How to study in Spain as a Chilean student

Studying in Spain is a strategic decision for Chilean professionals looking to expand their education and develop their careers internationally. According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), people with postgraduate qualifications earn up to 40% more than those with only an undergraduate degree. Spain also ranks among the countries with the highest quality of life, according to the OECD, thanks to its balance between work and personal wellbeing.
For students coming from Chile, the documentation and visa process may seem lengthy, but with proper planning, it is entirely manageable.

Documentation required to study in Spain as a Chilean student

The first step to studying in Spain is to gather the mandatory documentation required by the consular authorities.
If your academic stay will exceed 90 days, you will need to apply for a study visa at the Consulate General of Spain in Santiago. This document authorizes you to remain in Spain for the duration of your program. The main requirements include:

• National visa application form, completed and signed.
• Recent passport size photograph with a light background.
• Valid passport, with at least one year of validity and two blank pages.
• Proof of sufficient financial means, which may be provided through bank statements or, in the case of family support, an apostilled notarized declaration.
• Comprehensive health insurance issued by a provider authorized in Spain, with no copayments or waiting periods.

The apostille of academic documents is another essential requirement. Under the Hague Convention, Chilean qualifications and certificates must be duly apostilled by the Chilean Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). This procedure is free of charge and validates the documents directly in Spain, without the need for additional legalization.
Professionals interested in business related fields may consider programs such as EAE Barcelona’s Master in Marketing and Sales Management, which provides the knowledge needed to understand the administrative and professional requirements of a competitive European environment.

Steps to study in Spain as a Chilean student

Once you have gathered the required documentation, the process of studying in Spain can be divided into three main stages:

1. Admission to your chosen program: The admission process usually involves submitting an application form, an assessment of your academic profile and, once approved, the issuance of an admission letter. This document is essential for applying for a visa.
2. Student visa application: With your admission letter and the required documentation, you can begin the visa application process at the Consulate General of Spain in Santiago.
3. Applying for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card): If your program lasts more than six months, you will need to apply for the TIE within the first month after arriving in Spain. The application is made by appointment through the Spanish government’s electronic portal and requires you to provide your passport, visa and proof of payment of the administrative fee.

International programs such as the Global MBA offer a global perspective, helping professionals pursue career opportunities in European and Latin American markets.

Scholarships for studying in Spain

Financing is one of the most important aspects to consider when planning to study abroad. Chilean students have access to internal and external scholarships that can make postgraduate education more accessible.

Internal scholarships: Impulsamos Talento program. Some of the main options include:

• Academic Excellence Scholarship, for students with an outstanding academic record.
• Women in Leadership Scholarship, aimed at promoting female leadership.
• Entrepreneurship Scholarship, designed for professionals with business projects.
• Inclusive Talent, for students with a recognized disability.

External scholarships for Chilean students

• Fundación Carolina, which offers scholarships and financial support for high achieving Latin American graduates.
• MAEC AECID Scholarships, aimed at public officials and employees of Chile’s public sector.
• Becas Chile (ANID), the country’s main public postgraduate funding program, although it does not cover MBA programs or master’s degrees in commercial or corporate law.

These options make it possible to develop an appropriate financing strategy, particularly for students pursuing studies related to management and business, areas that have traditionally been excluded from Chilean public scholarship programs.

Why study in Spain as a Chilean student?

Spain combines academic excellence, employability and a high quality of life.

• Quality of life and economic environment: according to the OECD Better Life Index, Spain stands out for its work life balance, with a life expectancy of more than 83 years. At the same time, reports from BBVA Research show sustained economic growth driven by employment and domestic demand.
• Return on investment and career prospects: according to the INE, a professional with a master’s degree earns an average of more than €2,600 per month, while in sectors such as marketing or sales, salaries can exceed €57,000 per year according to Glassdoor data. These figures illustrate the potential financial and professional return of pursuing postgraduate studies in Spain.

Studying in Spain as a Chilean student requires planning and careful management of documentation, but the benefits are significant. In addition to the quality of education and access to scholarships, the country offers a stable social environment, qualified employment opportunities and internationally recognized qualifications.
 

Studying in Spain allows you to broaden your professional horizons and build a solid career in global environments, particularly in areas related to management, innovation and leadership.