Visit Ukraine - Studying in Spain for Ukrainians: how to obtain a student visa

Levels of education Types of educational institutions Language of instruction Recognition of Ukrainian certificates and diplomas Accessibility for foreigners

Higher education in Spain is integrated into the European Bologna Process, so the structure is familiar to Ukrainian students. This means that degrees obtained at Spanish universities are recognized in most European countries, and Ukrainian documents can be verified for admission without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Levels of education

There are three main levels of education in Spain:

Grado (bachelor's degree) — three or four years of study. For example, in the fields of medicine and architecture, programs are longer — 5–6 years.
Máster (master's degree) — one or two years, depending on the specialty. Graduates gain access to work in their profession and can enroll in doctoral programs.
Doctorado (doctorate, PhD) — three years or more, with independent research and publications.

Types of educational institutions

There are over 80 universities in Spain, which are divided into two groups:

Public universities (Universidades públicas). Tuition fees are lower here, as part of the costs are covered by the state. Among the most famous are: University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Valencia.
Private universities and business schools. They have higher tuition fees but often offer modern English-language programs, especially in the fields of business, international relations, and IT. Examples: IE University, ESADE.

Language of instruction

Most bachelor's programs are taught in Spanish, so students need a level of B2 on the CEFR scale (confirmed by the DELE or SIELE exam).

At the same time, more and more master's programs offer English-language courses. For example, Carlos III University of Madrid has over 20 master's programs in English.

Recognition of Ukrainian certificates and diplomas

To enroll in Spanish universities, Ukrainian documents must be officially certified. The procedure is called homologación (nostrification).

For bachelor's degrees: Ukrainian secondary education certificates must be recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education.
For master's degrees: often, a translation and apostille of the bachelor's degree is sufficient, without full nostrification.
For PhDs: universities recognize foreign degrees independently, but may require additional documents.

Accessibility for foreigners

Spain does not set special quotas for Ukrainians. You can apply on general terms if you meet the academic and language requirements. It is important to note that foreigners are required to prove their financial solvency and have valid medical insurance in order to obtain a student visa.

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for students. World-class universities, bustling cities, the opportunity to learn Spanish, and incredible nightlife are just some of the things that make this place so attractive.

Student visa to Spain

Ukrainians need a student visa to study in Spain. A student visa to Spain allows you to study, participate in a student exchange, or work as an unpaid intern for more than three months in Spain.

There are different types of Spanish student visas, which are valid for different periods of time. Students must apply to the Spanish embassy or consulate and provide a number of documents. Before applying, you must be accepted onto a course.

Student permit for less than 3 months (90 days)

To study in Spain for less than three months, you must apply for a Schengen student visa. To do this, you must submit an application to the Spanish embassy or consulate in the student's country of residence.

Short-term student visa for a period of 3 to 6 months

A short-term student visa allows students to take a course lasting a maximum of 180 days.

The application is less complicated than the application for long-term courses, as fewer documents are required. A short-term student visa cannot be extended under any circumstances.

Students can attend Spanish language courses with this type of visa and any short courses offered by colleges and universities.

Long-term student visa for more than 6 months

Long-term student visas (type D) allow students to take courses lasting more than 6 months.

In addition to completing the visa application form, students must apply for a student residence card (TIE) at the immigration office within one month of arrival.

This type of visa requires more documents than a short-term visa. Applicants must provide a medical certificate and a certificate of no criminal record.

💡 To ensure a comfortable and safe move to a new country for the purpose of studying, we recommend contacting specialists. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you with studying in Spain, preparing the necessary documents, and other issues. To learn more, follow the link.

Apply for a student visa to Spain

Applicants must be invited to a course before applying for a student visa to Spain. The visa application must be submitted two to three months before traveling to Spain to allow sufficient time for the visa to be processed.

The exact documentation required depends on the consulate, the individual's circumstances, and the course the applicant wishes to take. The current fee for a Schengen student visa is €60 per person.

Documents required for a student visa

Required documents for a student visa (documentation may vary depending on your case):

2 completed Schengen visa application forms.
Passport (valid until the end of your stay).
ID card (can be a driver's license or national ID card, if available).
Current student ID card.
2 recent passport photos (one for each application form).
Letter of acceptance from the course organizer.
Medical insurance
Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (bank statements).

Accommodation is one of the key issues for foreign students. In Spain, there are various options available: from dormitories and student residences to private rooms or apartments. The choice depends on the city, budget, and personal preferences.

Dormitories and residences

Universities often offer students places in dormitories (Colegio Mayor, Residencia Universitaria).

Cost: €350–650 per month, depending on the city and conditions. In Madrid and Barcelona, the cost is closer to the upper limit, while in smaller cities such as Granada or Salamanca, it is cheaper.
Format: a room with a private bathroom or shared facilities, usually including meals and cleaning.
Examples: Resa Housing (a network of student residences in different cities).

To get a place, you need to apply immediately after enrollment, as demand is very high.

Renting accommodation on the private market

Many students choose to rent a room in a shared apartment.

Room in an apartment: €400–600 in Madrid or Barcelona, from €250–350 in cities such as Valencia or Seville.
A separate apartment: in the capital — from €900–1,100 for a one-room apartment; in smaller cities — from €500–700.

Popular housing search services:

idealista.com — the largest real estate portal in Spain;
pisos.com;
badi.com — specializes in finding rooms in shared apartments.

Additional expenses

Utilities (electricity, gas, internet) — €60 to €120 per month depending on the season.
Rental deposit: usually 1–2 months' rent.

Residence permit for students

Upon arrival, Ukrainian students must obtain a tarjeta de estudiante (student card). Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) — the main document certifying the identity of a foreign resident in Spain. Any foreigner who plans to stay in the country legally for more than 6 months in a row is required to obtain a TIE.

The TIE has a limited validity period, so it is necessary to renew the identification card after a certain period. Your first card will be valid for 5 years, and after renewal, you will receive a TIE with a ten-year validity period.

How to apply for a residence permit in Spain

All foreign students must apply for a residence permit to study and work in Spain. Remember that you must do this within 30 days of arriving in the country. Below is a list of steps on how to obtain a TIE or foreigner's identity card in Spain:

1. Find your local police station.

2. Submit the following documents:

Valid national identity card or passport
Duly completed application form (issued by police officers)
A copy of the stamp in your passport for entry into Spain
Proof of payment of the card issuance fee.
A letter of enrollment from your university
Recent photos (passport size, 3 copies)
Certificate of residence (issued by the police if you show them your rental agreement or utility bill for your accommodation)
Certificate from a Spanish bank (certificado bancario con el saldo) confirming that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for the next year. The minimum amount established by law for one year is €6,455 (based on 100% IPREM per month, which is €537.84, but it is better to show more).
Medical insurance issued by one of the insurance companies in Spain.
Additionally, documents from the sponsor may be requested: a sponsorship letter, a certificate of employment, a bank statement (it is advisable to show the movement of funds that came from the sponsor and were spent by the student during their stay), and a birth certificate confirming family ties.

3. Wait for your documents to be evaluated and receive your TIE.

You can check the information on the official website of the Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones.

Thus, living in Spain can cost from €300 per month (a room in a dormitory in a small town) to over €1,000 (renting an apartment in Madrid). Most students choose shared accommodation as the most affordable option.

Studying in Spain is considered one of the most affordable options in Western Europe. However, the cost varies significantly depending on whether you are studying at a public or private university, as well as the level of the program.

Cost at public universities

Tuition fees are regulated by the state and depend on the autonomous community (region).

Bachelor's degree (Grado): on average, €750–2,500 per year.

For example, at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, bachelor's programs cost around €1,000–1,200 per year.

Master's degree (Máster): from €1,500 to €3,500 per year.

For example, at the Universitat de Barcelona, the average cost of master's programs is around €2,500.

PhD (Doctorado): the cheapest level — only administrative fees and a symbolic fee, usually €300–600 per year.

Costs at private universities

Private universities and business schools are significantly more expensive, but often offer programs in English.

Average cost: €5,000–20,000 per year.
At prestigious business schools such as IE University or ESADE, tuition can reach €25,000–30,000 per year (especially for MBAs).

Additional student expenses

In addition to tuition fees, students should take into account:

Administrative fees — €50 to €200 per year.
Textbooks and learning materials — approximately €300–600 per year.
Health insurance — required to obtain a student visa. Minimum coverage costs €200–600 per year. It is convenient to take out international insurance online at Visit Ukraine, which meets the requirements of Spanish visa centers.

Accommodation and food. On average, a student in Spain spends €800–1,200 per month (including rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses).

Spain offers a wide range of financial support for foreign students, including Ukrainians. These include government grants, university scholarships, and international exchange programs. Thanks to these, you can significantly reduce your tuition and living expenses.

Government programs

Becas MEC (Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional). This is the Spanish government's main program for students. It covers part of the cost of tuition and sometimes accommodation. Details are available on the website educacionyfp.gob.es.
MAEC-AECID Scholarships. Scholarships from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for foreigners, including Ukrainians. They provide full funding for tuition and a living allowance: aecid.es.

University programs

Many universities have their own grants:

Universidad de Barcelona — financial aid for students from non-EU countries.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid — various scholarships depending on academic performance.
Private universities, such as IE University or ESADE, offer significant tuition discounts for high-achieving students.

International programs

Erasmus+. Allows Ukrainian students to study in Spain for a semester or a year on an exchange program. Details: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees. Master's programs with double degrees, often with funding.
Fundación Carolina. Scholarships for foreign students from Latin America and other countries, including Ukraine: fundacioncarolina.es.

Special opportunities for Ukrainians

After 2022, many Spanish universities introduced targeted scholarships for Ukrainian students and refugees. These may include:

full exemption from tuition fees;
free accommodation in a dormitory;
monthly financial support.

Current offers are regularly published on the Study in Spain portal and on university websites.

Documents required when applying for a scholarship in Spain

Two copies of the scholarship application form, completed with all the necessary information, one in Spanish and the other in English.
A transcript of grades (a certificate of complete secondary education for applicants for a bachelor's degree, as well as a certificate of complete secondary education for applicants for a master's degree) in English.
Medical certificate of no criminal record from the Ministry of Health of the country in English.
Certificate of no HIV infection issued by the Ministry of Health of the country in English.
A certified copy of the valid page of the passport, certified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country, in English.
A resume in English for applicants to master's programs.
Students applying to master's programs without a bachelor's degree may submit a TOEFL certificate with a score of over 500 or an IELTS certificate with a score of 5.5 as proof of English proficiency.
Four personal photographs.
Certificate of no criminal record, certified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the country in English.