Things You Should Know Before Applying for a Student Visa in Europe

Planning to Study in Europe? Here’s What You Need to Know About Student Visas for 2025–2026

If you’re an international student dreaming of studying in Europe for the 2025–2026 academic year, there’s an important update you should know about. The European Union has released a detailed advisory to help students outside the EU prepare for their visa applications — and the key message is clear: start early.

Why Starting Early Matters

As more and more students set their sights on European universities, visa processing times are getting longer. The EU is encouraging students to begin their applications well in advance to avoid delays that could derail their plans.

Who Needs a Student Visa?

If you’re not a citizen of one of the 29 Schengen Area countries — which includes most EU countries like France, Germany, and Italy, as well as non-EU members like Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland — you’ll need a student visa to study in Europe.

The Two Main Types of Student Visas:

Your visa type depends on how long you’ll be studying:

Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa)

Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Ideal for: Short courses, summer schools, workshops, or exchange programs

Long-Stay Visa (National Visa / Residence Permit)

Duration: Over 90 days

Required for: Full-time academic programs like bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees

Note: This visa also acts as a temporary residence permit and is issued by the country where your university is located

What Documents Do You Need?

While requirements vary slightly by country, here’s what most EU nations typically ask for:

A valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your stay)

An admission letter from your university

Proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs

Accommodation details in the host country

Health insurance that covers your full stay

A completed visa application form

You might also need:

Language test results (like IELTS or TOEFL)

Proof of tuition payment

Medical or vaccination records

Consent letters if you’re under 18

Country-specific forms depending on where you’re going

When Should You Apply?

The best time to start your visa process is 2 to 3 months before your program begins. Some embassies have long wait times for appointments, and incomplete paperwork can delay — or even derail — your application. Plus, some universities won’t finalize your enrolment until they see your valid visa.

Where to Find Reliable Visa Info:

Visa rules vary between EU countries, so it’s crucial to get your information from the right sources:

The official website of the embassy or consulate of your destination country

Your university’s international student office

Avoid relying on forums or social media groups — they often share outdated or incorrect info

Thinking Ahead:

Life After Graduation

Many EU countries offer visa options that let you stay after finishing your studies:

Post-Study Work Visa – lets you work after graduating (rules differ by country)

EU Blue Card – a work visa for highly skilled professionals

Job Seeker Visa – allows graduates time to find a job (usually valid for 6–12 months)

Research Visa – for academic or postdoctoral research roles

For example:

Germany offers an 18-month job seeker visa

The Netherlands has the Orientation Year visa (or zoekjaar) for graduates..

So if you’re dreaming of Europe, don’t wait. Start your visa journey now — your future is calling!