1. Visa and documents
The authorization for studying in Spain is issued by the Spanish consulate or diplomatic representation offices in the country of origin. Remember, students coming from an EU member country do not need a visa.
Non-EU citizens planning to study in Spain for over six months need a type D student visa. Details of the application process vary depending on your country of origin. It is also mandatory to apply for a residence permit or an identity card for foreigners (TIE) within 30 days of arrival. To request this card, you need to go to the local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros), with the required documents:
- The national identity card or passport and the European health card, valid to be officially registered in the population register.
Non-EU students need a valid passport and student visa. In order to obtain the visa, it is necessary to meet all the requirements to entry and to reside in Spain:
- Be admitted into a recognized Spanish language teaching center (public or private);
- Plan a course of study for a period of more than three months with an established program;
- Demonstrate the financial possibility to support the cost of studying and residing.
In special cases, the requirements for a student visa are:
- A valid passport;
- A health insurance which will cover the medical costs during your stay in Spain. For students having a health insurance is very important in case of sudden illness or accidents;
- Proof that you have the financial resources and accommodation for the period that you are applying for the visa and the funds to ensure your return to your country;
- Bank statement to prove you can support the costs of living during your studies;
- A criminal record certificate for Spain and your previous countries of residence in the last five years based on Spanish law;
- A medical certificate attesting that you do not suffer from any disease with serious repercussions on public health, in agreement with the rules of the international health legislation.
It is important to know that it is not possible to enter Spain with a tourist visa.
The documents process can take some time, make sure you apply early, preferably from two to three months before your trip.
2. Healthcare system
Foreign students under 28 years old, who are studying at any Spanish university, have an insurance (Seguro Escolar) which covers accidents and illnesses.
How to ask for it?
It is necessary to present “El Model de solicitud de prestación del Seguro Escola” (you can find it here: http://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/Pensionistas/Servicios/34887/40968/41107 ) and the specific personal documentation for each service indicated on the application form to one of the “Centros de Atención e Información e la Seguridad social” of the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). Except in case of school accidents and medical emergencies, health care must be requested before the medical assistance.
If you are a European citizen, for “necessary” medical care, it will be sufficient to show your health card, where on the back there is the T.E.A.M. card (Europe Card for Medical Assistance issued by the Province of belonging) which shows the right to receive free health care.
Foreign students over the age of 28, who legally live in Spain have the duty for social security benefits, which are very advanced and useful.
During this time for entering in Spain, a negative PCR molecular test is required at the departure airport, carried out within 72 hours prior to the flight. Spain has established that there is no quarantine obligation for passengers from European countries and the Schengen area, unlike those arriving from a non-EU country. Along with the certificate of negativity, a “public health form” will also be required, which you can find here: https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-salud-publica/tramites-y-servicios/formularios on the Spanish Ministry of Health website. In Spain you can move between Provinces and Regions (Autonomous Communities) within the country, except for areas in lockdown.
3. Cost of living
How much does it cost to live in Spain as an international student?
The price of living can vary depending on the geographic location.
HOUSING:
If you stay in a big city like Barcelona, your rent would be higher than living in a smaller city. The average rent is around 670 euros monthly. Housing options in Spain are:
- Student residence halls – from 360 to 650 EUR/month.
- Rent an apartment – 200 EUR to over 1,000 EUR/month.
- Living with a Spanish family – prices can vary based on region and living conditions.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
The pass for 30 days of public transport is around 42 EUR and a little over 54 EUR in large cities.
You can travel around Spain and see its lovely cities with AVE (speed train): the average price for a trip is 75 EUR. With the youth travel card, you can get major discounts.
MEALS:
For your monthly groceries, you would spend between 200 and 400 EUR. Some of the cheapest supermarkets in Spain are Dia, Bally, Dani and Mercadona.
Meals are not expensive, and if you are a lover of trying traditional things, the best deal is the Sangrìa (the typical Spanish drink), which sometimes costs less than water.