Since Brexit, UK nationals need a student visa to study in Spain for more than 90 days. This guide covers exactly how to apply from the UK—where to apply, which documents you need (DBS checks, FCDO apostilles), how long it takes, and what you'll pay.
Before Brexit, UK citizens could study in Spain for as long as they wanted under freedom of movement. Now, the situation is different.
The Post-Brexit Rule: As of 1 January 2021, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens. You must obtain a student visa for any course in Spain lasting more than 90 days. For courses under 90 days (e.g. summer schools), you do not need a visa—your passport is sufficient.
The student visa gives you the right to reside and study in Spain for the duration of your course. It is not automatically extended—you must apply for a new visa if you enrol on another course.
This guide is for UK nationals only. If you hold an Irish passport, you retain freedom of movement and do not need a visa. If you hold dual nationality or are unsure of your status, please contact the Spanish consulate directly.
There are three main routes, depending on where you live in the UK.
Covers: London and South East England
The Spanish Embassy in London is the main consulate for UK applications. They handle all student visa applications from the London area and surrounding regions. Appointments are booked directly through the embassy's website.
Address: 39 Chenies Street, London WC1E 7AQ
Contact: www.exteriores.gob.es/es/PlantillasPais/Reino%20Unido
Covers: Northern England, Wales, Midlands
BLS International is an authorized visa service provider that handles applications on behalf of the Spanish consulate. This service is available for applications from the North West, Wales, and the Midlands. Book appointments via the BLS website.
Served by: BLS International Manchester centre
Book: bls-blsspain.com
Covers: Scotland, Northern Ireland
BLS Edinburgh handles all applications from Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is the same BLS International service, but from the Edinburgh office. Book appointments online—slots fill quickly, so plan ahead.
Served by: BLS International Edinburgh centre
Book: bls-blsspain.com
Check your postcode on the consulate website or BLS website. You must apply at the centre for your region—cross-applications are not accepted.
If you're applying from Manchester or Edinburgh, here's what to expect.
Visit bls-blsspain.com and select your location (Manchester or Edinburgh). You will need your passport details and email address.
Available slots are shown on a calendar. Student visa appointments are typically available 2–4 weeks ahead. Peak times (June–August, September) fill quickly, so book as soon as you receive your university acceptance letter.
BLS will send you a confirmation email with the appointment date, time, and a list of required documents. Review this carefully—missing documents will result in rejection.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early with all original documents and copies. Hand everything to the BLS officer, who will verify and submit your application to the Spanish consulate.
Your application is processed by the Spanish consulate (4–8 weeks from receipt). BLS will notify you by email when your visa is ready for collection.
Limited Slots: BLS appointment slots are limited and subject to demand. Do not assume you can book a week before your course starts. Apply at least 3 months in advance.
These are the documents unique to UK applicants. In addition, you'll need the standard student visa documents (acceptance letter, proof of funds, etc.).
All UK nationals must provide an Enhanced DBS check dated within the last 3 months. This is a criminal record clearance from the UK Disclosure and Barring Service.
Critical: The DBS check must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before submission—see below.
All UK documents must be apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This is a special certification that makes UK documents valid in Spain.
If you're studying certain sensitive subjects at postgraduate level, you may need an ATAS certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme).
Subjects that require ATAS: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, and some others. Check your university letter or contact the consulate.
Provide 3–6 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds (in GBP) to cover tuition and living expenses. The Spanish consulate accepts GBP—no need to convert to EUR.
Your UK passport must have:
Your NHS cover will NOT work once you become a Spanish resident. Your UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is for temporary travel only, not residency.
You must obtain private health insurance before moving to Spain. See the health insurance section below.
NHS and GHIC are not valid once you're a resident. You must arrange private insurance before you move.
These brokers specialise in supporting UK expats moving to Spain.
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Get QuoteTypical student health insurance cost: €30–80 per month, depending on coverage level. Most student visas do not include health insurance—you must arrange it privately.
Plan ahead. The full process takes 3–5 months.
Standard service takes 2–8 weeks. Premium same-day service available if urgent. Plan for 4 weeks as a safe estimate.
Standard service (£15): 4–6 weeks. Premium same-day (£75): 1 day in person or via courier.
Book your slot as soon as possible. Peak times (June–September) fill 4–8 weeks in advance.
From submission date at BLS/London. London typically faster (4–6 weeks); BLS centres may take longer (6–8 weeks).
Apply 3–4 months before your course starts. If your course begins in September, apply in May or June at the latest. This gives you a buffer for delays.
Here's a breakdown of typical costs for a UK applicant.
Costs vary. Consulate fees differ by region. Use premium FCDO apostille only if time-critical. Sworn translations can be reduced if documents are simple.
The visa process is the same, but your university may help.
We specialise in UK student visa applications for Spain.
We process applications at the Spanish Embassy London regularly. We know their requirements intimately and can guide you through every step.
We help clients navigate BLS Manchester and Edinburgh appointments. We know when slots fill and how to prepare documents correctly.
DBS checks, FCDO apostilles, sworn translations—we know the UK process inside out and can advise on the fastest, most cost-effective routes.
We review your documents before submission to catch errors. We also help with post-visa arrival in Spain (NIE registration, health insurance enrolment, etc.).
Yes. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens and must obtain a student visa for any course in Spain lasting more than 90 days. For shorter courses (summer schools, exchange visits under 90 days), your passport is sufficient. If you hold an Irish passport or dual EU nationality, the rules differ—check with the consulate.
It depends on your UK postcode. London and South East postcodes: Spanish Embassy London directly. Northern England, Wales, Midlands: BLS Manchester. Scotland and Northern Ireland: BLS Edinburgh. Check the consulate or BLS website with your postcode to confirm which centre covers your area.
Standard DBS checks take 2–8 weeks, depending on complexity. If you need it faster, the premium same-day service is available (cost around £100–150). Plan for 4 weeks as a safe estimate with the standard service.
Yes, absolutely. All UK documents submitted to the Spanish consulate, including your DBS check, must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Standard apostille is £15 per document (4–6 weeks); premium same-day is £75 per document.
No. Once you are a Spanish resident (which you are with a student visa), your NHS cover does not apply. Your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is for temporary travel only. You must arrange private health insurance before you move. Cost is typically £30–80 per month for students.
Apply 3–4 months before your course start date. This gives you time for DBS processing (2–8 weeks), FCDO apostille (1–3 weeks standard, same-day premium available), BLS appointment booking (2–8 weeks ahead, especially in peak season), and consulate processing (4–8 weeks). If you apply in May for a September course, you should be on time.
Before Brexit, UK students could study in Spain as EU citizens with no visa requirements. Since January 2021, UK nationals are non-EU third-country nationals. For courses longer than 90 days, they now need a student visa. Requirements are the same as for other non-EU nationalities — criminal record check, financial proof, health insurance, and consulate appointment.
Apply at the Spanish Consulate covering your area of UK residence. The London Consulate covers most of southern England. The Manchester Consulate covers northern England and the Midlands. The Edinburgh Consulate covers Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check jurisdiction on the consulate website.
No. Your NHS records are not submitted to the Spanish consulate. The medical certificate required is a new certificate from a registered doctor confirming you're free from communicable diseases — it's not a review of your medical history.
UK students cannot access Spanish public healthcare automatically. They need private health insurance for the student visa. UK students who use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for emergency care may use it during their studies, but GHIC alone is not accepted as the required student visa insurance.
Our UK specialists will guide you through every step—from DBS checks to FCDO apostilles, BLS appointments to consulate submission. Book a consultation today.