ETIAS: studying in Spain

Studying a career in Europe has been a choice of many international students who seek the opportunity to be trained in the best institutions on the continent, especially when it comes to Spain. However, in order to get to know this new culture and to train academically, students must go through some processes in which they are granted a permit to study. But, recently there has been talk of a new and more easily accessible permit: the ETIAS; and here we will talk about it.

What is ETIAS and what is it for?

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, which was created with the intention of determining whether foreigners exempt from having to present a visa to enter Europe are eligible.

Although the main objective of this system is to protect the borders of the Schengen Area, it also represents greater ease of entry for migrants who meet the criteria for entry.

This permit will come into force from 2024 and will allow students to enter Spain without a visa, but it is also a gateway for tourists and business-related persons.

EITIAS or visa?

Those citizens who belong to the Schengen Zone do not require a visa or any kind of permit to enter Spain to study; however, natives of other countries do.

Whether it is sufficient to apply for the ETIAS or whether a visa is required depends on whether the stay or studies will be of short or long duration.

In this sense, the ETIAS is ideal for short studies. As it is valid for three years, but with a stay permit of only ninety days.

On the other hand, the visa is the best choice for long-term studies. Because the permit usually fits the length of the study plan and can be extended as needed.

The main difference between these two permits is that the ETIAS is usually easier to apply for.

Requirements for ETIAS

First of all, the ETIAS can be applied for online, without having to go to a diplomatic representation, and the only requirements are:

• A valid and current passport.
• You must have a card with which you can pay the corresponding fees. An ETIAS will cost €7 for all applicants between the ages of 18 and 70. Minors and applicants over 70 years old will receive an ETIAS free of charge. This fee is charged when you submit your application and it’s the only fee you’ll have to pay.
• A personal email address.
• Answer clearly and honestly about your health and other personal information.

If the ETIAS is approved, it will be added electronically to the passport and, as mentioned above, will be valid for three consecutive years or until the passport expires.

What to study with the ETIAS permit?

Because the ETIAS only allows entry to Spain for a short period of ninety days, students will only be able to enrol for short courses. In this case, there are some studies that you could opt for with this permit, among them:

Cooking courses

We all know that Spain has a particular and fantastic gastronomy, so doing a cooking course in this country would be an unforgettable experience.

Arts courses

International students have great training opportunities in Spanish art schools. Which not only offer quality education, but also preserve the best of the world’s art scene.

Language courses

Spain is also a great country for language courses, not only because you can learn native Spanish. But because it is surrounded by different cultures where you can study French, Portuguese, Italian, German and even Mandarin Chinese.

Business courses

Finally, Spain is one of the countries where learning about business management, finance, business and other related areas is a good idea. As most of its institutions are internationally recognised for their high quality.

If you go to study during one summer, you can return the following summer with the same permission to take any other course you wish.

Can I study at university with ETIAS?

If you are asking yourself this question, the answer is no. If you wish to apply for a place at a Spanish university or to study a long-term course, you will have to apply for a student visa. For which you will have to go to a Spanish diplomatic representation in the country where you are.