Which Educational Courses Are Valid For A Student Visa In Spain?

Thinking of studying in Spain in 2025? Before applying for your student visa, it’s essential to understand what types of study programs qualify. While many people assume only university degrees are valid, the truth is that a wide range of courses can make you eligible—as long as they meet specific legal and academic requirements. Understanding these Spanish student visa requirements early helps avoid delays or denials at consulates.

This updated guide outlines the study types accepted for a Spanish student visa, the official criteria your course and institution must meet, and why online programs do not qualify.

What Types of Courses Qualify for a Spanish Student Visa?

Contrary to popular belief, the student visa is not limited to traditional university degrees. A wide range of visa-eligible courses in Spain qualify, including the following:

• University undergraduate degrees
• Master’s or postgraduate programs
• PhD programs
• Vocational training programs (Formación Profesional — must be officially recognised as Grado Medio or Grado Superior)
• Accredited Spanish language courses
• Higher-level artistic, cultural, or sports education

These programs can be delivered by both public and private institutions—provided they meet legal standards set by the Ministry of Education or the relevant autonomous community.

The Four Legal Requirements for Visa-Eligible Courses

For your course to qualify for a Spanish student visa, it must meet these four official conditions:

Accreditation rules

Accreditation: The institution must be officially authorised by the Spanish government (national or regional).

Full-time attendance requirement

Full-Time Study: The course must require at least 20 hours of weekly attendance. This is a legal requirement for all in-person study permits.

Official certification requirement

Certification: The program must lead to an official certificate or diploma upon completion.

Cervantes accreditation for language schools

Language Schools: If you're studying Spanish, the course must be offered by a Cervantes Institute-accredited academy.

Can Online Courses Qualify?

No. Online-only programs do not qualify for a Spanish student visa.

This is because one of the legal requirements is that the course must involve in-person attendance in Spain. Even hybrid or partially online programs may be rejected if the in-person component does not meet the 20-hour weekly threshold. Spanish consulates worldwide—including London, Miami, Bogotá and Manila—have become stricter in 2024–2025 due to increased visa fraud involving remote courses.

Planning for Long-Term Residency in Spain?

If you hope to stay in Spain after completing your studies, it's important to choose a course that allows you to later transition to a work-related permit such as a job-search visa or a work residency. This only works if your course appears in an official, recognised registry.

Choosing a program that allows residency transition

Your course must be listed in the official registry of recognised Spanish universities and programs.

Programs accepted for post-study work permits

Only officially recognised or degree-level programs allow you to switch to a job search visa or a work residency permit once your studies end. You may also find it useful to review standard residency requirements here: Residencia: Applying for Residency in Spain.

Health Insurance for Your Student Visa in Spain

If you are a student, having private medical insurance is mandatory. Your policy must:

• Be valid in all of Spain
• Provide full cover with no co-payments
• Be issued by a provider authorised to operate in Spain

Learn more about visa-compliant options here: Which health insurance plans are suitable for Spain’s student visa?

Conclusion

A wide variety of programs—from language courses to full university degrees—can make you eligible for a Spanish student visa. Just make sure the course is accredited, full-time, and on-site. And if you plan to stay in Spain after graduation, check that your program is included in the official registry for post-study visa transitions. Understanding these requirements ensures your Spanish student visa application meets all legal standards and avoids delays.

Private Medical Insurance for Your Student Visa

All International students must show private medical insurance with no co-payments to meet Spain’s visa rules. You can check the visa-approved student plan here: Sanitas HealthPlan Students.