When you study abroad, it’s likely that you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Most countries require international students to have a valid student visa before you begin your studies, and you won’t legally be able to live there or attend your classes until you have one.
Applying for a student visa can be a complicated and time-consuming process with many things to think about. If you're feeling stressed and unsure about where to start, don’t worry – we’re here to help.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about student visas, taking you through the process step-by-step so that you can get back to focusing on what your study abroad country has to offer without worrying about how to legally study there.
We'll cover:
Essential student visa documents
How to apply for a student visa
What is a student visa?
A student visa is an official document that gives international students permission to enter a foreign country, live there, and study at a university or college. Your visa is valid for the duration of your academic program, but you can apply for an extension or for another type of visa if you need to stay longer. Without a valid student visa, you could be refused entry and prevented from starting or completing your studies.
To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted into a program at your chosen educational institution. Once this is confirmed, you can then start your application through the embassy, consulate, or government website of the country where you plan to study.
Essential documents you need to apply for a student visa
Before you apply for your visa, there are a number of documents that you need to have. While this can vary by country, most visa applications require:
Visa application form: This can be submitted online or in-person at an embassy or consulate depending on the country’s requirements
Proof of acceptance: You can only apply for a student visa when you have received and accepted an official offer of admission from your university, and you will need to show proof of this in your visa application. This could be in the form of an acceptance letter, email, or an I-20 document
Financial proof: You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay for costs like tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs. This could include recent bank statements, scholarship or loan letters, deposit certificates, and proof of income
Passport: To apply for a student visa and enter your study abroad country, you must have a valid passport. In most countries, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after you graduate
Photographs: You could be asked to submit recent passport-sized photographs that meet the country’s visa guidelines
Academic transcripts and certificates: Submit copies of academic certificates, diplomas, or certificates to provide evidence of test scores, grades, and qualifications that you have received from previous schools and universities
Proof of English language proficiency: Most countries will expect you to take an English language proficiency test and present your test results as evidence that you can effectively participate in your studies and integrate into the local environment
Proof of residence: Some countries require you to provide proof where you plan to live during your studies. This could include a tenancy agreement, student residence reservation, or letter from your host
Personal statement: This is your opportunity to explain why you want to study abroad in that country. Your personal statement should explain why you chose that particular university, program, and country, what you know about each, and what your plans are after graduation
Health insurance: If you need to apply for health insurance to receive healthcare abroad, you may be asked to present proof of your coverage to obtain a student visa
Health evaluation: Students are often asked to undergo a medical examination if applying for a long-term student visa or from a country known to be at high risk of contagious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB)
Character evaluation: A background check helps immigration authorities ensure that international students meet character requirements. This typically includes a criminal record check, and an assessment to determine if you have a history of deportation or visa refusals, which can negatively impact your evaluation
Biometric information: Often international students will need to provide fingerprints, photographs of your face, and a signature. This is done in-person at a visa application center, embassy, or consulate
Types of student visas
Every country has its own types of student visa, each with specific requirements. Some examples of student visas around the world include:
Australia
- Subclass 500 Visa:
For international students enrolled in a full-time course at an Australian educational institution.
Students can stay in the country for the duration of their program, or for a maximum of five years. You must apply for another student visa if you need to extend your stay, or may be eligible for a Subclass 600 (visitor) visa if it expires before graduation.
You must be 6 years of age or older to be eligible for this visa, and prove that you have a welfare arrangement in place if you are under 18. Your visa can take up to 50 days to process.
The visa costs $1,600 AUD, excluding additional expenses such as health checks, police certificates, and biometric tests.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (a minimum of $29,710 AUD per year)
Genuine Student (GS) requirement statement in your application form
Australian Values statement and Life in Australia booklet
No previous visa application cancellations or refusals
Canada
- Study Permit:
Canada doesn’t issue a student visa. Instead, international students need a study permit to study at learning institutions in Canada.
Your permit is valid for the duration of your program, including an initial 90 days after the completion of your studies. This gives you time to either leave the country or apply to extend your stay.
Like with visas, the time it takes for your study permit to process depends on the country you’re applying from. On average, it could take up to 15 weeks for your permit to process.
In some countries, such as India, Brazil, and China, you may be eligible for the Student Direct Stream and receive your study permit within 20 days.
Both the regular Canadian study permit and permits applied for through the Student Direct Stream cost $150 CAD.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have: Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation (a minimum of $20,635 CAD per year)
France
- VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour Valant Titre de Séjour):
For international students accepted to study at a French higher education institution. This visa allows students to study in France for a period of four months to one year and serves as a resident permit during this time, after which you must apply for a multinational residence permit (carte de séjour) if you want to study for longer.
Visa applications typically take around 15 days to process, but it’s recommended that you leave at least three months in advance of your arrival to apply.
You must validate your student visa within three months of arriving in France. This can be done online through the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) and you will need to pay a tax of between €50 to €80 EUR.
Your current country of residence may be eligible for the Etudes en France (EEF) online enrollment scheme. The fee to apply for a student visa is €50 EUR for EEF countries, and €99 EUR for other countries.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (a minimum of €615 EUR per month)
Social security registration
Germany
- National Visa (D-Visa):
For international students who plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days.
This visa grants entry to Germany for international students outside of the EU, or from countries who aren’t permitted visa-free entry.
D-Visas are valid for a period of 3-6 months, after which you will need to apply for a student residence permit if you plan to stay and study in the country beyond this point.
It takes an average of 25 days for German student visas to be processed. Visa applications cost €75 EUR for adults, and €35.50 EUR for minors.
- Schengen Visa (C-Visa):
For international students who plan to study in Germany for up to three months.
This is issued for students studying short-term programs such as language courses. This visa cannot be extended and costs €90 EUR to apply for.
- Student Residence Permit:
If you’re a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you can enter Germany without a visa. You must have a valid identification card or document, and register your residence at the local Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in your university town.
You can also enter Germany without a visa if you’re from Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino and the United States of America.
If you plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, you must apply for a student residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörd) once you are in the country.
Resident permits are usually valid for up to two years, after which you can apply for a renewal if you haven’t graduated during this time. The processing time of your residence permit can vary between a few weeks all the way up to four months depending on the demand of the registration office.
Your first residence permit usually costs around €110 EUR, with the fee to extend averaging around €100 EUR. Not all registration offices will accept card payments, so be prepared to pay in cash just in case.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (a minimum of €11,904 a year) demonstrated through a blocked bank account
Health certificate (in specific federal states)
New Zealand
- Fee Paying Student Visa:
For international students enrolled full-time at an approved New Zealand education provider.
Your student visa is valid for the length of time you are studying for, with a maximum possible validity of four years. 80% of visas are processed within 6 weeks.
The fee to apply for a student visa starts at $750 NZD and is determined by your country of residence.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
- Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (a minimum of $20,000 NZD per year)
Spain
- Study Visa:
For non-EU citizens who plan to study at a Spanish educational institution for more than 90 days.
Your study visa will grant you entry to Spain, but if you want to study there for longer than six months, it will only be valid for 90 days.
You must therefore apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of your arrival. This can be done at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the police station of the province where your visa was issued. Your TIE is usually valid for one year, with the option to renew should you need to. You will be assigned your own identification number (NIE) which will appear on all your visa documents.
Study visas take one month to process and must be collected within two months of receiving a decision on your visa status.
The visa application fee varies, but is usually around €80 EUR. It generally costs between €10 and €20 EUR to get a TIE, but this can change depending on the region you apply from.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
- Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (a minimum of €600 EUR per month)
United Kingdom
- Tier 4 General Student Visa:
Issued to international students over 16 years old who are enrolled in a full-time program at a recognized educational institution in the UK.
You can apply up to six months before your program starts, and it usually takes around three weeks to get a decision on your visa acceptance.
If you’re over 18 years old and studying at degree level, you can typically stay in the UK for up to five years on a student visa, or up to two years if studying below degree level, but this depends on the length of your enrollment.
It costs £490 GBP to apply for a student visa if you live outside the UK.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
- Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (a minimum of £1,483 GBP per month for up to nine months for programs in London, and £1,136 GBP per month for up to nine months for programs outside of London)
United States
- F-1 visa:
The most common student visa for international students studying in the USA and allows you to enter the country in order to study at an accredited institution such as a university, college, high school, elementary school, or language program.
Students with F-1 visas may stay in the country up to 30 days before the start of their studies, and up to 60 days after graduation, but can’t work during this time.
If your application is accepted during a visa interview, your visa should take 3-5 working days on average to process, but it can take longer depending on your country of residence and the complexity of your case. If you’re eligible for the Interview Waiver Program, and can submit an application without attending an interview, the average processing time is 21 working days.
When you apply for an F-1 visa, you will be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks and monitors international students studying in the USA. As part of this process, you must pay a SEVIS fee of $350 USD. Additionally, there is a visa application fee of $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) or DS-160 fee.
- M-1 Visa:
For international students taking vocational or technical training programs, such as mechanics, culinary arts, or aviation. The duration of your M-1 visa depends on the length of your program. Typically, it is valid for up to one year, but if your program is longer, you can apply for an extension, with a maximum stay of three years, including any practical training time.
Like the F-1 student visa, you will need to pay an application fee of $185 USD, and a SEVIS fee of $350 USD.
As well as the usual visa requirements, you must have:
- Proof you can pay for costs such as tuition fees and living expenses (no set minimum, but recommended to cover first year of expenses – anywhere between $25,000–$75,000 USD depending on your university and location)
If you’re uncertain about specific visa requirements for your study abroad country, contact the relevant embassy or immigration office, or contact a student advisor for guidance.
Your Studee student advisor will be available to support you with everything you need to start your visa application.
How to apply for a student visa
Now you have everything you need, you’re ready to apply for your student visa. The application process will typically look like this:
1. Accept your university offer
Once you received and accepted an offer to study at your university, you can apply for your student visa.
2. Gather your documents
Make sure you have everything you need for your visa application. Consult the government or embassy website of your study abroad country for any required documents specific to that destination.
3. Complete your application form
Fill out the online or paper visa application form for your chosen country.
4. Pay the visa application fee
You will be expected to pay for your student visa application, so make sure that you can cover this cost. The fee will vary depending on the country.
5. Schedule and attend an interview
Some countries require you to attend an in-person interview at the embassy or consulate. Research and practice common visa interview questions so that you are prepared and know what to expect.
6. Attend a biometrics appointment
You may need to book an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This will usually take place at a visa application center.
7. Wait for processing
Visa processing times vary, but some countries offer the option to pay extra to speed up the decision. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays, and ensure that you leave plenty of time for your visa to arrive before you travel abroad.
8. Receive your student visa
Once approved, you’ll receive your visa. This will either be stamped in your passport or arrive as a separate document.
Student visa responsibilities
When you apply for your student visa, you agree to follow specific rules to maintain your status. Although exact requirements depend on the country and type of visa you apply for, general responsibilities include:
- Full-time enrollment
International students must stay enrolled in a full-time study program at the school listed on their visa documents. Check the conditions in your visa application to find out what counts as full-time study and what the specific requirements are.
- Satisfactory academic performance
You’ll be expected to show that you have made positive progress in your studies and are achieving good grades. This may involve maintaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) attending your classes regularly, or any other academic standards set by the university. Poor academic performance or dismissal from your program could result in the loss of your visa status.
- Valid visa and passport
Your student visa or permit must stay valid for the entire time you are studying. If it’s about to expire, be ready to apply for an extension before it runs out. Your passport also usually needs to be valid for at least six months after your planned stay. Not renewing your visa or passport on time could lead to deportation.
- Report changes of address
In most countries, you must report any changes to your address or contact details to the relevant immigration authority. Failure to do so could result in a potential penalty or complications with your visa.
- Authorization for program transfers
If you want to change your program or institution, you’ll need to get permission from the relevant immigration authority, academic department, or designated officer.
- Financial requirements
You must continue to prove that you can cover your tuition, living expenses, and any other required fees throughout your studies abroad. In some countries, you could be asked to provide ongoing evidence of your financial situation by maintaining a blocked bank account.
- Work restrictions
If your student visa includes specific restrictions on working during your studies, be sure to follow the guidelines and limits, and obtain any required authorization.
- Local laws
You must follow all local, state, and national laws in your study abroad country. Any arrests or criminal activity, even minor ones, could result in your visa being canceled or lead to deportation.
- Visa duration
Be prepared to leave your study abroad country at the end of your authorized stay, or face potential fines, deportation, or future travel bans.
Tips for a successful visa application
Follow the following steps for a stress-free visa application process:
- Start early
Start your visa application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. This gives you enough time to handle any delays or issues, and ensures everything is ready before your studies begin.
- Do your research
Get to know the specific requirements and obligations for the type of visa you are applying for. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to prepare and do when you apply.
- Be thorough
Double-check all your documents and forms to avoid any mistakes or inconsistencies.
- Stay informed
Regularly check the embassy or consulate’s website for updates on the visa process, so you can stay informed of any changes right away.
- Seek advice
If you’re unsure about any part of the visa application process, get in contact with your study abroad advisor, or consult available resources for guidance.
- Prepare for interviews or appointments
If you have any upcoming interviews, check-ups, or appointments, be sure to prepare in advance. Know what you need to do beforehand and what to bring with you, and be ready to answer any questions that may come up during the process.
Student visa challenges
You could face certain restrictions on your student visa depending on the type of visa you have and where you’re studying. Read your visa requirements carefully to
Common challenges you might face include:
- Limited work hours
Most student visas limit the amount of hours you can work while studying, which can restrict your options for part-time work.
In the UK, you can work for no more than 20 hours a week. Alternatively, in Sweden, there is no limit to the number of hours you can work during term time, as long as you study for at least 40 hours per week.
- On-campus vs. off-campus work
As well as restricting how long you can work for, some countries limit where you can work.
For example, if you’re studying in the USA on an F-1 visa, you must only accept on-campus employment in your first year of study. After your first year, your university may also offer the opportunity to work off-campus through a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
- Type of employment
Some visas can restrict the type of work you can do while studying to jobs that are related to your program.
- Dependent restrictions
If you have dependents, such as a partner, spouse, or children, your student visa may impose restrictions on bringing them abroad.
Canada is one of the most flexible countries for international students with dependents. Most student visa holders can bring their immediate family, provided their study permit is valid for at least a year, they are legally married or have lived with their partner for at least a year, and their children are under 18 years old. Spouses and partners can also apply for a work permit, allowing them to earn an income while you study.
On the other hand, the USA is more restrictive for dependents, particularly for partners and spouses. Although international students can bring dependents over on an F-2 visa, this only grants your relatives the right to live in the USA, meaning that they cannot participate in paid employment without changing their visa status.
- Duration of stay
Student visas are valid for a specific period, usually covering the duration of your studies, with a short extension before or after for travel. This can be challenging if you want to study longer than your visa allows, or if you wish to stay in the country after your studies.
- Graduate opportunities
Your visa can complicate long-term plans, as not all countries allow you to stay and work after graduation.
Some destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, offer international students post-study work visas, giving you time to gain professional experience, explore career pathways, and consider pursuing permanent residency in your study abroad country. Others may require you to leave the country shortly after your program ends, limiting your opportunities
- Program requirements
Most student visas require you to be enrolled full-time in your academic program, which can be limiting if you have commitments outside of your program and would prefer to study part time.
- Travel restrictions
Your student visa may prevent you from traveling during your studies, particularly if leaving the country could impact your university attendance. You might need to apply for re-entry permits or risk being denied re-entry if you travel without the proper authorization.
Post-visa approval: What's next?
Once your student visa is approved, there are still a few steps you may need to take before and after arriving in your study abroad country, depending on your visa requirements:
- Check your visa details
Make sure you understand your visa requirements, such as entry and expiry dates, restrictions, and any documents you need to bring with you.
- Arrange your accommodation move-in
Confirm your student housing before you arrive in your study abroad country, and make sure you have everything ready to move in on the scheduled date.
- Make travel arrangements
Book flights and connecting transport as early as possible to avoid delays and get the best deals on your fares. Review any health and safety policies before you travel, as many countries may require you to have vaccinations or Covid-19 tests before entry.
- Prepare for immigration and customs
Upon arrival, have any required documents, such as your visa, passport, university acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance ready for inspection by immigration officers.
Be aware of any specific customs rules such as what items are allowed or restricted for entry into the country (e.g. medication, food, electronics).
- Set up a local bank account
It is recommended that you open a local bank account to manage finances for rent, tuition payments, and living expenses when you study abroad. Some countries (e.g. Germany) require international students to open a blocked account when applying for a visa
- Register with local authorities
In some countries (e.g. Germany, France, Australia), you must register with local authorities shortly after arrival, which may include applying for a residence permit.
It’s your responsibility to have the correct documents (e.g. proof of address, university enrollment, and financial support) and to keep track of expiry dates so you're ready to apply for any necessary extensions
Student visa support
Many universities have offices or departments dedicated to international students, with resources and immigration advisors available to help you with your student visa application. This will also be available to you throughout your studies should you run into any issues with your visa status during the semester.
The government, embassy, or consulate websites of your study abroad country are valuable resources for addressing any student visa queries specific to that destination.
When you apply to study abroad with Studee, our student advisors will help you every step of the way with your university application. We give you a personalized plan that tells you what you need to do and when you need to do it.
We’ll make sure you have all the documents you need when it’s time to apply for your visa, and remind you of any upcoming deadlines to help you stay on track of your application.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Tell us your study plans and we’ll help you find your ideal program at your dream destination.
