Do I need a Spanish student visa if my course is shorter than 90 days?

Spain only requires the national (long-stay) student visa when your study programme lasts longer than 90 days. For courses under three months, you travel as a short-stay visitor, which means either visa-free entry or a short-stay Schengen visa, depending on your passport.

If your programme runs beyond 90 days, you must apply for the national student visa at the Spanish consulate before you travel. The long-stay student visa is typically issued for one year when the planned activity exceeds six months.