Imagine having the freedom of traveling to 27 different countries in Europe with only one visa! With a Schengen student visa, this is now possible. The Schengen countries offer a remarkable chance for any international student who wants to get higher education in one of the best universities in the world.
So, are you an international student who desires to study abroad, and the Schengen countries, like Finland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Switzerland are on your list? If your answer is yes, then your search ends here!
In this blog, you can explore the best Schengen countries to study, their tuition fee and living costs, and the application process to apply to your preferred university in the Schengen Area.
Sit tight and let’s get started for this exciting adventure!
Best Schengen Countries For International Students
Here are the best 5 Schengen countries that you can choose for your higher studies:
1. Finland
Finland has the highest ranking on the World Happiness Index and boasts the finest education facilities in the Schengen Area. The country’s top three premier learning institutions include the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and the University of Turku.
Finland has a low crime rate and offers a safe environment, which is important for individuals from other countries who are studying there. This is the reason this country is considered to be one of the safest in the region for international students.
Moreover, Finnish universities offer degrees in business, administration, law, information and communication, technologies, and engineering courses. So, no matter what your field of interest is, you are more than welcome to begin your academic venture at any of the top-rated universities in Finland.
- Average Tuition Fee Per Annum: €5,000 to €15,000
- Cost of Monthly Living: €700 to €900
2. France
France is internationally acknowledged for its high education standards. It is home to one of the world’s top-notch educational institutes. This is the reason this country attracts thousands of international students every year who enroll in French institutes for their higher studies. Currently, the country boasts some of the world’s leading universities, such as Université Paris-Dauphine and HEC Paris.
Living in France gives you an opportunity to gain enriching exposure to the world of academia and upscale your skills. Furthermore, France is famous for its rich culture, cuisine, and beautiful ancient architecture. Acquiring your higher education in this country would give your CV a competitive edge for an International career in your respective field.
Thus, if you are thinking about completing your college studies in a Schengen country, France should be at the top of your list.
- Average Tuition Fee Per Annum: €10,000 to €15,000
- Cost of Monthly Living: €650 to €1,400
3. Belgium
Belgium is another popular Schengen country and is well-known for offering remarkable education to students from around the world. Its academic programs cover a wide range of fields, and 9 of Belgium’s universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
As one of the most progressive and colorful nations in the world, this country proves to be the greatest place to unleash a plethora of academic passions.
In addition, currently, more than 40,000 overseas students are studying in top academic institutes in Belgium. If you opt for Belgium for your higher studies, you will be able to attend any of the 65 top-ranked universities and select from among 1,146 programs.
- Average Tuition Fee Per Annum: €4,175 to €9,000
- Cost of Monthly Living: €873 to €1,370
4. Netherlands
The Netherlands, a top choice for studying in the Schengen Area, is renowned for its quality of education and support for students to realize their dreams. With its unique lifestyle and the presence of leading universities, the country offers a vibrant and enriching academic experience to international students.
Another promising aspect of the Netherlands is that its living costs are considerably lower than in many European countries. In addition, educational institutes in the Netherlands offer multiple scholarship opportunities to foreign students.
Thus, if you want to get a high-quality education without breaking the bank, you should definitely consider this country for your further studies.
- Average Tuition Fee Per Annum: €8,000 to €20,000
- Cost of Monthly Living: €800 to 1200
5. Switzerland
In the Schengen area, Switzerland is one of the most desirable and unique locations. This country is a blend of different cultures, beautiful natural landscapes, educational facilities, and friendly people. All these factors make it one of the best countries to gain higher education.
Swiss universities aim at quality, research, and encompass numerous programs in all study disciplines. So, as an international student, choosing Switzerland can prove to be an outstanding decision for your career.
- Average Tuition Fee: €6,000 to €16000
- Cost of Monthly Living: €1,500 to €2,500
Documents Required for a Schengen Student Visa
- A valid passport
- School/University documents
- Acceptance letter from the respective university in the Schengen Zone
- Employment and financial proof
- Travel and health insurance
- A completed application form
- Passport-size photographs
How to Apply for a Schengen Student Visa?
While applying for a Schengen student visa, you should be extremely careful to ensure that your application is error-free. Here, we are going to outline the comprehensive application process that will surely help you in securing your visa:
Research Visa Requirements
Before starting the visa application process, you should thoroughly research all the Schengen student visa requirements. Another important thing to consider is that Schengen student visa conditions may vary slightly in different countries, so you should be careful and compliant with the country’s rules to which you are applying.
Gather the Documents
Next, you need to gather all the important documents that are mentioned above for the visa application process. Make sure you have all the papers assembled and arranged in the right format before proceeding to the next step.
Submit Your Application
Once you have completed all the primary stages and gathered your documents, the next step is to apply for your Schengen student visa. At StudyWise, we can submit the visa application on your behalf. Our proficient visa experts will ensure that your application has no weak points and stands the maximum chance of acceptance.
Attend the Visa Interview (if Required)
You may be invited for an interview as part of the visa application review process. If this happens, ensure you have all of the information regarding your trip itinerary and your study plans within the Schengen Area.
Pay the Visa Fee
You must pay the required visa fee when submitting your application. Payment methods may vary, so check the embassy, consulate, or visa application center’s website for accepted payment methods and fee amounts.
After submitting your visa application, wait for the processing of your visa. The Schengen student visa processing time can vary. You can monitor the status of your application using any tracking tools provided by the embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
Processing Time of Schengen Student Visa
The Schengen student visa application is normally processed within 14 working days. However, in some instances, applications can take up to 45 days. Our team stays informed with all the advancements in your visa process and will also keep you updated. So you don’t have to worry about anything.
There are various factors on which the Schengen student visa depends, some of which are:
- Your nationality
- The country for which you are applying
- Your degree level
- The complexity of your visa application
So, keep all of these factors in mind before you initiate the visa application process.
How Can We Help?
Do you want to study in any of the countries in the Schengen zone but are not sure where to start? Then, all your worries are going to end because StudyWise is here to lend a helping hand.
Highly experienced and well-versed student counselors and visa experts at StudyWise will not only help you choose the university and program of your interest in your favorite Schengen country but will also be there during the visa application process.
We are dedicated to ensuring that your visa application is flawless and stands the best chance of approval. So, contact us and let StudyWise pave the way for your successful academic venture in the Schengen zone!
Further Reads:
Download Our App
Feeling overwhelmed by the innumerable courses and universities available in the Schengen countries? No worries. For your convenience, we have brought an improved and latest version of our AI-based app: StudyWise.
With its help, you can find the best courses and universities in your favorite country all over the globe that match your interests, career objectives, and academic profile.
So, download it now from the App Store and Play Store, and get ready to experience a world of incredible opportunities at your fingertips!
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FAQs:
What is the required bank statement for a Schengen student visa?
On average, international students need to demonstrate a bank statement of €13,435 to €20,065 for a Schengen student visa.
Is there an age limit for applying for a Schengen Student Visa?
No. There is generally no age limit for applying for a Schengen student visa.
Can I bring my family with me on a Schengen Student Visa?
Typically, family members cannot be brought on a Schengen student visa. However, they may apply for their own tourist visas to visit.