Student Life in Spain: Education, Housing, Visa, and More

Spain has one of the most highly advanced educational systems in Europe. In each milestone of the gradual education system in Spain, students reach academic excellence in their relevant fields.

But how is the education system in Spain different from other countries? Spain’s most attractive side is that it provides more than theoretical learning. The students in Spain get a chance to have a hands-on education with real experiences.

Education is compulsory for all children aged between 6-16 years old in Spain. Along with it, the attendance rate at higher education institutions paints a promising picture. Spain is a renowned country in high education, especially with its prestigious universities with deep-rooted history. For example, the oldest higher education institution, The University of Salamanca, dates back to the 13th century.

Education in Spain is also affordable. Compared to other European countries, Spain is one of the most affordable places to study. The Spanish schools stand out with their low-cost tuition fees and lots of scholarships in Spain. It also creates high applicability for students who are not members of the EU but want to study abroad.

International Education in Spain

Spain is heaven for international students, especially with its colourful demographic structure, cultural diversity, and affordable living. There is a rapidly growing demand for Spain’s education institutions from students who are looking for academic excellence in Europe. The global recognition of the degrees obtained from universities in Spain also makes it an appealing option.

There is a wide range of international education institutions in Spain. And not only in universities but also pre-school, primary, and secondary schools. International schools in Spain provide a multicultural environment for a child to grow in.

This colourful environment will promote building a cultural well-being edge. They get a chance to gain a cross-cultural understanding and shape their approach to future experiences.

International schools’ curriculums offer extensive academic programs catering to their career goals and aspirations. Since they’re international schools, the teaching language of these lectures might change from one school to another.

But for the most part, the main education is provided in English. This provides a big ease in the adaptation process of the newcomers. There are also bilingual schools that also taught in French, German, Dutch, or other languages. The bilingual teaching method is more common in higher education and master programs in Spain than in primary and secondary schools.

Working While Studying: Is It Possible to Work with a Student Visa in Spain?

The Spanish student visa allows students to work in Spain. While studying abroad, financial stability bears a big importance for sustainable education. Most students choose to take part in project-based or part-time jobs in Spain. In this way, they get a chance to cover living expenses, housing, and tuition fees.

There is a wide range of job opportunities for students carrying on their education in Spain. A significant part of them appeal to college or university students who are looking for part-time occupations.

The Spanish student visa allows non-EU students to work part-time in Spain. However, the student and the employer should meet certain criterifa. For example, The employer must be registered with the Social Security system and must be paying their taxes regularly.

The employer must have enough financial means to pay the salary of the student. So a financial declaration from the employer is a must-have. Plus, the employment must be proved with a signed contract.

The student visa in Spain allows only part-time employment with a total of 20 working hours per week. Also, the 4-hour-a-day working schedule must not interfere with the student’s academic calendar.

On the other hand, there are some paid curricular and extra-curricular internship options. Internships are a great way to earn income. Plus, students can also gain experience in their relative fields or explore a new one.

How to Ensure Well-Being While Studying Abroad: Healthcare and Insurance for Students in Spain

Studying in high-ranking educational institutions in Spain is a dream come true, but many significant details must be considered.

Spain provides top-notch healthcare services with hi-tech medical equipment and well-trained medical examiner staff. Spanish medical institutions offer the best treatments in comprehensive fields, from simple colds to broken bones.

All international students can benefit from the national healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud or SNS) in Spain. Students who own a European Health Card can get treatments at reduced prices or free.

However, private polyclinics may require additional payments. In this case, insurance bears an important role in reducing or covering the expenses of these private healthcare establishments.

To apply for a student visa, valid health insurance is compulsory. The medical insurance must cover the entire duration of the student’s stay in Spain.

While moving abroad to work or to study, it is always advisable to take measures for any intricate situations beforehand. Private health insurance is essential to ensure the well-being of the student and control the instant expenses for healthcare.

It is always a smart move to choose the most comprehensive private insurance, just in case. This might require deep market research and comparison, which could take your time. In Spain, there is a wide range of private insurance especially planned for specific needs and all budgets.

Housing Options for Students in Spain

The most crucial part is not knowing where to live while studying in Spain. Luckily, students have various options, from dormitories to shared flats, from homestays to rental apartments.

On-Campus or Private Student Dormitories

Student dormitories are the most highly preferred option for students. There are on-campus dormitories under the university management or private dorms near the campuses. These establishments offer multiple dorm options with shared rooms or private living spaces to all budgets.

Some dormitories or university halls offer more than accommodations. There might be communal facilities to spend time and interact with fellow s students. Living in a student dormitory fosters a sense of multicultural community, and students can have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Homestays

Homestay is a term describing living with a Spanish host family. It is also another great option to get to know the Spanish culture up close. Homestays allow students to immerse themselves in the local culture, practice Spanish with the locals, and enjoy a home-like environment.

Shared Flats

Having your own living space by splitting the expenses with a roommate is an affordable housing option. Renting a shared apartment is called “Piso Compartido” in Spanish. In these shared apartments, each resident pays their own share of the living expenses. These costs include water and electricity bills, sometimes groceries, and rent.

The biggest advantage of dormitories is the privacy it provides. Students can look for available shared apartments through online rental platforms. Keeping an eye on the ads on the bulletin boards in their school is also another option.

Rental Apartments

Renting a single apartment is another housing option for students. This is specially chosen by the students who prefer more independence in their entire living areas. There are an endless number of rental apartment options available, especially on public transportation lines or near universities.

Choosing a reliable property owner and a good apartment is an intricate mission. It is always better to consult reputable advisors who are familiar with local laws on renting before making an agreement.

Residency in Spain as a Student

Non-EU citizen needs a student residence permit in order to live in Spain legally. In general, a student residence permit is given for the duration of the academic program. The permit’s validity usually aligns with the length of the courses or study abroad programs in Spain. Also, the duration granted may include additional time required for language preparation or foundation courses.

Some student visas can be prolonged and renewed if found necessary by the authorities. Visas can be extended in case of an acceptance to a higher degree, such as PhD programs in Spain.

Students who are citizens of the EU countries do not have to apply for a Schengen student visa. They only need to register with the local authorities for a residence card when they get to Spain. Students from non-EU/EEA countries must meet the student visa requirements in Spain and go through a complex application process.

There are three types of student visas in Spain:

• Schengen Student Visa
• Short-Term Student Visa (Type C)
• Long-Term Student Visa (Type D)

Schengen student visa is given for academic programs for up to 90 days within a 180 days timeframe. These could be academic research or Spanish language courses in Spain. The non-EU/EEA citizens studying in Spain can travel to other countries in the Schengen Zone with a Schengen visa.

Schengen Visa cannot be extended but can be re-applied after turning back to the origin country. It is important to consider applying at least 1 month before the intended travel date.

A short-term student visa is granted for attending 3-6 months of educational programs in Spain. In Spain, student visa processing time may take up to 3 months. It would be best to complete the application at least 2-3 months before the travel date.

Students with a Schengen or short-term student visa cannot work legally in Spain. These are limited-time visas and do not grant the right to apply for residence and work permits.

A long-term student visa is given to students who enroll in an academic program that lasts more than 6 months. In Spain, student visa validity for long-term programs is determined according to the program’s duration.

Unlike the other two student visa options, the long-term student visa allows students to apply for a residence permit. The students can get a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) with a long-term visa. The students must apply for a TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjaro) within 30 days of their arrival in Spain.

The most common question in minds is, “What are the requirements for obtaining a student visa in Spain?”. The student must meet certain criteria and be required to submit a few documents to prove it. Here are the student visa requirements in Spain:

• Spain student visa application form
• Valid passport
• Two biometric photos
• Proof of the study program indicating the start and end dates
• Acceptance letter and enrollment document from the educational institution
• European Health Insurance Card or medical insurance
• Bank statements that prove the sufficient financial means
• Proof of Spain student visa fee payment
• Criminal record document
• Parental consent for minors

The required documents might change depending on the type of visa the student is applying for. Additional documents or criteria may be required.

Legal Consultation for Studying in Spain

Legal procedures take time, effort, and funds. It can be challenging to follow the steps if you do not know how to apply for a student visa in Spain. There might be legal disputes when you are unfamiliar with local laws and regulations. Not much can go wrong with a legal consultation for visa application procedures or residency.

Legal guidance will reduce any failure chance to the lowest points. This way, you can ensure the whole process is followed in line with the law. The well-trained legal advisors of Tekce Visa have years of experience in the judicial procedures in Spanish law.

Tekce Visa follows every legal procedure and intricate situation with a success-oriented approach and full transparency. Sit back and enjoy stepping into a new journey in Spain while our experts handle all necessary procedures on your behalf. Contact our experts to get more information about our services.