Apply for a Student Schengen Visa

Students who are on a Tier 4 visa may also need to apply for a visa to travel for tourism or business in the European Union. This visa allows travel of a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period. The Schengen area comprises 26 Europe countries and it may be necessary to apply for a Schengen visa.

A Student Schengen Visa is an entry permit to the Schengen area, 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.

The first time you apply for a Schengen visa, you will only be granted a “single entry” visa. If you are able to obey the rules of this Schengen visa, in subsequent Schengen visa applications you may be able to apply for a “multiple entry” visa. However, you would still need to demonstrate a clear and genuine need for this multiple entry visa in your application (e.g. you have a detailed plan of different trips or conferences within the Schengen area that are booked over a longer period).

Only the nationals coming from third countries that have not signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area member states need a Student Schengen Visa.

Documents are Required: -

• Two visa applications forms - Be sure to sign the forms at the bottom, and only include information that is accurate and true.
• Two copies of the same photo - The photo must have been taken within the last three months.
• Copy of passport data - Please include a copy of the biometric data on your passport.
• Previous passports. Tied together with a rubber band. Do not staple them!
• Roundtrip reservation or itinerary - You must provide the dates and flight numbers of your booking both in and out of the area.
• Residency proof - Supply a form of proof or identification that you are a resident of your home country.
• Travel Medical Insurance - It is also required that you submit proof of travel medical insurance for your entire stay, which will cover up to €30,000.
• Acceptance letter from a higher learning institution in the European Union - This letter must include your name, along with both the length and type of program and the weekly hours of study.
• Academic qualifications - You must also provide academic records or a diploma to show that you qualify for the study program.
• Proof of housing: - This can include a contract from a dorm, confirmation that you’ll be staying with a relative, or a signed rental agreement.
• Financial verification: - Proof of financial means must cover the entire stay in the area, and can include a scholarship of at least €631 monthly, three months’ worth of bank statements or proof of sponsorship from another individual.
• 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.

When you have everything in order, including all of the required documentation, you can submit your application at the Consulate or Embassy of your destination within the Schengen area, which is located in your home country. You must make an appointment for an interview.

There are also strict rules as to when you may apply for a Student Schengen Visa. It cannot be earlier than three months before your trip, nor can it be later than 15 days out.

Now that you have the best information on how to obtain a Student Schengen Visa, including providing proper proof of accommodation the simplest way possible, you are just one step closer to being an authentic exchange student! It’s going to be the adventure of a lifetime!