Student visa in EU 

One has to make an application for an extension of a student visa in Europe prior to the expiry date of his or her current visa and preferably not later than 90 days before its expiry date. The process entailed in extending the visa is basically similar to the application process and involves the following steps:

1. Gather Required Documents: This should include but is not limited to a valid passport, proof of continued enrollment from your educational institution, evidence of financial support, up-to-date health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
2. Apply: You will have to submit your application to the immigration office or to the consular section of the embassy of the country where you are studying for your visa extension. In some cases, this might be web-based.
3. Pay Fees: There may be a consular fee required for the extension of the visa. Precise amounts of fees, along with modes of payment, must first be inquired into.
4. Interview: Some country requirements will require an interview of you, asking about your academic progress, financial situation, and your future plans.
5. Wait for the Decision: You will have to wait for the case decision after your application to extend the visa has been submitted. This timeframe depends on each country, as there are occasions when immigration services are very busy.

It is necessary not to miss the deadlines for applying for a visa extension, because it may lead to a situation when you will have to leave for your home country and apply for a visa from there.

Yes, many European countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies. It is usually restricted to about 20 hours per week during the semester, thus allowing students to earn an income without jeopardizing their studies. Full-time work may be allowed during holidays in some countries.

However, these rules may significantly vary depending on the country, and it is up to the students to find out what the requirements and restrictions are in the specific country of their interest:

1. Check Local Laws: It is best to confirm working on a student visa through official government portals or directly through the educational institution for guidance and highlights into legal specifics.
2. Work Permit Conditions: Sometimes, this needs further permission from the immigration authorities to work. In other countries, the right of working is already covered under the student visa.
3. Visa Status Implication: It is important to make sure that employment does not interfere with student status or constitute a breach of visa conditions, since serious consequences may result, including cancellation of the visa.
4. Compliance with Tax Obligations: Working in another country may also involve responsibility vis-à-vis tax obligations. Therefore, the necessary step is knowing the tax legislation and when there is a requirement to submit a tax return.

Make sure to obtain updated information from reliable sources to ensure that your working experience abroad is both fulfilling and legal.

Generally speaking, it is prohibited and may bring serious legal consequences to stay in Europe when your visa has already expired. The consequences may include, but are not limited to:

1. Fines: You could be fined as part of the visa violation.
2. Deportation: You will be deported from the country, which also includes an official record of expulsion.
3. Entry Ban: You may be forbidden for some time or even permanently from entering the Schengen Zone or any other European countries.

If you wish to stay in Europe longer than currently allowed by your visa, you need to apply for the following steps:

1. Apply for Visa Extension or Change of Status: Apply to the immigration authorities in your host country for a visa extension or change of status if you plan further studies, work, or have any other reasons for extending your stay.
2. Consider Other Visa Opportunities: Aside from the stated visa categories, your situation may allow for other categories such as work, family, or research visas.
3. Immigration Consultation: You can consult an immigration law professional who will assist you in determining the best way to legalize your stay.

Remaining in the country after your visa has expired and without any grounds to stay is risky and might seriously complicate any prospect of re-entering Europe or other countries through legal means in the future.

To obtain a Schengen student visa—a visa that allows students from non-European Union countries to stay in Europe for periods up to three consecutive months for short-term studies—follow the steps below.

1. Enrollment Confirmation: You need to be enrolled in a course or at an educational institution in one of the Schengen countries. The course can be anything: a summer course, a language course, or even a short-term exchange program. You will be asked to get a Letter of Admission from the institution that is to admit you. Preparation of Documents: The documents that must be compiled are:
   • Valid passport valid for three months beyond the intended stay in Europe.
   • Two passport-size photos.
   • Proof of being enrolled - documentary evidence.
   • Proof of means of subsistence - bank statements, scholarship letter.
   • Health insurance also covering you during your stay as a whole.
   • Accommodation reservation for the duration of your studies or any other proof of housing.
2. Visa Application Form: Get a visa application form from the website of the embassy/consulate of the Schengen country where you'll study. Visa Fee Payment: Normally, the visa fee is charged, and it might vary from country to country. For detailed information about the amount and mode of payment, please check with the official embassy website.
3. Schedule an Interview: An appointment with the embassy or consulate needs to be scheduled. All the prepared documents are to be brought along to the interview.
   • Appear at an Interview: Go to the embassy or consulate on the selected date. In this interview, some questions will be asked about your study plan, financial position, and motivation for the selection of the particular program and country.
   • Await the Decision: After the interview, you will need to wait for the visa decision. This usually takes anything from a few days up to weeks.

The above process is the common procedure involved in the application for a Schengen student visa. Successfully passing through this will give you the opportunity to start your studies in the European country chosen by you.

The Type C Schengen student visa is a short-term visa for those international students who would like to go for short-term study courses in the Schengen Area countries. This kind of visa will permit staying in the Schengen Area for 90 days out of a six-month period and, thus, is usually ideal for summer courses, short language programs, or similar short-term educational activities.

Key Features of the Schengen Student Visa

• Freedom of Movement: The visa allows free movement within all the Schengen countries, thus giving the student an opportunity to be exposed to many cultures and broaden their academic and personal horizons.
• Time Limitation: The visa is limited to only a maximum duration of three months, hence unsuitable for long-term academic programs.

When is Another Visa Required?

• For Study Programs Longer Than Three Months: It will be necessary for the student to have a national study visa, provided by the country itself where the study is intended. In this form, it enables longer sojourn and admission into institutions offering full-time academic programs at bachelor, master, or doctorate levels.
• National Visa Requirement: It is also a requirement for individuals who would take part in such a program that involves staying in the host country for over 90 days in any six-month period.

Generally, the choice between a Schengen student visa and a national study visa depends on either the duration or nature of the intended course of study.

Application for a Schengen student visa is required in the following cases:

• Citizens of Countries with No Visa Waiver Agreements: You will need a Schengen student visa if you come from a country that does not have a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen Area and are aiming for short-term study programs lasting up to 90 days.
• Nationals of Visa Liberalization Agreement Countries: In case your country of origin has a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Area, you will be allowed entry into the Schengen Area visa-free for short-term stays. If, however, the duration of the study is more than 90 days, you will be obliged to apply for a national study visa.

Other Information Applicable for 2025 and Onwards

• When implemented in 2025, ETIAS will grant citizens from visa waiver countries the right to enter the Schengen Area, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

These requirements must be considered in advance of the application process when one plans to study in Europe, in order to avoid any possible legal and administrative complications of getting a visa or authorization.

Apply for a Schengen student visa by following the steps below:

Here is how you apply for your Schengen student visa.

• Eligibility of the Visa: Ensure that you are qualified for the category of the Schengen student visa you seek. This involves confirmation of an opportunity to study on a short-term course in one of the Schengen countries.
• Determine Where to Apply: Get the address of the authorized visa application body, embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre/VFS, depending on your main destination.
• Make an Appointment: An appointment for document submission is usually available online, by email, and over the phone. An appointment may be booked no earlier than 15 days and no later than six months before the intended date of departure.
• Prepare Documents: Ensure you have with you all the required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of admission to an educational institution, financial documents, confirmation of accommodation booking, health insurance, and passport-sized photographs.
• Submit Your Application and Attend the Interview: The application is to be submitted in person on the appointment day. You may also be invited for a short interview where your study plans and motivation will be discussed.
• Pay the Visa Fee: The application fees for adults cost about €90, while for children, it's €40. Note that this fee is not refundable even in case of denial of the application.
• Get Your Visa: The normal processing period is 15 working days, but it takes up to 30 days. You will be contacted regarding the outcome after the process is complete. In case it gets approved, a visa sticker will be stamped onto your passport, and then you are free to enter the Schengen Area.

Then, follow these tips in order to ensure your Schengen student visa application process will not be delayed.

If you apply to obtain a Schengen student visa, you will have to provide all of the following documents:

1. Completed Visa Application Form: You should fill in an official application form for a Schengen visa, which can also be downloaded from the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you intend to visit.
2. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of the intended visit. There should be at least two blank pages inside.
3. Admission Letter: A confirmation letter from the institute in the Schengen Area in which you will join a course. It should encompass all details about the course, duration, and, if necessary, information with respect to the payment of course fees in full.
4. No Objection Letter: In case one is already studying, a letter from the current university may be required, confirming that there will be no objection to your leave of absence for study purposes.
5. Academic Documents: Diplomas, certificates, and academic transcripts showing details of academic achievements.
6. Means of Subsistence Proof: You must prove that you have the means that will keep you within the Schengen Area. This may include a bank statement, proof of scholarship, or confirmation of financial support from third parties.
7. Proof of Accommodation: Proof of accommodation in the Schengen Area can be a rental agreement, a hotel reservation, or confirmation of a place in a student dormitory.
8. Health Insurance: Medical insurance that covers the entire Schengen Area and is valid for the length of your stay. The coverage amount should not be less than €30,000.
9. Photographs: Normally, this would include two recent passport-sized photographs that are in compliance with the requirements regarding photos for a visa.
10. Visa Fee: The consular fee is non-refundable in the event of a visa denial.

Ensure that all documents are current and fully comply with the current requirements of the embassy or consulate to which you apply. Also suggested is checking the most up-to-date information on official websites since document requirements can change.

The validity of a Schengen student visa is for no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. In other words, the student visa allows entry into the Schengen Area for a period of no more than 90 days from the date of entry. After this, the student has to leave the area for the rest of the time in the 180-day cycle before he or she is allowed entry into the area again.

Salient Points Regarding the Schengen Student Visa

Points that enlighten on what a student can do on a Schengen student visa:

• 90/180 Day Rule: You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit counts the total time you've spent in all the Schengen countries within the last 180 days, no matter how many border-crossings you have made.
• Granting Shorter-Term Visas: Sometimes, the consulates grant visas for a period of less than 90 days, depending on the duration of your study programme, your travel history, and other related factors. You must go through the dates on your visa carefully and plan your travel accordingly to avoid overstaying beyond the period of your authorized stay.
• Schengen Calculator: This tool will help you calculate the days you are going to spend in the Schengen Area in a much more definite and precise way. It helps you manage your stay in the 90/180 days and protects you from probable visa violations.

Importance of Adhering to Visa Validity

Failure to adhere to your visa's period of validity and to the rules regarding your stay will result in some unpleasant repercussions: fines, entry bans in the future, and even deportation. This will seriously affect your future opportunities of traveling throughout Europe.

This section discusses the different types of Schengen student visas categorized by the number of entries. Below is a detailed explanation of each type:

1. Single-Entry Visa: This visa permits entry into the Schengen Area only once. After the student exits the Schengen Area, the visa becomes invalid for any further use, even if it has not yet expired.
2. Two-Entry Visa: This visa allows students to enter the Schengen Area twice. It is beneficial for students who need to return to their home country or travel to a non-Schengen country for personal or educational reasons before re-entering the Schengen Area.
3. Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa enables students to enter and exit the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity. This type of visa is ideal for students participating in exchange programs, as they will need to travel frequently across Schengen countries or explore Europe during academic breaks.

The type of visa issued will depend on the individual needs of the student and the specifics of their study program. A consular officer will assist in determining the appropriate visa type based on the information and documents provided by the student.

National Visa for Long-Term Study Programs

For studies lasting more than 90 days, a national visa for the relevant Schengen country is usually required. Long-term stays typically necessitate a visa that can be issued for the entire duration of the study program.

Extending a Schengen Visa

Extending a Schengen visa is possible, but it is generally allowed only for serious reasons, such as force majeure or an official extension of the study program. Visa extensions must be requested in advance at the immigration authorities of the host country.

You are right to understand the conditions under which you can work while in the EU on a Schengen student visa. The student visa is strictly for educational purposes and does not generally permit work during your studies. In this regard, here are some key points to consider:

• Purpose of the Visa: The very purpose of the Schengen student visa is to make it possible for international students to study in the Schengen countries. This visa does not make any provision for employment.
• Short-term Nature of the Visa: Usually, a student visa under Schengen can cover no more than 90 days, which is insufficient for stays needed for work.
• Local Employment Laws Applicable to Students: Even if the visa allowed for working, most of the Schengen countries have their own laws and restrictions for the employment of international students. These are strictly enforced, and usually another type of visa is required for employment in most cases.

If you plan to be working in the EU, it's advisable to obtain a work visa. If you're already studying in a Schengen country for over three months, it's really worth looking into the possibility of getting a national student visa—the latter might allow working, subject to certain conditions. National student visas are issued for long-term study programs and may have different rules regarding employment.

Schengen student visa intended for short-term study programs does not allow you to take family members with you. This is due to the fact that such a visa limited to short-term stay and educational purposes, without provision additional social and family aspects of staying in the country. However, as you mentioned, the situation is different for long-term study visas (usually national visas type D) which are issued for study programs lasting more than three months. With this type of visa, students often have the right to bring with you immediate family members such as spouses and minor children. Rules may vary by country, Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with local immigration policies and requirements to family immigration. If your study program requires a long stay and you want to take family members, you should contact the consulate or embassy of the country in which which you plan to study in order to clarify the possibility of receiving appropriate visas for your loved ones. Submitting visa documents for members family usually involves providing evidence of family relationships, financial support and adequate housing in the host country.

In order to obtain a long-term Category D student visa to study in Schengen countries, a visa applicant has to provide a number of mandatory documents in support of his visa application. These include:

1. Valid Passport:
   • The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and must be valid for at least 12 months beyond the date of completion of intended study or return.
2. Copy of Passport Personal Data Page:
   • One copy of the passport's personal data page in A4 format.
3. Passport-Sized Photographs:
   • Three photographs that meet biometric standards.
4. Cover Letter:
   • A letter from the applicant clearly stating the purpose of the visit and the intended duration of stay in the country.
5. Proof of Admission:
   • An official letter from the university or educational institution confirming enrollment.
6. Proof of Tuition Payment (if applicable):
   • Tuition payment documentation.
7. Language Proficiency Evidence:
   • Proof of proficiency in English or the language of the country where the studies will take place.
8. Academic Qualification Documents (if applicable):
   • Diplomas or certificates that confirm past academic achievements.
9. Proof of Financial Means:
   • Documents that prove the availability of funds to cover living and study expenses during the stay. This can include:
   • Proof of scholarship.
   • An official sponsorship letter ("Verpflichtungserklärung") from a resident of Germany, stating their commitment to support the applicant.
10. Medical Insurance:
    • A valid travel medical insurance policy that covers the period starting from the departure date to the start date of the study as mentioned in the letter of admission—approximately 3 months from the date of departure.

The candidate has to make two sets of documents and originals of all the supporting documents. According to the country in which the applicant will study, there might also be some extra criteria or even requirements for obtaining a student visa.

The application process for a Schengen student visa is usually takes six to eight weeks from the date of submission of all necessary documents to the visa center or consulate. It is recommended to submit your application in advance to avoid delays, especially if the start of the educational process is approaching. This will take into account possible delays in consideration, additional requests for documents, etc. unforeseen circumstances.

An application for an extension of a Schengen student visa may only be made on the following grounds, namely force majeure, for instance:

• Late Entry: This can include circumstances beyond your control such as delays in entry.
• Humanitarian Reasons: Due to health problems or other unforeseen reasons that require your care for family members.
• Significant Personal Reasons: Circumstances that have a significant impact on your personal situation, for which you must prolong your stay.
• Unforeseen Circumstances: Events that could not have been foreseen at the time of your application, which make it impossible to leave before the expiry of the period of stay envisioned in the visa.

It has to be noticed that the law doesn't allow the extension of a visa concerning continuing education. In case of your study time exceeding the period which was earlier planned, then you will need to leave the country and apply for a long-term student visa in order to continue studying.

The benefits of higher education in Europe can be highlighted by the following factors:

The advantages are elaborated on the following grounds:

1. High Standards of Education and University Recognition:
   • Europe has 688 universities that feature in the QS rankings for their academic reputation and high standards of education. Graduation from any of those institutions opens the door to international careers.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit:
   • European University Graduates: Entitlement to 18 months of residence in the country for seeking employment or engaging in professional activities, which is a great plus for international students wanting to apply their knowledge to practice in Europe.
3. Popular Demand for Student Visas:
   • In 2023, the total student visas issued were 108,000, showing huge interest from foreign students and an openness of European countries toward education for students coming from abroad.
4. Tuition Costs Differ:
   • Tuition fees range from €6,000 to €15,000 annually, making higher education within Europe much more accessible compared to similar programs in other parts of the world.
5. Scholarship Availability:
   • Availability of scholarships that can be availed by students in amounts such as €1,515, €5,000, and €10,000 per year decreases the financial burden to a minimum, allowing more talented students from any part of the world to apply.
6. Visa Processing Times:
   • The entire process for a student visa to Europe takes anywhere between 30 to 90 days, hence at least allowing students to plan their studies and travel well in advance without getting subject to long delays.

These factors make pursuing higher education in Europe an attractive option for students seeking quality education, international experience, and future career opportunities.

Indeed, Europe is an important educational hub that students from the rest of the world use. Many of its universities are considered among the best in the world. Several universities in the European Union and other parts of Europe have earned a high ranking because they boast of quality education, modern research, and up-to-date infrastructure. Following are included among some of the top-class universities in Europe:

1. University of Oxford (United Kingdom):
   • One of the oldest and most prestigious institutions, known all over the world, hosting one of the finest intellectual academies in the world along with dozens of Nobel Prize-winning alumni and academics.
2. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom):
   • Competes with Oxford for the title of the best university in the world, excelling in science, engineering, law, and medicine.
3. Imperial College London (United Kingdom):
   • A leading research university focused on science, engineering, medicine, and business, regularly ranking high in global rankings.
4. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland):
   • Best research institute in Europe, pertaining to science and technology with optimal opportunities for the development of research and innovation.
5. University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom):
   • One of the oldest universities in Scotland, known for high academic excellence and strong industrial links.
6. King's College London:
   • Was noted for courses in humanities, medicine, law, and business, actively participating in world-class research projects.
7. London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE (United Kingdom):
   • One of the most prestigious universities in social sciences, economics, and politics, leading in the study of economics and social sciences worldwide.
8. University of Manchester (United Kingdom):
   • A leading research university with strong programs in engineering, biology, medicine, and social sciences.
9. University of Bristol (United Kingdom):
   • Known for its programs in science, technology, and the arts, actively engaged in international research and innovative projects.
10. University of Glasgow (United Kingdom):
    • The oldest university in the world, offering high-quality education and strong links with research organizations.

These universities offer their students a more unique educational experience, international recognition of their degrees, and innovative research opportunities that make them leaders in Europe and the entire world.