Study stay in Spain: how to apply

A study stay in Spain is one of the main legal routes for international students to access the Spanish education system and pursue their studies within a regulated framework. 

This system is based on a new legal framework for study stays, designed to improve legal certainty for students and simplify administrative procedures, as established in Royal Decree 1155/2024. According to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, these reforms strengthen Spain’s ability to attract international talent and make it easier for students to continue their academic pathway in the country.

What is a study stay in Spain?

A study stay is an administrative authorization that allows non EU foreign nationals to remain in Spain for more than ninety days for the main purpose of undertaking educational activities at officially recognized educational institutions. It is a legal status that differs from residence because its validity is directly linked to the academic activity.

From a legal perspective, this authorization provides important rights, including the possibility of obtaining a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) and working in a way that is compatible with the student’s studies. Official information on its characteristics, requirements and procedure is available on the specific study stay section of the Immigration Portal, managed by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

One of the most significant regulatory developments is the extension of the authorization period for higher education studies. In these cases, the stay may be granted for the entire duration of the academic program, eliminating the need for annual renewals and reducing the administrative burden on students.

Current regulations have also broadened the concept of higher education to include certain language courses taught on campus by recognized higher education institutions. This change makes it easier to progress towards specialization and postgraduate programs in areas with strong professional demand.

Who can apply for a study stay authorization?

Study stay authorization may be requested by citizens of third countries who wish to pursue full time studies at authorized public or private institutions in Spain. This system does not apply to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, who are covered by freedom of movement regulations.

Applicants may include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students, as well as participants in research programs, academic exchanges, non employment internships or volunteering programs. In recent years, the number of international students has grown particularly at master’s level, consolidating postgraduate education as a priority option for international profiles.

In this context, programs such as the Master in International Business STEM or the Master in Project Management commonly form part of the academic pathways of students seeking education aligned with the needs of the European and global labor markets.

The regulations also provide for the possibility of students being accompanied by family members during their stay, an important consideration for professionals with previous work experience who decide to pursue a new academic direction in Spain.

Application process depending on your country of origin

The application process for a study stay varies depending on whether the applicant is outside Spain or already legally present in the country. Both routes are regulated and provide legal guarantees when the established deadlines are respected.

When the application is submitted from the country of origin, it must be processed through the corresponding Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office at least two months before the start of the studies. Once the visa has been granted, it authorizes entry into Spain and, for stays longer than six months, requires the student to apply for a TIE.

An application from within Spain is permitted for people who are legally staying in the country. In this case, the application must be submitted at least thirty days before the current legal stay expires and is completed electronically, helping to streamline the administrative process.

Key requirements for a study stay in Spain

Approval of a study stay requires applicants to meet academic, financial and health requirements that demonstrate the viability of their educational plans.

• The main requirement is admission to an authorized educational institution for a full time, on campus program. Admission must be demonstrated through official documentation issued by the educational institution.
• Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial means, calculated according to the IPREM, to cover their living expenses and return to their country of origin. These funds may be demonstrated through bank statements, official scholarships or financial commitments from immediate family members.
• Applicants must also have comprehensive medical insurance, with no copayments or significant coverage exclusions, valid throughout their stay in Spain.

Current regulations allow students to combine study and work for up to thirty hours per week, provided that the employment is compatible with their studies. In this regard, resources such as the article on master’s degrees with the best career opportunities can help students align their academic choices with areas of strongest labor market demand in Spain.

How to renew a study stay authorization

The renewal of a study stay authorization, legally known as an extension, ensures the continuation of legal status when the educational program extends beyond the period initially granted. Although the new regulatory framework reduces the need for annual renewals in higher education, this procedure is still required in certain circumstances.

The application must be submitted within the sixty days before the authorization expires. Submitting the application within this period automatically extends the validity of the previous authorization until a decision is issued.

To obtain an extension, students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, continued enrollment and ongoing compliance with financial and health requirements. Current regulations also make it easier to subsequently change to residence and work status, allowing graduates to enter the Spanish labor market without having to leave the country.