student visa in europe
Being able to study abroad, and abroad at one of the top universities in Europe, as an exchange student is a dream come true for many students. That’s why we’ve put together a list of pros and cons for applying for a student visa in Europe, so you can have all of the information on hand when you’re making the most important decision of your life.
If you are a student planning to study abroad or already in that process, it is very important to know how to get your student visa for Europe. Since not all countries in Europe are part of the Schengen area, you must ensure that you know where you’ll be studying and whether or not a visa is needed. However, in case your university is located within European Union and this subject doesn’t apply to you, please go back to our website and check out more useful information!
Europe is one of the most popular study tour destinations in the world. But not all nationalities can qualify for student visas in Europe. Touriago has put together a guide on how to obtain a student visa, where to apply, what documents are needed and how much it costs you in order to study abroad there.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you may be wondering about student visas. It’s important to know what your options are, as well as which one is best for your situation.
The European Union has simplified the process of getting a visa for students from non-EU countries. You can apply for a student visa at any embassy or consulate in the country where you will be studying.
It is recommended that you apply for your visa at least six weeks before your course starts, so that there is time for processing and so that you have enough time to organize all of your paperwork before leaving home.
If you’re a student looking to study abroad in Europe, your first step is to apply for a student visa.
A student visa is an official document that allows you to enter and stay in a country while you study there. It also serves as proof that you have been accepted by an institution of higher education.
The type of visa that you need depends on what country you’re applying from and what country you wish to attend school in. Student visas are typically issued for one year at a time, though some countries offer longer-term visas for students who intend to stay longer.
Student visas allow students from other countries to study at universities or colleges in their host countries. They also allow them to work part-time during the academic year or summer break. Student visas are often issued for short periods of time, so it’s important that students keep their applications up-to-date if they want their visas extended beyond their initial expiration date.
How to apply for a Student Schengen Visa
To apply for a Student Schengen Visa
- consult the relevant embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Center of your Schengen destination country
- calculate the best time to submit your application (a maximum of 3 months and a minimum of 15 days before you arrive)
- complete the application for a short-stay visa, if you are planning to study for less than 90 days
- complete the required documents for your Student Schengen Visa
- make an appointment with the Consulate of the country that you intend to visit
- attend the interview to see if you are eligible
- pay the student visa fee
- wait for a response
Check directly with the European higher education institution you’ve applied to study at for guidance about the visa application process.
Longer stays
To study for more than 90 days in a Schengen country, students must apply for a long-stay study visa for the country in which they plan to study.
Do you need a visa to study in Europe?
Almost everyone that holds a non- EU/EEA nationality needs a visa when he or she wants to stay in Europe for a longer period of time. Students are often required to apply for a student visa (or temporary resident visa for students). With this visa you can stay in your host country for a fixed period of time. Check the EU Immigration portal for more information, as visa rules can differ per country.
Can I work when I am holding a student visa?
Most countries allow students on a visa to work part-time, but some countries place restrictions on the amount of hours that visa-holders can work. You may also need an additional work permit. Check the immigration website for each country to find out more – see the Country profiles section for links to national immigration websites.
What kind of insurance do I need?
Make sure that you are properly insured before you start your studies in Europe. Basic travel insurance policies often only cover 30 – 90 days that you are staying in a foreign country. You should check your coverage before you go, make the necessary changes or perhaps change your insurance altogether.
For some countries, health insurance is obligatory for degree students. This means that if you stay for a full degree, you have to insure yourself locally. Check the information from the national information portals (on the country profiles) to see if this applies in the country of your choice. In most cases the international office of your host university will also be a good source of advice on this and other practical questions.
Liability and household insurances are other things to look into. Liability insurance is important because accidents may happen and it may end up being costly if you are not properly insured. Household insurance is to cover costs of potential break-in or damages to your household items. This type of insurance often has strict prerequisites, so you should always check the details carefully.
Conclusion
A Student Schengen Visa is an entry permit to the Schengen Zone, granted to third-country nationals wishing to enter and remain for short-stays in any of the member states, under the purpose of studying.
This visa permits its holder to remain in the Schengen territory for a maximum of 3 months. If your study or training course lasts longer than that, you should apply for a Long-Stay Study Visa at the embassy of the respective country.
Only the nationals coming from third countries that have not signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area member states are in need of a Student Schengen Visa.