Student Schengen Visa – Traveling to Europe for Study Purposes

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.

What Documents are Required When Applying for a Student Schengen Visa?

The mandatory documents to apply for a Student Schengen Visa are as following:

• Two visa application forms. Fully completed, with correct and honest answers. Print it and sign the form at the end.
• Two identical photos. Taken within the last three months according to the Schengen visa photo requirements.
• Valid passport. Issued within the last 10 years with validity of at least 3 months after the end of the planned journey.
• A copy of passport’s biometric data.
• Previous passports. Tied together with a rubber band. Do not staple them!
• Proof of residency. Some sort of document issued by the country where you are applying from as a proof that you are a citizen or resident of that country.
• Roundtrip reservation or itinerary. Specifying the dates and flight numbers of entry and exit from the Schengen area. Here you can learn more about how to book a flight reservation for eu visa application.
• Travel medical insurance. A document issued by your Europe health insurer, confirming you have insurance for the whole Schengen territory, throughout your whole stay with coverage of €30,000 for emergency health situations.
• Proof of accommodation. Evidence where you will be staying at, during your time in the Schengen zone. This could be one of the following:
  • Dormitory contract. Signed between you and an official of a dormitory in the country where you will be staying.
  • Rent Agreement. A contract with a property owner in this Schengen state, specifying the address and other information details about the facility and landlord.
  • Letter of Invitation. A letter written by a resident in the country you are applying to enter, confirming they are willing to take you in their home throughout the period you will be there.
• Letter of acceptance at an EU University/College/School. A recent, official and signed letter stating your name/type of studies/length of studies/part of a European program if applicable/number of hours per week.
• Proof of academic qualifications. Diploma, academic records, attestation of the application for equivalence or decision / dispatch of equivalence.
• Proof of financial means. Documents that show one is able to reside and financially maintain him / herself during their stay in the Schengen zone. This can be one of the following:
  • Scholarship. Original attestation of an official scholarship of minimum 631€/month.
  • Bank account statement. Showing your bank balance for the last three months.
  • Sponsorship.
• Proof of paid visa fee.

Additional Documents required for Minors.

• An extract of the minor’s birth certificate.
• An identity document bearing the parents’ signature (one document for each parent).
• A declaration of consent from both parents, stating that the minor can travel.
• If relevant: a court judgement stating which parent has been allocated parental responsibility for the minor.
• If relevant: a declaration from the minor’s school consenting to his/her absence.

Proof of occupation.

• If employed:
  • Employment contract
  • Leave permission from the employer
  • Income Tax Return
• If self-employed:
  • A copy of your business license,
  • Company’s bank statement of the latest 6 months
  • Income Tax Return (ITR)
• If a student:
  • Proof of enrollment
  • No Objection Letter from University

Where to Submit a Student Schengen Visa Application

You should submit your Student Schengen Visa Application at the responsible Embassy / Consulate / VAC of your main Schengen destination in your country of residence. To figure that out check the rules on How to Choose the Right Embassy/Consulate/VAC to Submit the Student Visa Application.

How to Apply for a Student Schengen Visa

To submit your Student Schengen Visa application successfully, follow these steps:

1. Check if you need a Student Schengen Visa.
2. Figure out where you need to apply.
3. Figure out the best time to submit your visa application.
4. Fill the application form for a short-stay visa.
5. Collect the required documents for a Student Schengen Visa.
6. Make an appointment.
7. Attend the interview.
8. Pay the student visa fee.
9. Wait for a response.

When to Apply for a Student Schengen Visa?

According to the Schengen rules, the period within which you can submit a Student Schengen visa application is as following:

• The earliest: three months prior to your trip towards Schengen.
• The latest: 15 days prior to your trip.

However, you are highly recommended to apply about 4 weeks prior to your departure date, since this way you will give to the embassy enough time for processing your visa.