Thousands of youngsters from all over the world travel to Spain every year to study. UniversitiesInSpain.com advises everyone to plan well in advance for their visa application and their travels to Spain.

The most important information you need to know is who needs a visa? Not everyone:

European Union Citizens: Are not required to get a visa for Spain given that their EU citizenship gives them the right to residency in Spain. EU Citizens merely need to apply for a NIE number once they arrive in Spain and a residency card. This however is not urgent and can be done eventually once in Spain.

Non-European Union Citizens: Are required to obtain a visa in order to enter Spain, unless there is an agreement with Spain from your country, as is the case with: USA, South America, Andorra, Brunei, Australia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Gibraltar, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Israel, Hungary, Iceland, Grenada, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia and Switzerland. Citizens of the above mentioned countries are allowed to enter Spain without a visa and enjoy a stay of up to 90 days during any 6-month period.

Instruction to apply for a Spanish student visa Non-European Union Citizens (to work, study or live in Spain): Are required to obtain a visa.

The first thing you will need in order to apply for a visa is a letter from the institute, school or University where you plan to study. The exact details and requirements which the letter must contain will be given by the Spanish consulate in your country.

Average time to process your visa: Processing your visa application can take between 3-4 weeks.