Spain Study Visa: Application Process and Requirements

Imagine studying in a country filled with culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. That’s Spain for you! From Barcelona’s dramatic cliffs to Seville’s ancient architecture, Spain offers a feast for the senses.

But Spain isn’t just beautiful; it’s also a significant country where many Hollywood films were shot. Hollywood directors have used Spain to film blockbuster movies like A Fistful of Dollars, Mission Impossible 2, Knight & Day, and many more.

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It’s no wonder that Spain is slowly becoming popular with Indian students. From 2019 to 2020, Spain had more than 5,000 Indian students. But as per the Ministry of External Affairs the number of Spain study visas have grown by more than 1,300 in recent years. 

If you are thinking about studying abroad too, Here’s a list of reasons why Spain should be at the top of your list. Have a look.

• Academic Excellence: Spain boasts world-class universities. According to the QS World University Rankings in 2025, 14 Spanish universities rank among the top 500 globally, including Complutense University of Madrid at 164 and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona at 165.

• Variety and Opportunity: Spanish universities offer various programs in various fields, from engineering and business to art history and many more. There’s something for everyone!

• Affordability: Spain is much more affordable than many other European countries; for example, it is 114% cheaper than the UK.

• Learning the Language: Learning Spanish is a valuable skill that can open doors to exciting career opportunities. Studying in Spain allows you to fully immerse yourself in the language and culture, making learning fun and effective. Did you know? Spanish is spoken in 21 different countries worldwide.

With its rich history and excellent academic institutions, Spain is the perfect place to launch your international study adventure. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about securing a Spain study visa from India.

Key Highlights

Here’s a roundabout of everything you will learn in detail in this blog post on a student visa in Spain – how to apply, what are requirements for Indian students, types of Spain student visa for Indians, the study visa fees, and much more.

Types of Spain Study Visa

Did you know that the cost of living in Spain is much lower than many other European and American countries? For instance, Spain is 123% cheaper than the US, 114% cheaper than the UK, 106% cheaper than Ireland, and 59% cheaper than Canada.

In any event, it is essential to note that Spain has two types of student study visas; choosing the correct one is necessary for a smooth application process.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about these two types of Spain study visas.

Spain Study Visa Cost

Although the visa acceptance rate for a Spain study visa is 97%, it is essential to note that most rejected applications are due to easily avoidable mistakes. The most common issues are fake or incomplete documents, incomplete application forms, lack of funds, choosing the wrong visit time, and invalid travel insurance, among others. Hence, you must be honest about your intentions in your applications.

Here’s an overview of Spain study visa cost.

Please Note: These costs are subject to change, so be sure to check with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in India for the latest information on fees.

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Spain Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students

Did you know that the rejection rate for a Spain study visa has been around 3%? This is one of the lowest in any country. Most Spain student visas for Indians were rejected because they did not meet the eligibility criteria. Hence, if you wish to study in Spain, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Here’s how to prepare yourself for a successful student journey in Spain.

• You need proof of sufficient financial support to cover your expenses in Spain (minimum INR 6.5L).
• You should have a Letter of Admission from a recognised educational institution in Spain.
• You should be qualified to pursue higher education in Spain; for example, you should have a high school diploma or certificate for undergraduate courses.

Please note: Students from countries outside the EU/EFTA zone are known as EU/EFTA students, and Indian students fall under this category. Hence, you will always need a student visa to enter Spain. This visa will allow you to stay and study in Spain for the duration of yourVisa (which is more than 180 days for a type D visa and three to six months for a type C visa).

Steps to Apply for a Spain Student Visa for Indian Students

Did you know? Spain has seen a rise in international students by around 46% in the past few years. Many students have realised their dream of studying in Spain. If you wish to realise this dream, you will need to fulfil some Spain Study visa requirements to turn your dream of studying at the top universities in Spain into reality. And for that, you will first need a visa. But don’t worry; the application process to secure a student visa in Spain is pretty straightforward! 

Here are the steps involved in securing a Spain study visa. 

• Download the application form India BLS Spain Visa website.
• Fill out the application form and then sign it.
• Gather all relevant documents (discussed in the upcoming section) mentioned in the application form.
• Choose a visa application centre and make an appointment.
• Submit the application & pay the visa fee.
• Attend the interview (if applicable).
• Wait for the visa application decision.

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Required Documents for Spain Study Visa

As you know, Spanish is widely spoken in Spain and many other countries, making it a great place to learn Spanish. However, there can be some hurdles to jump through. Getting a visa to study in Spain can seem complicated, but don’t worry! We’ve broken down the steps to make it easier for you.

Here’s a list of all the documents you need to get a Spain study visa.

• Valid passport
  • Photo of all pages of passport
  • Minimum validity 1 year
• Two passport-size photos

Colour photos

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• Admission Letter
• Proof of accommodation
  • Hotel details
  • Rental agreement
  • If hostel then acceptance letter from college
  • Airbnb details
• Previous academic transcripts
  • High school diploma
  • Bachelor’s degree (if going to study masters)
• Proof of financial support
  • Bank Statement
  • ITR of last three years
  • Letter of Guarantee
  • Scholarships if any
• Health Insurance
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Medical Certificate

Spain Study Visa Processing Time and Validity

The processing time for a Spanish student visa is around four weeks; however, it can be extended to eight to nine weeks, depending on the case and the application. Your visa application process starts as soon as you submit your application at the visa application centre. In either case, you will get an update from the embassy regarding your visa. 

Please note: A Spanish student visa is issued for a maximum of one year. Hence, if the duration of your degree course is more than one year, you need to apply for a foreigner identity card. 

How to Extend a Spain Study Visa and Get a Foreigner Identity Card?

As mentioned above, the Spain study visa is valid only for 365 days. Hence, getting a Foreigner Identity Card within 30 days of getting into Spain is essential. The Foreigner Identity Card will allow you to stay in the country for one year, and you can then review it five more times as well.

Find the details about the Foreigner Identity Card below.

• Contact an Immigration Office or a Police Station
• Gather and submit all documents
• Wait for an answer

List of Documents Needed to Get a Spanish Foreigner Identity Card

• Form EX-15
• Form EX-17
• Recent one colour photographs
• Registration of Social Security, if applicable
• Receipt of Card fee payment. (INR 800 – INR 1,100)

Processing Time for a Spanish Foreigner Identity Card

Processing your application for a Foreigner Identity Card can take about one month. Hence, it is recommended that you apply for it as soon as possible to avoid any issues in the future. You can apply for this card 30 days after your stay in Spain. 

When and Where to Apply for a Spain Study Visa?

You should start the application process for the Spain study visa as soon as you get the acceptance letter from a Spanish university or college. You must begin at least 3 to 6 months before your departure date. It would help if you started by compiling all relevant documents, such as proof of financial means, health insurance, and other essential documents.

The application must be submitted to the Spanish embassy, consulate, or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India. Always book an appointment from the embassy’s official website for your visa application.

You should also ensure that your visa application timeline and your school’s registration deadlines align perfectly. If you do, you might get your visa late, meaning you miss your school deadline.

Where to Apply

Book Your Appointment Online: Nowadays, almost every embassy and consulate requires online appointment booking. Visit your local Spanish embassy website to book your slot and follow their instructions.

On Your Appointment Day

• Bring All Documents: You must have all the required documents, including photocopies.
• Possible Interview: You should be prepared for a potential interview where you can discuss your study plans, finances, and why you chose Spain.

If you follow these tips, you will have a smoother application process and, hopefully, a successful study adventure in Spain!

Top 5 Universities in Spain

Some top companies, including BC&F, Deloitte, Sipaden, SAP, Indra, Salesforce, etc., hire graduates from Spanish universities. Spain has 14 universities in the top 500 in the QS World Ranking 2025. Spanish universities’ most popular courses are Natural Sciences, Hospitality Management, Computer Science, Arts, and Humanities.

Here are some more details about the top-rated universities in Spain.

Main Study Intakes in Spain

Spanish universities generally offer two intakes: one in the fall and the other in the spring. Both are significant intakes. It is recommended that you start the application process at least 8 to 9 months before the intake begins.

Here’s a brief overview of both intakes.

Always remember to research the university’s intake and deadlines carefully as well! Every Spanish university has deadlines, so check with them carefully to avoid missing your shot.

Living in Spain as a Student

While the cost of living can vary depending on your city and lifestyle, Spain is generally considered an affordable study destination compared to other Western European countries. On average, student living expenses in Spain range from INR 70K to INR 1L. If you’re a budget-minded student, Spain could be an excellent fit for you!

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Spain.

Working While Studying in Spain

As an international student, you are allowed to work while studying. However, there are a few conditions that you need to meet in order to start working. Find them below.

• You need to register yourself at the Social Security Office.
• You need to get a Foreigner Identity Card.
• You also need a work permit (Your employer will apply for it)
• You might also need to get a permit from the Spanish consulate in your home country.
• You should speak and understand Spanish to get jobs.
• You can only work for 20 hours a week.

Here’s a table listing the best part-time jobs in Spain.

Conclusion

Getting a Spain study visa might seem like a lot of work. However, with careful planning, attention to detail, and following the requirements of the Spanish government, you can fulfil your dream of studying abroad. 

Some of the most important things to follow so your visa application does not get rejected is you submit all the required documents and pay all the applicable fees.

Moreover, as the student visa in Spain is only valid for 365 days, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card.

So, if you want to see yourself in the league of students who finally get the student visa, make sure you follow all the necessary steps to obtain the right type of visa.

Frequently Asked Questions