Europe Student Visas
Student Visas for Europe: National, Schengen, Funds and Insurance
Understand the visas international students need to study in Europe — long-stay national (type D) visas versus short-stay Schengen visas, proof of funds, the German blocked account, and required health insurance. Neutral official facts, with a verify-on-the-official-source nudge.
Studying in Europe usually means a long-stay national (type D) visa or residence permit from the country you choose — not a short-stay Schengen visa. These guides explain that distinction, the proof-of-funds rules (including Germany’s blocked account), and the health insurance you need to enrol. All of it is presented as general information, not immigration advice: requirements and amounts change, so always confirm them on the official government source for your destination.
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Tests this hub covers
IELTS
British Council / IDP IELTS / Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Year-round (test dates and session times vary by test centre)
TestAS
g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e. V.) · Several dates a year in two formats. The 2027 worldwide schedule lists paper-based sittings on 25 February, 24 April and 23 October, and digital sittings on 18 March, 15 June and 25 November.
Guides for Europe
10 of 10 guides in this hub are for Europe.
Germany Student Visa Guide
The German national long-stay (type D) student visa — when you need it, the conditions involved, and where to apply through the German mission abroad.
Read guideBlocked Account for Germany, Explained
What a German blocked account (Sperrkonto) is, how it works as one way to show proof of funds for the student visa, and why the required amount is set yearly — verify it on the official source.
Read guideGermany Student Visa Financial Requirements
The proof-of-funds part of the German student visa explained — the accepted options (blocked account, scholarship, sponsor), why the amount is set yearly, and where to confirm it officially.
Read guideHealth Insurance for Students in Germany
Why health insurance is required for enrolment and the student visa in Germany, the difference between statutory (public) and private cover, and where to confirm what applies to you.
Read guideStudent Visas in Europe: Schengen and National Visas Explained
The difference between a short-stay Schengen visa and a long-stay national (type D) student visa or residence permit in Europe — and what travelling within the Schengen area means for students.
Read guideFrance Student Visa Guide (VLS-TS)
How the French long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) works for international students — the Etudes en France process, the France-Visas application, what you typically need, and validation after arrival. Includes links to France-Visas and Campus France. Not immigration advice.
Read guideNetherlands Student Visa and Residence Permit
How studying in the Netherlands works for immigration — why your university usually applies to the IND for the entry visa (MVV) and residence permit on your behalf, what you provide, and what to verify. Includes links to the IND and Study in NL. Not immigration advice.
Read guideItaly Student Visa Guide (Type D)
How the Italian long-stay study visa works — Universitaly pre-enrolment, the national (type D) visa at the consulate, and the residence permit after arrival. Includes links to Universitaly and Italy's official visa portal. Not immigration advice.
Read guideSpain Student Visa Guide
How the Spanish student visa works for a long study programme — applying at the Spanish consulate with proof of admission and funds, and what to do after arrival. Includes links to the official Spanish government sources. Not immigration advice.
Read guideSweden Student Residence Permit Guide
How studying in Sweden works for immigration — applying for a residence permit for studies with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) after you are admitted. Includes links to Migrationsverket and University Admissions in Sweden. Not immigration advice.
Read guideStudying in Europe
Continue exploring Europe
Universities, entrance tests, costs and visa facts for Europe — all in one place, each linked to its official source.
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