What Is a Student Visa?
A student visa is a key to study abroad. To be a student in a degree program or a language course, it is necessary to obtain a student visa from the host country you are planning to study in. All documents must be submitted in due time to apply for a student visa. However, the requested documents may vary depending on the chosen countries.
Visa Applications
Students are generally requested to submit the following documents for the student visa applications:
- a valid passport or a travel document with a minimum of two blank pages,
- copy of the first page of the passport with personal data and previous visas if obtained,
- completed and signed study visa application form,
- two biometric photos that have been taken within the last 6 months,
- proof of travel plan,
- bank account details to prove that the student can sufficiently fund their studies by themselves or with the support of a sponsor,
- acceptance letter detailing the duration of study from the university or language course,
- accommodation details such as proof of hotel reservation or house contract,
- documentation of health insurance that will be valid in the country for the entire period of stay.
Do I Need a Residence Permit?
Students coming from non-EU countries who wish to study in European Union must obtain a residence permit. Non-EU citizens need to apply for a student residence permit to stay longer than 90 days in the EU. The duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the entire period of study. Permits may be subjected to renewal depending on the length of stay and specific regulations in each country.
Ireland
Visa and Residence for Students
People aiming to study in Ireland need to apply for a D Type Visa, which is for long stays, and all international students studying in Ireland must apply for a residence permit.
Residence Permit Procedures in Ireland
Students need to submit relevant documents to prove the purpose of their stay. For example:
- acceptance letter from a higher education institution,
- proof of funds and financial means,
- proof of medical insurance,
- proof of paid school fees.
Denmark
Visa and Residence for Students
Student visas might be processed approximately in 15 days, but it can take 30 days in some cases. Make sure you have collected all documents and submitted them in due time. The consulate may request additional documents in case of need.
Residence Permit Procedures in Denmark
Students need to submit the required documents to prove their purpose of stay in Denmark. For example:
- passport with at least 3 months of validity,
- visa details,
- application form,
- online payment receipt.
Netherlands
Visa and Residence for Students
The student visa process might take 4 to 6 weeks. Students should make sure to apply for their student visa in advance, for a while before from the planned departure. Various documents are required to be submitted in the student visa application e.g. a valid passport, birth certificate, academic transcripts, a letter from the university.
Residence Permit Procedures in the Netherlands
Students need to submit relevant documents to prove the purpose of their stay. For example:
- a copy of passport and visa,
- a copy of the application form,
- two biometric photographs that have been taken in the last 6 months.
The processing time can legally go up to 90 days.
Hungary
Visa and Residence for Students
A student visa application (Type D) should be processed at the consulate or embassy in the home country. Issuing of student visas may take about 30 days.
Residence Permit Procedures in Hungary
Students need to submit relevant documents to prove their purpose of stay. For example:
- proof of accommodation and financial resources,
- declaration of support if there is a sponsor,
- a valid passport,
- certificate of enrolment.
Poland
Visa and Residence for Students
Students need to apply for D type visa to stay in Poland as a student. A student visa is valid for stays up to 90 days in Poland, so you need to apply for a residence permit through local authorities to stay for longer periods in the country.
Residence Permit Procedures in Poland
Students need to submit the required documents to prove their purpose of stay in Poland. For example:
- general medical insurance covering the entire period of stay,
- proof of accommodation,
- payment of tuition fees and financial declarations,
- transcript of records and student registration document.
Czechia
Visa and Residence for Students
Students must apply for a student visa to stay in Czechia for more than 90 days. A student visa application is obtained only from the authorized consulate or embassy of Czechia in the country of residence.
Residence Permit Procedures in Czechia
Students must submit their residence permit applications to regional offices of the Czech Ministry of Interior submitting documents such as:
- residence documents,
- reason of stay demonstrated by university documents,
- proof of sufficient financial resources.
All documents are required to be translated into Czech or Slovak languages.
Turkey
Visa and Residence for Students
Students who would like to study in Turkey for a period that exceeds 90 days are required to apply for a D Type Visa.
Residence Permit Procedures in Turkey
Students need to submit relevant documents to prove the purpose of their stay. For example:
- financial evidence,
- proof of accommodation,
- criminal records,
- university acceptance documents.