European Education: How to Obtain a Visa and Study Abroad

Education in Europe offers more than just prestigious universities and academic degrees. It includes a wide range of opportunities, from language courses and preparatory programs to vocational and higher education qualifications. Studying in Europe allows students to gain international experience, adapt to a multicultural environment, and build a career anywhere in the world. Foreign nationals must obtain a student visa to participate in any educational program, from short-term courses to full degree programs. The following guide, prepared by Terrana specialists, provides a detailed overview of all stages of the visa application process. 

Types of Student Visas

European student visas are granted based on the length and type of study program. The main types include:

• Short-term visa (Schengen Student Visa) — intended for educational programs, courses, or internships lasting up to 90 days.

• Long-term visa (National Student Visa, D-category) — required for studies extending beyond three months, including undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as academic exchange programs.

Although each EU member state has its own specific regulations, the basic requirements are consistent across the area: applicants must provide proof of admission to an educational institution, demonstrate sufficient financial means, and maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay. 

How to Choose a Study Destination

Before submitting a student visa application, applicants must carefully select both the country of study and educational institution. This decision determines the visa category, required documents, tuition fees, and post-graduation opportunities.

Reliable sources for study program search:

• Euraxess — a platform for individuals interested in research programs, internships, and scholarships;

• Study.eu — a platform offering English-language programs across Europe, allowing users to compare universities, programs, and tuition fees.

• CourseFinder Germany — the DAAD’s official portal providing information on German universities and courses.

• For programs taught in Spanish, French, or German, refer to the websites of national agencies. For example, Campus France (France), Goethe‑Institut (Germany), and Instituto Cervantes (Spain) often publish lists of accredited schools and courses.

When selecting an educational institution, applicants should pay particular attention to the following aspects:

• the language of instruction and language proficiency requirements — for example, a TOEFL certificate for English-taught programs, DELF/DALF for French, TestDaF/DSH for German, and DELE for Spanish.

• the program’s competition rate and the number of places available for international students;

• availability of scholarships and grants, as well as opportunities for part-time employment;

• accommodation arrangements: whether the institution provides dormitories or assistance in finding housing;

• university or school rankings —  consult QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education for up-to-date information.

If you plan to attend language courses, select schools accredited by the national educational authorities and confirm that the program is officially recognized by a higher education institution. This is crucial for visa approval and for demonstrating the purpose of your studies.

Visa Processing Time and Validity Period

The average processing time for a student visa is between 2 and 8 weeks. It depends on the country of application, season, and the completeness of the submitted documents. Between June and August, when admission volumes are high, consulates experience heavy workloads; therefore, visa applications should be submitted 2–3 months prior to the beginning of the educational program.

A long-term student visa for the European Union is typically issued for one academic year and serves as the official authorization for entry and commencement of studies. Upon arrival and completion of the first semester, the student must apply for a residence permit, which extends legal stay in the country for the entire duration of the academic program. 

Documents Required for Visa Application at the Consulate

Documents generally needed to apply for a student visa to Europe include:

• international passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the study period;

• admission letter from the educational institution or an official invitation from the host organization, which is especially important for internships and short-term courses;

• confirmation of tuition fee payment;

• a motivation letter explaining the applicant’s choice of country, program, and educational institution, their goals, and the anticipated impact of the studies on their professional development.

• bank statement confirming sufficient funds  (between €700 and €1,200 per month, depending on the destination country);

• medical insurance valid within the EU;

• visa application form and photographs;

• receipt for payment of the consular fee.

Some consulates may additionally request a language certificate or a rental agreement. For the most accurate and current information, consult the Terrana portal, which contains a regularly updated database of visa requirements for European countries. 

Understanding the Visa Application Process

The student visa application process consists of several steps. First, it is necessary to obtain an acceptance letter from the educational institution, as it is the primary document confirming the purpose of the trip. Subsequently, the complete package of required documents is prepared, and the application form is completed.

The next step is to schedule an appointment at a visa center or consulate. The applicant must submit the documents in person and complete the biometric data procedure, which is compulsory in all Schengen countries. The visa, once approved, is also issued in person at the location where the application was submitted. Considering the average processing time of two to eight weeks, applications should be submitted well in advance to ensure timely travel.

Are Students Allowed to Work During Their Studies?

Yes, most EU countries allow students to work part-time, but the conditions vary by country.

In Germany, students are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days annually (approximately 20 hours per week during the semester), with no restrictions during holidays.

French regulations allow students to work a maximum of 964 hours per year, representing approximately 60% of full-time employment.

In the Netherlands, international students may work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during the summer months (June – August), provided they have a valid work permit (TWV).

Working during studies can help students partially cover expenses and adapt more easily to a new environment, but it is important to observe the permitted limits: exceeding work hours or engaging in unauthorized employment may result in the cancellation of the residence permit or fines. 

Student Life in Europe: Accommodation, Employment, and Adaptation

Most universities provide student dormitories or assist in finding accommodation through partner agencies. The cost typically ranges from €300 to €700 per month. Health insurance and a local bank account are usually arranged after obtaining the visa and arriving in the country, once the student has a local address and residence permit. However, it is recommended to review insurance and banking requirements in advance, as this helps avoid delays during adaptation and registration at the place of residence.

Student life in the European Union is full of opportunities, combining academic engagement, volunteer work, and cultural experiences. Most universities offer support services for international students, assisting them with documentation and everyday life.

 

Planning Your Next Steps After Graduation

After completing their studies, students may extend their stay to seek employment or continue their studies. Many EU countries, such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, offer a Graduate Permit — a residence permit valid for six to eighteen months. During this period, graduates can find employment and transition to a work visa.

If students plan to return to their home country, the university issues a graduation certificate and recommendation letters that may assist in future employment.

Common Visa Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common reasons for visa refusal include an incomplete document package, inconsistencies in the submitted information, insufficient financial proof, or expired translations. Some applicants make an error when choosing the visa type, applying for a short-term visa even though their studies last longer.

To avoid difficulties during the application process, take the following measures:

1. Review the language requirements of the selected institution to determine whether a certificate (for example, IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF) is needed, and what minimum level is accepted. Even if your language skills are strong, you will still need official proof, which cannot be arranged immediately.

2. Verify any additional admission criteria, as some institutions consider additional factors, including creative accomplishments, participation in international projects, or volunteer experience. Including this information may enhance your admission prospects and facilitate the visa process.

3. Pay careful attention to your motivation letter. It is far more than a formal requirement. Beyond demonstrating motivation, the letter shows your maturity, the awareness behind your choice, and your potential as a student.

4. Check the latest requirements on the websites of consulates and universities, submit your visa application early, and retain copies of all documents. If any questions arise, seek guidance from visa experts or qualified consultants.

Studying in Europe offers a genuine opportunity to go beyond the ordinary and pursue a professional career at the international level. A correctly processed student visa provides access to prestigious European universities, and thorough visa preparation helps avoid mistakes and unnecessary stress.