Part 3: Visa Requirements for South African Passport holder wishing to study in Spain

Being someone like me who decided to embark on an experience of a lifetime, we definitely have our work cut out for us. But at the end of that tunnel is light and joy. Previously, I laid out the visa requirements for a South African Passport holder wishing to study in Spain. I think it doesn't matter what part of the world you are from, deciding upon studying in a place not your own will leave you with a lot of research in front of you. It takes time too.

I am embarking on a study experience that will take me a few years. I decided to learn Spanish so that I could go to Medical School either in Madrid or Barcelona. I am still in the application phase of that but will keep you posted as I go along. As I type this article, I am currently in South Africa and leaving next week for Spain. Exciting stuff!!

I have been accepted at the University of Alicante, (paid my studies in full which is also a requirement BEFORE you can apply for your visa) where I will do my Spanish Language course. Do take note that if you want to continue your studies in Spain after learning their language, it is a requirement also to study Spanish Language for more that 24 weeks. A minimum of 32 weeks is the standard.

Now, back to the visa requirements! When applying at an Institution whether public or private, make sure that it's not a small unknown place. You get many adverts on google advertising their “schools” where you can learn a language etc. etc. etc. My advice to you is don't. Look at your list of requirements again. It states an OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED Institution. To me that means University...or some place that has credibility. You being on the opposite side of the world and maybe not knowing anyone from Spain, cannot go and check it out for yourself. You do not want to waste thousands of rands/euros too, so, make a wise decision.

The Spanish Embassy also wants an outline of the studies you will follow. I was a bit unsure of that as the visa I am applying for is only for the Spanish Language I will do at first. When I am IN SPAIN, I will request to extend my studies and visa. This outline is a guideline/roster that the Embassy wants from the University, so be sure to contact your University and hand that in with your visa application.

Medical Insurance: do not and I say this again, do not go for the cheapest option and with a company that you are not familiar with. The visa requires you to have a comprehensive cover. Spain does not want you to be a liability to them in any form or fashion. They want to benefit from you being there and not the other way round. Speak to your travel agent, they will inform you of the best route to take. Remember, they do this every day.

Police Clearance: O dear, get this done as soon as possible. I waited for months to get mine back. Some even wait for up to 6 months so get the ball rolling on this. If you have a criminal record, sorry, I don't know what to say. Speak to your travel agent, not all offenses will affect your visa application unless you murdered someone :/

Another annoying thing for me was trying to organise accommodation in Spain. My difficulty is that I have a dog and I want something suitable for the 2 of us. But it is a requirement too as they want an address on the visa application.

Please Note:

1. After your application form and the rest of the documents* have been received they will be forwarded to Spain. Permission for this type of visa has to be requested from the Spanish Authorities and therefore cannot be granted immediately. This process can take up to one month.

2. If your application is successful, we will contact you and you will have to personally collect your visa at this Consulate General within two months otherwise it will expire.

3. You have to enter Spain within the period stipulated in your visa. Your passport should be stamped at your arrival.

4. If your visa is for a period longer than 6 months you need to apply for your Foreigner Student Card at the Police Station of the Province where you are going to follow your studies, within one month of your arrival.

After you have submitted all your forms, the waiting game begins. You will note that I put a * next to documents under “Please Note nr. 1”. Every document you get from the University, documents with regards to accommodation, documents such as your Police Clearance and Medical Clearance certificates...all of it needs to be ORIGINALS. OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED ORIGINALS!!

Without that, you cannot put an application in.

And finally when you get your visa approved and back, you can now book your flight and start your studies. So, with all of the above said...here's to you and the new exciting life that awaits you. Happy learning and happy travels!!