Schengen Countries

Schengen area is the name given to a region where 27 European countries have closed their internal borders for the free and unlimited movement of people in line with common rules for control of external borders and to combat crime by strengthening the joint judicial system and police collaboration.

The Schengen area includes most of the European Union countries, with the exception of Ireland and the countries that will soon join the Schengen area: Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus. The Schengen zone also includes non-EU countries such as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, as well as Lichtenstein.

The Origin of Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Area is currently composed of twenty-seven countries that have abolished their common borders. A significant number of individuals are seeking to acquire a residence permit in a Schengen country in order to facilitate their freedom of movement.

The Schengen Agreement dates back to 1985, when a group of countries, including Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and France, signed an agreement granting visa-free travel without customs controls at the borders between them. The agreement was named after Schengen, the city situated in the vicinity of Luxembourg.

The five Member States’ Parliaments held consultations for a period of ten years prior to the entry into force of the Agreement in 1995, in order to further refine the structure of the Union. Subsequently, Austria, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Kingdom of Sweden all acceded to the Agreement in the late 1990s. Subsequent enlargements were made from 2000 to 2011, with Crotia being the most recent country to join in 2022.

By February 2023, there were 27 countries in the Schengen area, and they all agreed to follow the same laws. This included:

  • Visa-free travel
  • Common visas and rules for getting in and out of the area.
  • Plus, there was an exchange of information between the police and courts of the countries.

What Is The Schengen Visa ?

If you’re a non-European, you’ll need a Schengen visa to travel to any of the 27 countries that make up the Schengen region. Once you get one, you can go anywhere in the other countries without having to go through identity checks.

Schengen Visa is an official document that allows entry to all the 27 countries which are part of the Schengen Area without the need for individual visas for each.

There are a few different kinds of Schengen visas, but the most common one is called a short-stay visa. It lets you stay for 90 days, but you can stay for up to 6 months from the date on which you get it.

Types of Schengen Visa

There are mainly 4 types of Schengen Study Visas: Type A, B, C and D

Out of these four Visa types, the most important Visa type for people who want to go to any Schengen Country for study purpose is D. So, If you are willing to study in a Schengen country, you need to obtain Type D Visa. Let’s learn about type D visa:

A National Stay Visa (Type D Schengen Visa)

A national visa is a type D Schengen visa that’s mandatory for anyone who wants to work, study, or live in a country for more than 90 days (or up to a year). It lets you travel and stay outside of the country you’ve chosen for 90 days, up to 180 days, and for the full length of your visa. You can apply for a national visa mainly for 3 reasons:

  1. To study or to complete an internship
  2. Professional purposes
  3. To stay there

You’ll need to contact your consular authorities in the country you’re applying for a national visa in order to know the different requirements and formalities. You can also apply for a single or multiple-entry long-stay visa under certain circumstances.

How This Information Is Relevant To You?

If you are a student or a working professional looking to pursue higher education in Europe, your search might lead you to the Schengen Zone. Now, that you know what the Schengen Area is, you might want to learn about the “Student Schengen Visa”. So, If you are considering applying for a student Schengen visa, then you have come to the right place! In this blog, you will find all the information about Schengen Visa for Indian Students, Schengen visa requirements, and more.

Comprehensive Guide to A Schengen Student Visa: What Is It and How Can I Obtain One?

Is there a Schengen visa for Indian students? The good news is that there is indeed a Schengen visa option for Indian students.

The Schengen Student Visa is a visa that allows non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) students to study in one or more Schengen Area countries. Its typically issued for the duration of your academic program. Therefore, Individuals who wish to pursue their studies in Europe for less than three months should apply for a Standard Schengen Visa, which entitles them to travel to all the Member States of the European Union. Conversely, those wishing to pursue studies for a longer period of time should submit an application for a Long-Term National Student Visa through the Embassy of the country in which they wish to study.

How To Get A Schengen Student Visa:

  1. Acceptance at a Schengen Institution: First, you need to secure admission to a recognized educational institution in a Schengen Country.
  1. Apply for the Visa: Once accepted, you should apply for a Schengen Student Visa at the consulate or embassy of the country where you will be studying.
  1. Required Documents to Obtain a Long-Term D-Type Schengen Student Visa:
  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • 1 (A4 size) copy of your passport.
  • 3 Passport-sized photos.
  • Acceptance Letter: A letter of acceptance from your educational institution.
  • Cover Letter: A letter from applicant’s side explaining the exact purpose and duration of stay.
  • Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees.
  • Proof of Academic Qualifications
  • Proof of language proficiency in English and/or the language of the host country
  • Confirmation of Scholarship/Stipend
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering your entire stay.
  • Travel Itinerary: Proof of your planned travel dates
  • Completed visa application form

    It is recommended that applicants submit two identical applications with the above mentioned and bring their original certificates with them. Additionally, each country has its own set of requirements that must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for a student visa.

What else do I need to do to get a Schengen Student Visa?

If you are enrolled in a university in your home country and you have intentions to study in the Schengen Area, acquiring a no objection letter from your university officials could be beneficial. This letter indicates their approval of your travel and belief in your commitment to resume studies after your trip. It serves as valuable support for your Schengen Student Visa Application, reassuring authorities about your adherence to visa regulations. You can seek guidance from a responsible figure at your university to obtain this letter.

Processing Time: How long does it take to get a Schengen Study Visa?

The processing time for a Schengen Student Study Visa application can vary depending on the country and the time of year, but it typically takes six to eight weeks. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Work while Studying

It is illegal for foreign students to work while on a student visa in a country without obtaining an employment visa from the host government. As a result, students can combine their studies with work. For instance, in France, foreign students are permitted to work up to 964 hours on a student visa, equivalent to 60 percent of the normal working hours. Part-time work is not sufficient to cover all of a student’s expenses and should be viewed as a second income source. Violations of these regulations could have serious consequences for the student’s studies and future employment opportunities, as local immigration laws may lead to a travel ban.

Can I Extend a Schengen Student Visa?

Schengen student visas can only be extended for certain reasons, like late entry, for humanitarian reasons, for really important reasons, or because of some kind of unforeseeable circumstances. You can’t extend your Schengen Student Visa to continue your studies. If you want to continue your studies beyond the original period planned, you will have to return to your home country and get a long-term study visa by applying for a long-stay study visa.

Age Limit: Is there a maximum age requirement for individuals to be eligible for admission to a training or study program under the Schengen Student Visa?

The answer is ‘NO’. There is no age limit to apply for a training or study visa in the Schengen Area.

Get-to-know About Each Schengen Country

After being familiar with the requirements for the Schengen Student Visa, it is essential to acquaint yourself with the specific entry rules and requirements of each Schengen country. In our upcoming articles, we will provide you with information about the study visa process and other requirements for all 27 Schengen countries. Stay tuned for more details and keep reading!