Study in Spain vs Poland: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Spain and Poland— 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 | Poland |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 7,200 EUR | 9,312 PLN |
| Living cost (per month) | 600 EUR | 776 PLN |
| Visa fee | 80 EUR | 340 PLN |
| Typical processing time | ~4 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| Main intakes | Sep, Jan | Feb, Oct |
| 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 Poland
- Poland needs less money up front — about €2,166/year versus €7,200 for Spain (≈ €5,034 less).
- Spain is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~6 for Poland).
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
- Language proof
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
Unique to Poland
- Admission to a Polish institution
- Financial resources
- Health insurance
- English/Polish language proof
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Spain or Poland?
By proof of funds, Poland is cheaper — €2,166/year versus €7,200 (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 Poland?
Spain typically processes faster (~4 weeks vs ~6). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Spain or Poland?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Poland needs less money up front — about €2,166/year versus €7,200 for Spain (≈ €5,034 less). Spain is typically faster to process (~4 weeks vs ~6 for Poland). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.