Schengen Student Visa

For short academic courses and university visits

About the Short-Stay Student Visa

The Schengen short-stay student visa is a Type C visa for academic purposes that fit within the 90-day limit. It's not for full degree programs — long-term study requires a national student visa from the specific country.

This visa is suitable for short courses, academic conferences, entrance exams, research visits, and similar educational activities lasting less than 90 days.

Student Visa Quick Facts

Purpose: Short-term study
Cost: €80
Max stay: 90 days
Work allowed: No

What This Visa Covers

Short courses: Language courses, summer schools, workshops
Academic conferences: Presenting or attending scholarly events
Research visits: Short-term research at universities or institutions
Entrance exams: Taking admission tests at European universities
Exchange programs: Short academic exchanges under 90 days
Training programs: Professional development courses

Required Documentation

In addition to standard Schengen visa documents, student visa applicants need:

Acceptance/enrollment letter: From the educational institution
Course details: Dates, location, curriculum
Proof of tuition payment: Or scholarship letter if funded
Accommodation proof: University housing or hotel bookings
Academic credentials: Degrees, transcripts from previous education

Fee Exemptions for Students

Many Schengen countries offer reduced or waived visa fees for students:

Students traveling for educational purposes may qualify for the reduced fee (€40 instead of €80)
Some countries have bilateral agreements waiving fees for certain nationalities
Scholarship recipients may be exempt
Participants in EU exchange programs (like Erasmus+) may be exempt

Check with your specific embassy for applicable fee reductions.

Related Guides

How to Apply

Application process

Documents Checklist

Required documents

Visa Cost

Fees and exemptions

Student Visa FAQs

Can I study for a full semester on this visa?

Only if your program is 90 days or less. A full semester (typically 4-5 months) exceeds the 90-day limit, so you'd need a national long-stay student visa instead.

Can I work while studying?

No. The short-stay student visa doesn't permit any employment. For work rights, you'd need a long-stay student visa, which some countries allow for part-time work.

Which embassy do I apply to?

Apply to the embassy of the country where your educational institution is located. If taking courses in multiple countries, apply to the country where you'll spend the most time.

Do I need to prove I'll return home?

Yes, like all Schengen visas. Show ties to your home country: enrollment in a home university, family, property, or job waiting for you.

Can I extend my visa if my course is extended?

Extensions are difficult and only granted for exceptional circumstances. If you know your course might exceed 90 days, apply for a national student visa instead.

Related Information

ETIAS Guide

For visa-exempt travelers

Schengen Area Guide

Countries you can study in

Schengen Calculator

Track your 90/180 day limit

Travel Insurance

Required for visa applications

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Long-stay travel insurance

$62.72 / 4 weeks for ages 18-39, in USD

Travel medical insurance

Exceeds the €30,000 Schengen medical minimum
Includes medical evacuation + repatriation
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