgement clarifying the parent responsible for the minor applicant.
5. Provide a declaration from the applicant’s school affirming approval of the minor’s absence from studies, if applicable.

Language Requirements

If the course you are applying for will be taught in Spanish, then you will have to show a Spanish proficiency certificate. For this, you must take a Spanish language test, such as the Diploma de Español Como Lengua Extranjera. On the other hand, if your program is in English, you will have to prove your proficiency in English. The accepted English proficiency tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, and C1 Advanced.

Short Term Student Visa Spain Application Cost

The Schengen Student Visa application fee depends on your country of origin. The standard Schengen visa fee is €80, and ideally you pay before or right as you submit your application. Students can contact their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate to learn about the exact visa fee. 

Your payment method will depend on the embassy processing your application. You will then be required to attach the receipt to the required documents to support your application. For the Short-Term Student visa, the fee is around €60, depending on your nationality. You can pay the application visa fee after submitting your application. 

Spain short term student visa application process

Obtaining a Spain short term student visa involves a specific application process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it smoothly.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa

Identify the type of Spain short term student visa you need. Based on the duration of your stay, you can choose between the Schengen Student Visa and the Short-Term Student Visa.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Compile the necessary documents, typically including a valid passport, visa application form, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Contact the Spanish embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment to submit your short term student visa Spain application. It's advisable to do this well in advance to secure a convenient date.

Step 4: Attend the Interview

On the appointed day, attend the short term visa Spain interview with all your documents in order. Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, and other relevant details.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the required visa fee, which can vary depending on the type of short term visa Spain and your nationality. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing

After submitting your application and attending the interview, patiently await the visa processing period. This typically takes around 15 calendar days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

When to apply for short term student visa Spain

Students must submit their application as early as 3 months or 15 days before their departure to Spain. This will ensure enough time to process your visa application. Do ensure to thoroughly cross-check that your student visa application is specific to your consulate so that you have enough time before your studies start.

After following the above steps, you can schedule an appointment for your visa interview. The interviews are in person with embassy officials. In the interview, you will need to submit any supporting documents and answer simple questions about your visit to Spain.

How long do you have to wait for your application results?

The official period for your Schengen Student visa result is 15 days from the day after you submit your application. In some instances, students are asked to provide additional documents, in which case, the result date might be extended from 30 to 60 days. 

The application result for the Short-Term Student visa might take up to 1 month from the submission date. The result period can be extended if an additional interview or documents are required. Once approved, you will be notified to visit the embassy you applied at to collect your visa.

Reasons why a short stay visa application for Spain may get rejected:

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

One of the most common reasons for student visa rejection is submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Ensure all required documents are complete, up-to-date, and in the specified format.

2. Insufficient Funds

If a student fails to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Spain, their visa application may be rejected. It's essential to show that you have enough financial resources to support yourself throughout the trip.

3. Lack of Travel Insurance

As mentioned earlier, travel insurance is mandatory for a short stay student visa. Failure to provide proof of adequate travel insurance coverage, including medical emergencies and repatriation, can lead to visa rejection.

4. Invalid or Expired Passport:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from Spain. If your passport is invalid or close to expiration, it can result in your short term student visa Spain application getting rejected.

5. Inadequate Purpose of Visit:

Your application should clearly demonstrate a legitimate purpose for a visit, whether it's tourism, business, or family-related. If your purpose is not adequately explained or is deemed suspicious, the visa may be rejected.

6. Previous Visa Violations:

If you have a history of overstaying or violating visa regulations in any country, it can negatively impact your visa application. Consulates may view such violations as an indication of potential non-compliance.

7. Lack of Ties to Home Country:

To obtain a short stay visa Spain, it's important to establish strong ties to your home country. Consulates need assurance that you have reasons to return, such as employment, family, or property ownership. Insufficient evidence of ties can lead to visa rejection.

What to do if your short term student visa Spain gets rejected?

In case your short term visa Spain gets rejected, you can submit an appeal for reconsideration within 1 month of the day following the date you get the visa refusal notification. You can also apply for judicial review to the High Court of Justice of Madrid within 2 months, starting the day you receive your refusal notification.

You can consider a judicial review in two cases: if you believe the refusal decision on your short term visa Spain application was unfair or the evidence and information you provided were not fully considered. 

Embarking on a journey to Spain, a country brimming with cultural treasures and natural wonders, is an exciting prospect. However, it's crucial to ensure that you approach the short  stay visa Spain application process with diligence and accuracy. Any misstep or oversight could result in the rejection of your visa, potentially disrupting your travel plans.

By understanding the various aspects of the short stay visa Spain process, including the types of visas available, the countries that require visas, and the step-by-step application procedure, you are better equipped to navigate the complexities involved. Remember to gather all the necessary documents, schedule an appointment, and pay the required fees on time.

Remember that a short stay visa for Spain is a gateway to an unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's rich history, explore cities like Malaga and Alcalá de Henares, indulge in its culinary delights, and explore its stunning landscapes. With careful planning, attention to detail, and adherence to visa requirements, you can confidently embark on your Spanish adventure.

With the short Stay visa, you can also visit other Schengen countries; take a look at the Schengen visa guide! So, gather your documents, prepare your visa application diligently, and embark on a journey to discover Spain’s beauty and wonder. Buena suerte (good luck)!