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Living in the UK? Graduate visa?

Study in Spain from the UK, with a start date that fits your visa

Spain is one of our two busiest European destinations. Private universities start in January, May and September, you can work up to 30 hours a week while you study, and we prepare your Spanish student visa with you here in the UK.

Check my options See the faster route

Why Spain

Why students in the UK choose Spain

  • Starts through the year. Many private universities take students in January, May and September, so you don’t have to wait for October.
  • Work up to 30 hours a week. Higher education students can work alongside their studies without a separate work permit.source
  • Lower funds to show. €600 a month for 2026, against €992 a month for Germany.source
  • Programmes in English at many private universities.
  • You apply from the UK. Through the Spanish consulate and the BLS centre in London.

The faster route

Why a private university is often the smarter route in Spain

If your UK visa ends before the next October intake, waiting can cost you your place in the UK. That is why we often suggest a private university to students on a Graduate visa.

  • Three starts a year: January, May and September at many private universities.
  • Quicker admission decisions, which leaves more time for your visa appointment.
  • Programmes designed for international students, often taught fully in English.

Private universities charge higher tuition than public ones. If cost matters more than timing, a public university may suit you better, and we will tell you so. The visa steps are the same either way.

Find a private university intake

Student visa

Applying for the Spanish student visa from the UK

For courses longer than 90 days, non-EU nationals need a Spanish study visa before travelling. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you apply to the Consulate General of Spain in London, in person at the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre.source

  1. Get your admissionA letter of acceptance and, for higher education, proof you have paid the registration fee.
  2. Prepare your documentsIncluding the medical certificate, criminal record certificate, insurance and proof of funds (below).
  3. Apply at BLS in LondonAt least two months before your course starts. You need proof you live in the consulate’s district, such as bills or bank statements.
  4. DecisionThe consulate has one month by law, longer if it asks for an interview or more documents. Collect your visa within two months of approval.
  5. In SpainFor courses over 6 months, apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE) within one month of arriving.

Documents the consulate asks for

  • a passport valid for at least 1 year, issued within the last 10 years, with two blank pages;
  • the national visa application form and a passport photo;
  • your letter of acceptance and proof the registration fee is paid;
  • proof of funds of at least €600 a month (100% of IPREM, 2026), lower if your accommodation is prepaid;
  • health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods, cover of at least €30,000 (travel insurance is not accepted; the UK GHIC is);
  • a medical certificate from a UK or Spanish doctor, issued within 3 months, in the consulate’s wording;
  • for courses over 6 months, a criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years (ACRO for the UK), apostilled with a sworn Spanish translation.

We work with sworn translators and help you prepare every document before your BLS appointment.

Work and after graduation

Working while you study, and staying on

During your course. Higher education students can work, employed or self-employed, up to 30 hours a week, as long as the work is compatible with their studies.source This does not apply automatically to language courses.

After you graduate. Spain has a residence permit for recent graduates to stay and look for work or start a business. If you then get a job, you can change to a work permit. We confirm the current length and conditions for your case when you finish, because they changed with Spain’s 2024 immigration regulation.

FAQ

Questions we’re asked about Spain

I am not British but I live in the UK. Where do I apply for the Spanish student visa?

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you apply to the Consulate General of Spain in London, in person at the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre in London. You need proof that you live in the consulate’s district.

How much money do I need to show?

At least 100% of Spain’s IPREM, which is €600 for each month of study in 2026. The amount is lower if your accommodation for the whole stay is already paid.

Can I work while studying in Spain?

Students in higher education can work up to 30 hours a week, as long as the work fits around their studies.

How long does the visa take?

Apply at least two months before your course starts. The consulate has one month by law to decide, which can be longer if they ask for an interview or more documents.

When are the intakes?

Public universities usually start in October, with some starts in April. Many private universities also start in January, May and September.

Which documents need translating?

For courses over 6 months you need a criminal record certificate for the last 5 years (ACRO for the UK). Certificates from outside Spain need an apostille or legalisation and a sworn Spanish translation. We arrange the apostille and sworn translation with you.

Thinking about Spain?

Tell us your UK visa end date, your degree and your budget. We’ll find a Spanish university and intake that fit, then prepare your visa with you.

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Sources (checked 12 October 2026)

This page is general information, not immigration advice. Rules change, so we check them again for your case.