Moroccan students admitted to a Spanish university or school for more than 90 days need a study visa (visado de estudios). You apply at the Spanish consulate competent for your place of residence in Morocco, through the appointment system it indicates.
Key takeaways
- Apply at the consulate of your area, usually through its visa application centre.
- You must prove financial means, calculated from a Spanish reference index (IPREM).
- Health insurance, and for long stays a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate, are usually required.
- After arrival, you apply for the foreigner identity card (TIE).
The steps of the Spanish study visa
- Obtain your admission letter from the Spanish institution.
- Check the list of documents on the website of your consulate and prepare the translations into Spanish.
- Book an appointment through the channel indicated by the consulate.
- Submit your file and pay the fees.
- Collect the visa and travel to Spain before it expires.
Documents usually requested
- The national visa application form, a valid passport and photos.
- The admission letter for full-time studies.
- Proof of financial means for the whole stay, from you or your parents.
- Health insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain.
- For stays over six months: a medical certificate and, for adults, a criminal record certificate, legalised or apostilled and translated.
After arrival: the TIE
For a stay of more than six months, you must apply for the foreigner identity card (TIE) in Spain, usually within one month of entry, with an appointment at the police or immigration office. Registering your address at the town hall (empadronamiento) is often needed for other steps.
Common reasons for refusal
- Financial documents that are incomplete, too recent or inconsistent with the declared sponsor.
- A study project that is hard to follow: a program with no link to previous studies, or vague career plans.
- Missing translations or documents that do not match each other (names, dates, amounts).
- Applying too late, so that the appointment or the decision comes after the start of classes.
Frequently asked questions
Which consulate should I apply to?
The Spanish consulate competent for the city where you live in Morocco. The list of consulates and their areas is on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How much money do I need to show?
The amount is based on the IPREM index and updated regularly. Check the current figure on the consulate's website and prepare documents covering the whole stay.
Can I work while studying in Spain?
Student status generally allows part-time work compatible with studies, under conditions. Check the current rules and never count on a job to finance the start of your stay.
How ProTrain can help
ProTrain helps Moroccan students build a complete and consistent student visa file, prepare the financial documents with their parents and get ready for the appointment or interview, through our student visa support. See also our Spain page, or book a consultation in Guéliz, Marrakech, or online.
Official sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consulates in Morocco and study visa requirements.
- BLS Spain Visa Morocco: appointments and submission of visa files.