A Student Schengen Visa is a short-stay entry permit granted to third-country nationals who wish to enter and remain in any of the Schengen Zone member states for study purposes. This visa allows its holder to stay in the Schengen territory for a maximum of three 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.
To be eligible for a Student Schengen Visa, you must be a national of a third country that has not signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area member states. Nationals of countries that have signed such an agreement do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area for study purposes.
When applying for a Student Schengen Visa, you will need to provide several documents, including an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. The application process may take several weeks, so it is essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
What Documents are Required When Applying for a Student Schengen Visa?
The required documents for a Student Schengen Visa include a completed visa application form, valid passport, biometric data copy, proof of residency, roundtrip reservation or itinerary, travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation, letter of invitation, letter of acceptance at an EU University/College/School, proof of academic qualifications, proof of financial means, and proof of paid visa fee.
Following documents are required:
- Two fully completed visa application forms, printed and signed.
- Two identical photos taken within the last three months according to Schengen visa photo requirements.
- A valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey’s end.
- A copy of the passport’s biometric data and previous passports tied together with a rubber band (do not staple them!).
- Proof of residency as a citizen or resident of the country where you are applying from.
- Roundtrip reservation or itinerary specifying the dates and flight numbers of entry and exit from the Schengen area.
- Travel visa insurance issued by your Europe health insurer, with coverage of €30,000 for emergency health situations.
- Proof of accommodation, which can be in the form of a dormitory contract, rent agreement, letter of invitation, or letter of acceptance at an EU university/college/school.
- Proof of academic qualifications, including a diploma, academic records, attestation of the application for equivalence or decision/dispatch of equivalence.
- Proof of financial means, which can be in the form of an official scholarship of minimum 631€/month, bank account statements for the last three months, sponsorship, or other documents that show you can financially maintain yourself during your stay in the Schengen zone.
- Proof of paid visa fee
Where to Submit a Student Schengen Visa Application?
You can submit your Student Schengen Visa application at the consulate or embassy of the country where you will be studying or staying the longest during your trip to the Schengen Area.
- If you plan to visit only one country, apply at the embassy/consulate/visa center of that specific country.
- If you plan to visit multiple countries and spend an equal amount of time in each country, apply at the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country where you will arrive first.
- If you plan to visit multiple countries and spend an unequal amount of time in each country, apply at the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country where you will spend the most time
How to Apply for a Student Schengen Visa?
To submit your Student Schengen Visa application successfully, follow these steps:
- Determine if you need a Student Schengen Visa
- Find out where you need to apply
- Choose the best time to submit your visa application
- Fill out the short-stay visa application form
- Gather all the required documents for a Student Schengen Visa
- Schedule an appointment for your visa interview
- Attend the visa interview
- Pay the student visa fee
- Wait for a response from the embassy or consulate.
When to Apply for a Student Schengen Visa?
Here are the key points to keep in mind regarding when to apply for a Student Schengen Visa:
- You can apply for the visa as early as three months before your planned travel date to the Schengen area.
- The latest you can apply is 15 days before your trip.
- It is recommended that you apply at least four weeks before your intended departure date to ensure the embassy has enough time to process your application.
How Long is the Student Schengen Visa Valid?
The processing time for a Student Schengen visa is usually 15 calendar days, although in some cases the response may come even sooner. However, in certain exceptional situations, the processing period may take up to 30 or 60 days.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Schengen Visa?
The Student Schengen Visa is typically valid for up to three months within a six-month period. It’s important to check the visa sticker information on your passport to confirm the exact validity period and duration of your permitted stay in the Schengen Area.
Can I Extend a Schengen Student Visa?
To extend a Student Schengen Visa, there are only specific cases where it is possible, such as for late entry, humanitarian reasons, force majeure, or important personal reasons. More information can be found in the article “How to Extend a Schengen Visa.” However, if you want to continue your studies in the Schengen state where you are, you cannot extend your Student Schengen Visa. Instead, you must return to your home country or country of residence and apply for a long-stay study visa.
What happens if I overstay my Schengen Student Visa?
If you overstay your Schengen Student Visa, you may face consequences such as fines, deportation, or even a ban on entering the Schengen area in the future. Additionally, it may also affect your ability to obtain visas for other countries in the future. It is important to comply with the terms of your visa and leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
Can I apply for a Schengen Student Visa if I have been previously denied?
Yes, you can apply for a Schengen Student Visa even if you have been previously denied. However, you will need to carefully review the reasons for the previous denial and address them in your new application. It is important to provide all necessary and accurate information and documentation to support your application, and to demonstrate that you meet all the requirements for a Student Schengen Visa. Keep in mind that previous visa denials may affect the outcome of your new application, so it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your new application is as strong as possible.
Can I work on a Schengen Student Visa?
Yes, students with a valid Schengen Student Visa are allowed to work part-time during their studies in the Schengen area. However, the specific rules and limitations on work hours may vary by country, and it is important to check the regulations of the country where you will be studying. Generally, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. It is also important to note that a Schengen Student Visa is not intended for those who wish to work in the Schengen area, as the main purpose of the visa is to allow for studying and education.
Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen Student Visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen Student Visa. The insurance coverage must be valid for the entire period of stay and must provide coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of serious illness or accident. The minimum coverage required is €30,000.
Can I apply for a Schengen Student Visa from a country other than my home country?
You may apply for a Schengen Student Visa from a country other than your home country if you are a legal resident in that country. However, it is advisable to apply from your home country as it may be easier to provide the necessary documents and the embassy may have an easier time verifying your information. If you do decide to apply from a country other than your home country, make sure to contact the embassy or consulate in that country for specific requirements and procedures.
Can I bring my family in Europe with a Student Schengen Visa?
While family members cannot accompany you on a Schengen student visa, they may be eligible to apply for a family reunion visa in certain circumstances, such as if you will be studying in a Schengen country for a long period of time. Each Schengen country has its own specific requirements for family reunion visas, so it is important to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for details.
Is there any age limit to apply for a Student Schengen Visa?
Obtaining a Schengen visa to attend a training or study course in the Schengen Zone is not restricted by age.
In summary, obtaining a student Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to study in the Schengen Area for a period of up to 90 days. The visa can be extended if the course of study lasts longer, and there is no age limit for those wishing to obtain a student Schengen visa. In addition to meeting the regular visa requirements, such as having a valid passport and sufficient financial means, applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution and adequate health insurance. The student Schengen visa offers a great opportunity for students to experience education and culture in Europe.