A student Schengen visa is a short-term type C visa that allows foreign students to finish short-term study courses in the Schengen Area. With a student Schengen visa, students can freely travel within the Schengen Area, allowing them to visit various countries and experience diverse cultures.
However, the Schengen student visa isn’t suitable for long-term academic pursuits. A national study visa specific to the country of study is required for those planning to study for more than three months or enroll in full-time degree programs.
Who Needs to Apply for a Student Schengen Visa?
You need to apply for a Schengen student visa if you are a national of a country that has no visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area.
If, however, you are from another country that has a visa-liberalisation agreement with the Schengen Area, then you do not need to apply for a visa as long as your study program is 90 days or less. For longer programs, then you will need a national study visa.
How Do I Apply for a Student Visa to the Schengen Area?
To apply for a Schengen visa for study purposes, you need to follow the steps below:
- Determine your eligibility. You have to make sure that you are eligible to apply for a student visa and that you truly need one before entering the Schengen Area.
- Find out where to apply. You must find out where in your home country you need to submit your application. This can vary depending on which office is available in your country; it’s usually an embassy/consulate or a visa application centre.
- Make an appointment. You must make an appointment to apply for your study Schengen visa between a minimum of 15 days and a maximum of six months before your intended departure date. You can usually do this online or via email.
- Prepare the required documents. You need to provide a list of required documents for your application, so ensure you prepare those documents carefully.
- Submit the application. On the day of your visa appointment, you have to submit your application in person. You may also be required to attend a short interview where you will be asked questions about your study plans in the Schengen Area.
- Pay the Schengen application fee.
- Retrieve your visa. It takes 15 business days to process your visa application under normal circumstances. Sometimes, the processing time can be longer, up to 30 days. But, after your application is processed, you will be notified whether your visa has been issued. You will find the visa affixed to your passport as a sticker; afterwards, you are free to enter the Schengen Area.
What Documents Do I Need?
The required documents for your short-term study visa are as follows:
- The required documents for a Schengen visa.
- Letter of acceptance from the educational institution. You must submit a letter of acceptance from the relevant institution in the Schengen Area where you will be doing your study degree.
- No objection letter from your university. This is required if you’re already a student in your country of residence.
- Proof of academic achievement. Include any proof of your academic achievements, including diplomas, certificates, academic transcripts, etc.
- Proof of accommodation. You must submit proof of accommodation during your stay in the Schengen Area. This may include proof of a dormitory registration, hotel reservation, rental agreement, etc.
- Proof of sponsorship. If you are being financially supported by another third- party, you need to provide proof of sponsorship, such as evidence of scholarship, sponsorship agreement, proof of being supported by your parents (if applicable), etc.
Please note that official visa authorities hold the right to ask for any additional documents.
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for short-term study visas in the Schengen Area. Ensure your policy meets the visa criteria to avoid delays or rejections.
How Long Is the Visa Valid For?
A student Schengen visa is issued with a maximum validity of 90 days within 180 days. This means that you can stay for only 90 days per entry in the last 180 days. You must keep in mind the 90/180-day rule since overstaying your visa can result in serious repercussions such as a fine, ban, or deportation.
That being said, the issuing authority has the discretion to issue a visa with a shorter validity period, depending on factors like the duration of your study program, travel history, or how well you meet the visa requirements.
If you need to calculate your days in the Schengen Area, you can use the Schengen calculator by HelloSchengen to make it easier for you.
How Many Times Can I Enter Schengen With a Student Visa?
In terms of entries, student Schengen visas are issued as follows:
- For a single-entry. This allows the student to enter the Schengen Area only once for the duration of their short-term study program. Once they leave, they cannot return with the same visa, even if the visa has not expired.
- For two entries. This visa permits the student to enter the Schengen Area twice. This means after the first exit, the student can re-enter one more time. It’s useful for students who might need to leave the Schengen Area temporarily and return to continue their studies.
- For multiple-entries. With this visa, students can enter and leave the Schengen Area as many times as they wish while the visa is valid. This is ideal for students who may need to travel frequently.
Given the nature of the visa, in most cases, a Schengen student visa is issued with multiple entries. However, this is decided individually, based on the specifics of the student’s study program and their particular needs.
What if I Need to Stay Longer?
If you are planning on participating in a longer study program, for example, up to a year or more, then you need to apply for a national student visa for that particular Schengen country where you want to study.
However, if your current short-term study program is taking longer than anticipated due to unforeseen circumstances, you can apply for an extension— but keep in mind that extensions of a Schengen visa are rarely granted unless there are strong reasons for it.
What if My Student Visa Application Is Denied?
If your student visa application is denied, you have two options: appeal the decision or reapply for the visa. However, appealing or reapplying doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome, and the process can take time, which may cause you to miss the start of your study program.
To avoid delays, it’s crucial to get your application right the first time. Double-check all documents, ensure you meet every requirement, and verify that your application is complete and accurate.
If your visa is denied, the first step is to understand the exact reason for the refusal. This will help you address the issue effectively when appealing or reapplying. Simply resubmitting your application without fixing the problems that caused the initial denial is unlikely to lead to success.
Helpful Resources:
- Schengen Visa Appeal Letter: Step-by-Step Guide to Overturn a Rejected Application
- Interview Preparation: Essential Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Can I Work With a Schengen Student Visa?
You cannot work with a Schengen study visa, and here’s why:
- This visa is tailored for study programs, meaning your primary role is to focus on your studies. The intention behind the visa is to facilitate education, not employment.
- The Schengen study visa is short-term, typically not accommodating extra time for work. Even in cases where the specific Schengen country might allow student work, the short duration of the visa usually doesn’t permit it.
- Schengen countries often have strict regulations regarding foreign students working. These rules are designed to ensure that students remain focused on their educational objectives during their stay.
This is why if you’re planning on working in the Schengen Area, you should look into other visa options, such as a work visa.
Can I Bring My Family Members?
You can’t bring your family members with you on a Schengen student visa. Because this visa is intended for shorter study programs, it does not account for students’ family members.
However, if you are applying for a long-term study visa, then you can usually bring your close family members, such as spouses and children.