All You Need to Know About Europe Study Visa for Indian Nationals 

European countries such as Germany, Finland, Denmark, and France are excellent study-abroad destinations. In total Europe, has a total of 688 QS Ranking Universities. Moreover, the region offers 2 years of post-study work visa. To study in Europe a person requires a Europe study visa. This is also called a Schengen visa.  Before applying for the study visa, applicants must be aware of the eligibility requirements, application process, and other details. Keep reading to learn more about the Europe study visa.

Reasons to Study in Europe 

There are several reasons why you should choose Europe as your study destination. Some of these reasons are provided below:

• Europe is home to some of the best universities in the world. For example, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, The University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial College London, and The University of Manchester, among others 
• The quality of life offered by European countries is excellent. Moreover, you can improve your language skills.
• Several scholarships and funding are available to study in Europe 
• Students who complete their degree from any European country can apply for a post-study work permit. A post-study work visa will allow the students to stay in the country and seek employment opportunities.

Watch this YouTube video to learn more about studying in 5 European countries

Check out the list of the  best countries in Europe to Study

What is a Europe Study Visa?

A Europe student visa is also called the Schengen visa. The visa permits a student to study in the European region for a short period (up to 3 months). Those who want to study for a longer duration need to apply for a long-stay study visa for a specific country. International students who can be classified as ‘Non-EU students’ can apply for a Schengen visa. 

Types of Europe Study Visa

There are mainly 4 main types of Europe study visas. Schengen visa Types A, B, C and D. These visas are explained below:

• Schengen Visa Type A: The type A visa is also known as the airport transit visa, It allows the visa holder to transit through Schengen Zone airports. The visa is granted when a person has to wait for the connecting flight at one of the airports in the member countries.
• Schengen Visa Type B: This type of visa holder can travel through the member countries without restrictions. This visa is only valid for 5 days.
• Schengen Visa Type C: The short-stay visa is the most common type of study visa. This visa allows you to travel through the Schengen member countries freely for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days. Type C visas are further divided into single-entry visas, double-entry visas, and multiple-entry visas.
• Schengen Visa Type D: The type D visa is also known as the long stay study via. The visa is granted to those who want to stay for more than 90 days in any Schengen country for educational purposes. The visa is valid for a maximum of 1 year. The visa holder is free to travel to other countries in the Schengen Zone for a maximum period of 90 days in over 180 days. 

Watch the video below to learn more about Schengen visa for Indians

General Eligibility Requirements for a Europe Study Visa

To apply for a student visa, you must meet the eligibility requirements. The general eligibility criteria are provided below. Note: apart from these conditions, the applicants must meet the country and university-specific requirements, if any. 

• There is no age limit for studying in Europe. Those above the age of 17 can apply for a student visa
• The applicant must score a minimum of 50% or above in the previous educational institution
• Clear any admission-related entrance examination (if applicable)
• Provide English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• Meet any other additional requirements of the university

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Document Requirements for a Europe Study Visa

If you are planning to study long-term (more than 90 days) in the Schengen area, an application for a Schengen long-stay visa must be submitted. The visa legally permits you to stay in any Schengen member country. For example, obtain a degree, The following are the documents required to apply for the visa. 

• The applicant must have a valid passport and a copy of the passport’s data page 
• Provide 3 passport-size photographs as per the specifications
• Offer letter from the university you want to apply for
• Cover letter explaining the reasons for studying in the member country and the duration of stay
• Proof of tuition fee payment  (if applicable)
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL test scores
• Any other academic qualifications if applicable 
• Proof of finances to cover the educational and living expenses for the duration of stay. For this, you can also submit confirmation of scholarship or stipend 
• Police clearance certificate from the county of residence
• Any other additional requirements by the member country. For example, to study in Italy a minimum amount of t €448 per month is needed for the course duration.

Application Process for a Europe Study Visa 

To study in Europe you must apply for a Schenegen study visa. The application process for the same is provided below:

• The applicant must consult the consulate, embassy or the visa application center for the destination county 
• Calculate the best time to apply for the student visa. For example, a minimum of 15 days and a maximum period of 3 months before the date of arrival. Some countries require a longer deadline. 
• Fill out the application form for a short-term study visa (less than 90 days)  and submit the relevant documents 
• Next, make an appointment with the Consulate of the member country 
• Attend the visa interview, and clear the same
• Make sure to pay the visa application fee for the Schengen student visa application
• Lastly, wait for a response from the visa application centre/embassy regarding the status of your visa application.

Note: Those who want to study long-term must apply for a long-term study visa for the country they want to study in. The visa application form is available in the website of the consulate of the county.

Europe Study Visa Processing Time 

The processing time taken for a European student Visa or Schengen visa is 6-8 weeks.  Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply in advance to the proposed commencement date of studies. 

Working and Studying in Europe

To work in the European region, you must receive an employment permit from the host government. Those who have not received an employment visa are not allowed to work. However, certain countries permit students to work part-time while on a student visa. For example, in France, a student can work for 946 hours part-time. However, the part-time work may not be sufficient to cover all the expenses. 

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Europe Student Visa Extension

Generally, a Schengen short-stay student visa extension is only given in exceptional circumstances. For example, humanitarian reasons, late entry, significant personal circumstances, or an unforeseeable circumstance. A Schengen visa will not be extended for educational reasons. Those who want to study for a long term will have to return to their home country and then apply for a long-term study visa. 

Intakes in Europe 

The European Universities have a total of 3 intake periods. Before applying to a European University you must know about the same.

Intakes	Study Program	Admission deadlines
Fall	Undergraduate & postgraduate courses	December to January
Summer	Undergraduate & postgraduate courses	May to August
Spring	Undergraduate & postgraduate courses	August to December

Top Universities in Europe 

Here is a list of the top 10 universities in Europe that you can apply to. The list is as per the QS World Rankings 2024

University	QS Ranking 2024
University of Oxford	3
University of Cambridge	2
ETH Zurich	7
Imperial College London	6
The University of Edinburgh	22
UCL	9
Université PSL	24
EPFL	36
The University of Manchester	32
Technical University of Munich	37

International Student Scholarships in Europe

Here is a list of International student scholarships available in Europe. Those who meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarships can apply. The scholarships assist an international student to bear the expenses of studying in Europe. After you have obtained your scholarship you can apply for the  Europe study visa.

• DAAD Scholarship Programs
• EMS Undergraduate Scholarship
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
• Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship
• Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
• Bocconi Merit and International Awards
• Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme
• Liepaja University Scholarships
• Latvian Government Study Scholarships

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FAQs

We hope you now understand what are the Europe study visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!