Greece Student Visa - Eligibility, Requirements, How to Apply

Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and while changes are being implemented in visa rules and regulations. These official changes to the Greece student visa have aroused stress and confusion. To help you with this, we have compiled important information about the Greece study visa. This guide will help you navigate the visa process and prepare all the necessary documents to secure your student visa.

Types of Student Visa

The type of student visa depends on the course duration. Here are the types of visas you can apply for:

Type C Visa:

This is a short-term visa that allows students to stay and pursue a course for less than 90 days, therefore, granting them a stay of up to 3 months in Greece. This is ideal if you want to upskill and return to your home country afterward.

Type D Visa:

This is a long-term visa, often referred to as the Schengen Visa on the official website. The maximum tenure of the student visa is around 5 years, though the duration is determined by the course duration.

Eligibility Criteria for the Greece Student Visa

The Greece student visa has eligibility criteria that must be met when applying for it. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Age Requirement:

The minimum age requirement for the student visa is 16. However, if you are under 16, you can apply for a student visa by providing a consent letter from your parents.

Academics Qualification:

The minimum academic qualification required for the student visa is high school. However, if you are applying for a bachelor's or master's degree, you must have a certificate of secondary education for a bachelor’s degree or a graduation degree for a master’s degree.

Language Proficiency:

Language barriers can affect your chances of adaptation in Greece; however, some courses are taught in Greek. Therefore, a proficiency certificate in both Greek and English is required for the evaluation. 

Letter of Acceptance (LOA):

The LOA is an important document of the student visa application. Also, an LOA should be from a university authorized by immigration officials.

Proof of Funds:

To support your studies abroad, you must have immediate access to funds covering one year's tuition fees and living expenses. If someone is sponsoring you, you will need to provide a sponsorship letter from the sponsor.

Documents Required for Greece Student Visa

While applying for the study visa Greece, several documents are required from the applicant. You can refer to the list below for the details:

Offer Letter:

Before applying for the student visa, you must provide the offer letter from the university. This is the first and most important document for the visa application.

Photograph:

You are required to submit photographs during the visa application process. The photograph should be 3.5x4.5 cm with a clean white background.

Passport:

Create both a digital and a hard copy of your passport to submit during the visa application. Be sure to submit both your old and new passports, if applicable.

Proof of Funds:

Proof of funds is required for the visa application, as it determines your ability to support your education abroad. The documents to submit include:

1. 
   Pay slips for the last four months of the sponsor.
2. 
   An income certificate and a GST certificate if the sponsor is a business owner.
3. 
   Immediate funds, which include a year's tuition fee and living expenses.
4. 
   Loan sanction letter if withdrawn.
5. 
   Scholarship letter, if you have received one.

Proof of Accommodation:

You must provide proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a rental agreement, to assure the visa officer that you have a place to stay. Verify the street and address of your accommodation, and ensure that the accommodation provider is a reliable source.

Flight Ticket:

Short-term visa students are required to provide a round-trip ticket and Long-term stay students must provide a one-way ticket. You are allowed to travel up to two weeks before the start date of your course, so plan your trip and book tickets accordingly.

Travel Health Insurance:

Health insurance is mandatory for international students so they can access health services without worrying about hospital charges. The travel insurance should provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, including medical treatment, emergency care, and repatriation.

Application Process of Student Visa Greece

The application process for a Greece student visa is simple and can be completed by following this step-by-step guide:

VFS Global:

For the Greece student visa, you must submit the application form offline at the center. The PDF of the application form can be downloaded from the VFS Global portal. Choose the type of student visa, and you will be redirected to the form. For long-term stays, select the National Visa option.

Print the Application form:

Print the application form and complete it. Ensure that you attach the required photographs and documents along with the form.

Book an Appointment:

You must book an appointment to submit the form. You can do this through the VFS Global portal by creating an account.

Attend the Appointment:

Once your appointment is scheduled, visit the center. You cannot cancel the appointment, but you can reschedule it twice. It is advisable to attend the appointment as soon as possible, as this can help with early approval.

Pay the Application Fee:

You will need to pay the application fee of EUR 90 when attending the interview. Also, ensure that you are well-prepared with all the necessary documents and are ready to answer questions during the interview.

Track the Application:

You will receive a tracking ID during your appointment, which you can use to check your application status. Be sure to track the application to stay updated.

Collect Your Passport:

Once your visa is processed, you must visit the embassy to collect your passport. You will also receive an email with updates on the passport collection process.

Cost of the Greece Study Visa

When planning to apply for a Greece student visa, you should budget your finances. Having a clear budget will help you prepare better and manage your finances more effectively.

Common Points to Take Care of During Greece Student Visa

When you apply for the visa interview, the pressure is overwhelming. However, you can reduce this stress by using the following tips:

Dress Properly:

When attending the interview, it’s important to dress neatly and appropriately. Avoid wearing flashy or casual clothing with unnecessary prints or slogans. A simple, clean, and professional look will create a good first impression.

Study Plans:

One of the key questions you will face during the interview is about your study plans. Be confident and clear about your educational goals. Hesitation or lack of clarity can raise doubts and may result in rejection.

Resource of Funds:

Your financial resources play a significant role in the decision-making process. Be prepared to explain where your funds are coming from and how they will cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. 

Common Rejection Reasons for Greece Study Visa

Student visas are often rejected because applicants overlook simple factors, leading to visa rejection. Here are some common reasons for rejection that are frequently pointed out in student visa applications:

Invalid Documents:

Students sometimes miss required documents or submit incorrect ones, which leads to rejection. This is especially common with financial documents, where students may provide invalid assets or incorrect proof of funds.

Insufficient Funds:

When a student applies for a visa, the visa officer may question the sponsor’s income. If the sponsor has obligations or the officer finds that the sponsor does not have a stable income, the application could be rejected.

Genuine Intent:

Sometimes, students use studying abroad as an escape from personal issues. If this is the case, it is important not to show this intention during the visa interview. Therefore, prepare and plan well and showcase your blood relations.

Conclusion

Your Greece student visa is not just a document; it is your gateway to success. Don’t let any setbacks affect your application process. You can improve your chances by staying alert and starting your preparations early. Keep notes and mark everything you need or have already prepared for the visa application. If you miss even a single detail, it could lead to rejection later. Therefore, make sure you are tracking every change and ensuring everything is in order.

Frequently Asked Questions