TL;DR
International students living in the UK apply for a Schengen visa the same way as any UK resident: through the centre handling your main destination, proving lawful UK residence (your Student visa or eVisa) and that you'll return to your studies. Add a university enrolment letter, term dates and proof of funds. The fixed facts:
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Visa fee (child 6–12) | €45 |
| Visa fee (child under 6) | Free |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in any rolling 180-day period |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases) |
| Travel insurance — minimum cover | €30,000 |
| Passport | Issued within 10 years; valid 3+ months beyond your trip |
| Member states | 29 countries |
What makes a student application different
You apply as a UK resident, so the decision turns on whether you'll return to the UK after the trip — and your studies are your strongest tie. The consulate wants to see that you are genuinely enrolled and expected back.
Documents — the student add-ons
On top of the standard Schengen document set, include:
| Add-on | Why |
|---|---|
| University enrolment / status letter | Confirms your course and that you're expected back |
| Term dates | Shows the trip fits around study and you'll return |
| UK Student visa / eVisa share code | Proves lawful UK residence beyond your trip |
| Sponsor statements + sponsorship letter | If a parent/family member funds the trip |
Proof of funds for students
You must show you can cover the trip without working. There is no single fixed figure — it depends on your trip length and the destination consulate (some publish an indicative daily amount). Budget realistically for accommodation and food, and provide bank statements for the last 3 months as the standard evidence. If family funds the trip, use the sponsor's statements plus a sponsorship letter and proof of relationship — see bank statement requirements.
Practical steps
- Confirm your main destination and its operator — see which country to apply to.
- Book the appointment early — slots are scarce before summer (see getting an appointment).
- Gather your documents, including the student add-ons above.
- Attend for biometrics and submit.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before you submit? Our done-for-you Schengen service reviews your whole application; see what's inside the price. Start at the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
Can international students in the UK apply for a Schengen visa?
Yes. If you hold a valid UK Student visa (or other lawful UK status) you can apply for a Schengen short-stay visa from the UK, through the visa centre for your main destination. You apply as a UK resident, so your UK immigration status and ties to your studies are central to the case.
- 02
What extra documents do students need for a Schengen visa?
Alongside the standard set, add a university enrolment or status letter confirming your course and that you're expected back, your term dates, and your UK Student visa or eVisa share code. If a parent or sponsor funds the trip, include their bank statements and a sponsorship letter.
- 03
Do students need to show proof of funds for a Schengen visa?
Yes. You must show enough to cover the trip without working — there's no single fixed figure; it depends on trip length and the destination consulate. Three to six months of bank statements are standard. A sponsor's statements plus a sponsorship letter are accepted where the trip is funded by family.
- 04
Should I apply during term time or the holidays?
Either, but your trip should fit around your studies and your UK status must stay valid well beyond your return. Travelling in the holidays and showing you're enrolled for the next term strengthens the case that you'll return to the UK. Apply early — slots are scarce before summer.
Free tools that pair with this guide