How do I get and complete the visa application form? +
The official national visa application form is available from the website of your Spanish consulate — search for the Spanish consulate in your city and look for the student visa section. Download the PDF, print it, and complete it by hand or using a PDF editor before printing. Every field must be filled in — leave nothing blank. Our
form helper tool walks you through every field in plain English so you know exactly what each one is asking.
How do I get an apostille for my background check? +
Once you have your background check certificate, you need to send it (or take it) to your government's designated apostille authority. In the US, this is the US Department of State in Washington DC — not your state government. In the UK, it's the FCDO Legalisation Office. In Canada, it's Global Affairs Canada. In Australia, it's DFAT. You typically apply by post with the original document and a fee. Allow 2–4 weeks for the apostille on top of the time for the background check itself.
How do I get a medical certificate? +
Visit your regular doctor (GP) and ask for a medical certificate for a Spanish student visa. It needs to state that you do not suffer from any diseases that could have serious public health implications in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). Most doctors are familiar with this. The certificate must be signed and dated within 90 days of your visa application. Some consulates require it to be translated into Spanish — check your specific consulate's requirements. Note: Chicago only accepts certificates signed by an MD physician — nurse practitioners and osteopathic doctors (DOs) are rejected.
Which documents need to be translated into Spanish? +
Your criminal background check must be translated into Spanish in most cases. Your medical certificate may need to be translated depending on which consulate you're applying through — many consulates provide a bilingual template that removes the need for translation. Bank statements in English are generally accepted without translation at most consulates, though Washington DC explicitly states they accept English bank statements. Always check your specific consulate's requirements. Translations must be done by a sworn translator recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Can I just print my online bank balance as proof of funds? +
No — a screenshot or printed online banking page is generally not accepted. You need official bank statements, ideally stamped by your bank, showing your account balance and transactions over the required period (usually 3 months, though Montreal requires 6 months). The statements should clearly show your name, account number, and running balance. Some students also provide a bank letter confirming available funds. If you're being sponsored by a parent or family member, you'll need their bank statements plus a signed sponsorship letter — Toronto provides a specific template for this.
Do I need to show €600 per month in savings, or just average it? +
You need to demonstrate that you have €600 per month available for each month of your course — so for a 12-month course, roughly €7,200. This doesn't need to be sitting in your account as a lump sum, but your statements should show that you consistently have sufficient funds available.
Can I work while on a student visa? +
Not automatically. Language school student visas (for private academy courses) do not include automatic work authorisation — you would need to make a separate application. This is one of the key differences between a language academy visa and a university student visa, which does include the right to work up to 30 hours per week. If the ability to work legally is important to you, the university route may be worth considering.
Can I bring my partner or family with me? +
Family accompaniment visas are now restricted to university and higher education students following the May 2025 reform. Language academy students generally cannot bring dependents. If bringing family is important, enrolling in a university-affiliated Spanish language programme — which classifies as higher education — would unlock family visa eligibility. Read our
academy vs university guide for more detail.
What happens if my visa is rejected? +
You'll receive a written explanation of the grounds for refusal. You have the right to appeal within 1 month, or to reapply after addressing the issues identified. The most common rejection reasons are: non-compliant health insurance, incomplete or incorrectly completed application form, insufficient proof of funds, and background check issues. Most schools will defer your start date if your visa is rejected — check your school's policy when you enrol.
How early can I apply for my visa? +
Most consulates accept applications from 90 days (3 months) before your course start date, and you must apply at least 2 months before. The sweet spot is 10–12 weeks before your start date — early enough to allow for processing delays, but not so early that your medical certificate (valid for 90 days) expires before your visa is approved. Do not apply earlier than 90 days before your start date.