Study Stay in Spain

Spain offers several pathways for international students who wish to study or undertake academic training. Some programmes can be applied for from within Spain, while others must be requested from the applicant’s country of origin. After completing their studies, students may also switch to a work permit, either as an employee or as a self-employed professional, including the creation of a new business.

The following programmes allow students to submit their application directly in Spain, even if they entered as tourists:

Higher education programmes

• Bachelor’s degree
• Official Master’s degree
• PhD
• Research programmes
• Specialist health training

Language courses offered by official institutions

• Public or private universities
• Instituto Cervantes
• SEPIE-accredited centres

These programmes are considered higher education or official academic training, which meets the requirements for applying from within Spain.

These programmes cannot be applied for from Spain. The application must be submitted at the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s home country:

• Non-official Master’s degrees (máster propio)
• Language courses at private academies
• Vocational training (FP)
• Non-higher education courses
• Programmes not accredited by universities or SEPIE

• Initial authorisation: 1 year
• Renewals: annual, as long as the studies continue
• Renewals can be repeated for the full duration of the academic programme

Once studies are completed, the student may switch their permit to a residence and work authorisation.

A) Switch to employment (work permit as an employee)

Main requirements:

• Completion of higher education studies
• A job offer aligned with the applicant’s qualifications
• A solvent employer and a compliant employment contract

B) Switch to self-employment (autónomo)

Options:

• Creation of a new business
• Registration as a self-employed professional
• Submission of a business plan, investment details and proof of viability

This route is ideal for digital professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs and independent workers.

• Possibility to switch to a work permit without leaving Spain
• Access to recognised academic institutions
• Flexibility to combine studies with internships
• A pathway to entrepreneurship and new business creation