Frequently Asked Questions

If I go to Spain as a tourist, can I get a student visa while I am there?

No. Student visas can only be obtained through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin. If your country of residence is different from the country where you were born, you need to ask at the Spanish embassy or consulate if they can issue it.

Can I exchange my tourist visa for a student visa in Spain?

No. Student visas can only be obtained through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin. If your country of residence is different from the country where you were born, you need to ask at the Spanish embassy or consulate if they can issue it. If you have a tourist visa and you wish to stay in Barcelona to study, you will have to return home to your country and change the visa there.

How long does it take for a student visa to be issued?

The processing time for the application varies depending on the office. It can take from one to several months. We recommend that you start the formalities as soon as you get an acceptance letter.

Do I need a student visa if my studies and stay in Spain are less than 90 days?

If the citizens of your country need a visa to travel to Spain, you must always request a visa in your country of origin before you travel. The Spanish embassy will decided which type of visa to issue, but if you come to Barcelona for a Summer or Winter Course, they may give you a 3-month tourist visa that cannot be extended. If the student visa has the same duration as your studies, it will not be necessary to extend it by applying for a TIE.

Can I travel in the Schengen area with a valid TIE?

Yes, as long as your passport and TIE are both valid. Avoid leaving Spain if your papers are not in order because you can have problems with entering Spain again.

I need to travel out of Spain but my NIE is being processed. What do I do?

You are entitled to apply for a Return Permit (see the appropriate section). Remember that if you want to travel in the Schengen area with this document, we must inform you that some airlines (Vueling) and countries (France, Germany and others) will not always validate Return Permits. Always ask the airline and the consulates in the countries that you are thinking of visiting before travelling.

Can I have an internship while studying at IED Barcelona?

There are some courses that permit internships. Before applying for one, bear in mind the following points. We recommend you ask your advisor whether your course permits it or not.

1. An internship contract is not an employment contract, and therefore non-European Community students cannot be paid. If the company wants to give you an employment contract, consult the regulations on the permits for internships while studying that can be issued by the Generalitat de Catalunya.
2. Optional paid internships: only students from the European Union are authorised to be paid under an internship agreement
3. Internships in the curriculum: advanced diplomas have 6 compulsory internship credits.

Can I renew my TIE if after the course at IED I want to take a course at another school?

If your student visa was issued to come to study at IED, it will state that you are studying at IED and it will not be extended if you register with another educational institution.  You can only renew it under an internship agreement issued by us, or if you take another course at IED Barcelona.