Study in Spain vs France: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Spain and France— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Spain | France |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 7,200 EUR✓ lower required funds | 7,380 EUR |
| Living cost (per month) | 600 EUR✓ lower living cost | 615 EUR |
| Visa fee | 80 EUR | 50 EUR✓ lower visa fee |
| Typical processing time | ~4 weeks | ~3 weeks✓ faster processing |
| Main intakes | Sep, Jan | Jan, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Spain vs France
- Spain needs less money up front — about €7,200/year versus €7,380 for France (≈ €180 less).
- France is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for Spain).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Spain
- Admission to an approved course
- Financial means (IPREM)
- Private health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
Unique to France
- Acceptance from a French institution
- Études en France procedure (nationality-dependent)
- Proof of financial means
- Health insurance
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Spain or France?
By proof of funds, Spain is cheaper — €7,200/year versus €7,380 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Spain or France?
France typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~4). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Spain or France?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Spain needs less money up front — about €7,200/year versus €7,380 for France (≈ €180 less). France is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~4 for Spain). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.