Student Visas

Permanent residence available after holding temporary residence permit for specified period: 3 years if married to Moldovan citizen, or 5 years for other categories. Requires Romanian language certificate from Ministry of Education, proof of means and tax/social contributions for last 5 years, and criminal record certificate. Processing time up to 90 days. Provides indefinite right to reside in Moldova without visa renewals. Fast-track option available for investors (90-120 days with reduced fee payment).

Student visa (D4) for international students accepted at accredited Moldovan institutions. Moldova offers affordable education with Bachelor's programs €1,400-2,800/year and Medicine €6,000/year. Living costs extremely low at €200-400/month total including accommodation, food, and transport. Requires proof of financial means (minimum €920/month equivalent), health insurance, and language proficiency (B2 English for English-taught programs). Valid for duration of studies, renewed annually. Limited work rights during studies.

General long-stay visa for stays exceeding 90 days for various purposes including entrepreneurship, study, family reunion, cultural/religious activities, diplomatic activities, and medical treatment. Purpose-specific documentation required. Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity and proof of accommodation mandatory. Approximately 30-day processing time. Serves as gateway to residence permits for extended stays in Moldova.

Student visa for academic studies at SEVP-certified schools (universities, colleges, high schools, language programs). Allows 12 months Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation, with 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying degrees. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) permitted during studies if part of curriculum. Must maintain full-time enrollment and valid SEVIS status. Can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during studies. Non-immigrant intent required but can pursue H1B or other status changes.

Visitor (V) category visa for foreigners enrolled in Colombian educational institutions. Covers university degrees, language courses, and other formal education programs. Institution must be registered with Colombian Ministry of Education. Valid for duration of studies, up to 2 years at a time. Limited work authorization (20 hours/week during semester). Good option for those wanting to learn Spanish or pursue Colombian degrees. Can transition to work visa after graduation with job offer.

For foreigners enrolled in Mexican educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter from recognized Mexican school. Valid for duration of studies (typically 1 year, renewable). Limited work rights - can apply for permission to work part-time in activities related to studies. Schools range from language programs to universities. Mexico has several highly-ranked universities including UNAM, Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), and ITAM. Tuition at public universities is very affordable for international students.

2026 major improvement: Student visas now valid for entire duration of studies (no annual renewals required). For full-time study at recognized Spanish educational institution. Allows part-time work up to 30 hours/week during studies. Family members can apply jointly from origin country or within Spain. Children of student visa holders automatically receive residence authorization. After studies, can switch to job-search visa (6 months) or work permit. Student years count as 50% toward permanent residence (2 years studying = 1 qualifying year).

Visa for full-time study at German universities and colleges. Requires university admission letter and blocked account with €11,904 (€992/month) for 2026. Germany offers tuition-free or low-cost education at public universities (€0-500/semester). Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days annually. After graduation, 18-month residence permit for job search with unrestricted work rights. Popular pathway to German work visa and permanent residence. Health insurance mandatory (€110-120/month for students under 30).

Allows full-time study at accredited NZ institutions. Requires offer of admission, proof of funds (NZD $20,000 per year plus tuition), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 undergraduate, 6.5 postgraduate). Visa fee increased October 2024 to NZD $750 (overseas) from $375. Post-Study Work Visa available: 3 years for Level 7+ (bachelor's or higher) graduates who studied full-time for 30+ weeks. PSWV costs NZD $495, requires NZD $5,000 funds, must apply within 3 months of student visa expiry. August 2026 changes improve residence pathway - reduced required work experience from 3 to 2 years for most applicants.

The student visa (D4) allows non-EU nationals to study at Portuguese educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter from accredited institution, proof of financial means (minimum wage equivalent), health insurance, and accommodation. Valid for duration of studies. Can work up to 20 hours/week during studies. After completing degree, can apply for job seeker visa or transition to work visa. Portuguese universities offer many English-taught programs. Tuition fees for non-EU students typically €3,000-7,000/year at public universities.

Study visa for international students enrolled at recognized educational institutions in Ghana. Requires acceptance letter from Ghanaian university or school. University of Ghana commits to 10% international student population and attracts students from across Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Students must maintain valid enrollment and can work on-campus with restrictions. Ghana offers quality education at more affordable prices than Western countries, making it popular destination for African diaspora students.