Short-term study in Europe with ETIAS

Studying overseas offers individuals the opportunity to learn something new whilst experiencing a new culture.

Young people in particular use studying abroad as a way to broaden their horizons. Experience gained through studying abroad is often beneficial when seeking employment.

Home to some of the best universities in Europe for international students, nations such as Germany, France, and Spain are a popular choice for many.

For language learners, studying in Europe provides an opportunity to practice with native speakers on a daily basis. There are also many English-speaking universities in Europe.

Visa-free access to the Schengen Area makes Europe an even more attractive option for citizens from more than 50 visa-exempt countries.

As there are no internal borders in the Schengen zone, visitors can make the most of their weekends and free time by visiting other nearby European destinations.

IS ETIAS VALID FOR STUDY ABROAD IN EUROPE?

The ETIAS travel authorisation, mandatory from 2026 , will be valid to study in Europe short term.

According to information gathered by etiasvisa.com through EU sources, students staying in Europe for 90 days or fewer can engage in academic studies without the need of obtaining additional permits:

“A student only needs to obtain a study permit if they intend to study in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a period of 180 days. For longer-term study, the student is required to apply for a study permit and rules vary from one country to another. Contacting the embassy/consulate of the country in which the student wishes to study is advised.”

Therefore, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be fully compatible with courses that last 90 consecutive days or less, in a 180-day period.

Students from visa waiver countries will be able to complete short-term courses in Europe without going through the complex visa application process.

ETIAS OR VISA TO STUDY ABROAD IN EUROPE?

Whether a student will require a student visa for Europe or ETIAS visa waiver from 2026 depends on 2 key factors:

The ETIAS visa waiver will be available to students from more than 50 countries who are eligible for visa-free access to Europe.

Students from countries that are not part of this arrangement will need to get a permit approved by the embassy or consulate of the country where they wish to study.

ETIAS will only be valid for courses, training, and other study programmes that last 90 days or under. The maximum stay permitted with an ETIAS visa waiver is 90 days per 180-day period. A visa or study permit must be obtained to study in Europe for longer periods.

REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY IN EUROPE WITH ETIAS

The advantage of studying in Europe with an ETIAS rather than a student’s permit or visa is that the application process is more straightforward.

Student visa applications are often complex and require numerous supporting documents such as proof of academic qualifications and health insurance. Visa applications must be made at an embassy or consulate.

The ETIAS application is 100% online with no need to go to a diplomatic mission in person. All the student needs to complete the request is:

Applicants are asked to supply a few basic personal details and passport information. There are also some health and security questions to ensure that foreigners meet all the ETIAS requirements.

On approval, the ETIAS visa waiver is attached to the applicant’s passport electronically. It will remain valid for 3 years or until the passport expires. Students who enjoy a summer course can return to the EU later in the year or the following summer using the same travel authorisation.

BEST PLACES TO STUDY ABROAD IN EUROPE WITH ETIAS

The new visa waiver for Europe will be valid for all ETIAS countries.

This gives students a wealth of options from northern European nations such as Sweden, Denmark, and Latvia, to Mediterranean destinations including Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Learners can select the country that offers the best course to suit their requirements.

Among the best countries to study abroad are:

Each of these countries boasts a range of academic courses, training programmes, and professional certifications.

SHORT COURSES IN EUROPE WITH ETIAS

Many short courses in Europe for international students can be completed without a visa. Students from visa-waiver countries can spend up to 3 months in Europe visa-free, but they will require ETIAS from 2026 .

ETIAS cannot be used to enrol on a university course that exceeds 90 days.

For any university course or other training programme that lasts longer than 3 months, a study permit will be required. Additionally, each EU nation has its own regulations regarding international students.

There are short certificate courses in Europe to suit all interests. From technology and science to art and cooking, colleges in Europe offer something for everyone.

Some examples of short term courses in Europe that will be possible using an ETIAS visa waiver are detailed below.

SUMMER LANGUAGE COURSES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The most widespread short courses in Europe for international students are language programmes. Intensive courses lasting just a few weeks are perfect for beginners who want to learn as much as possible in a short timeframe.

Advanced learners benefit from speaking the language every day, both inside and outside the classroom. Short courses in France, Germany, and Spain for international students are popular.

Many language schools in Europe offer complete packages, including tuition fees and accommodation. Travellers will simply need to ensure they have a valid passport and ETIAS permit to visit Europe for up to 90 days.

WORLD-RENOWNED CULINARY SCHOOLS IN EUROPE

Leading culinary schools in European cities give students the chance to learn from top professionals.

Le Cordon Bleu in Paris is one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world, attracting chefs and bakers from across the world seeking to perfect classic techniques. Le Cordon Bleu offers basic cuisine and pastry certificates which last under 90 days.

A certification from a renowned European culinary school is likely to impress potential employees in restaurants back home.

There are plenty of options for amateur cooks too. All major European destinations have cooking schools that teach visitors how to prepare typical dishes.

SHORT-TERM BUSINESS COURSES IN EUROPE

Top universities in Europe offering short business courses to international students include:

Classes range from just a few days to several weeks and provide training in business management, logistics and entrepreneurship, among other specialisations.

These are just some examples of the types of academic and short training courses in Europe. There are many more available including fashion and design certifications, media and communications tuition, and teaching and education courses.

ERASMUS+ STUDY PROGRAMMES WITH ETIAS

Erasmus+ is the EU mobility programme for education, training, youth and sports. Although Erasmus+ is mainly for EU citizens to study in Europe, some third countries also participate.

The third countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme are:

Other third countries not associated with Erasmus+ can take part in certain actions only.

Third-country citizens who are eligible to participate in Erasmus+ must have the relevant paperwork.

BLENDED MOBILITY AND LONG-TERM ERASMUS COURSES

Some Erasmus+ programmes can be completed with ETIAS instead of a study visa.

BLENDED MOBILITY STUDY

Blended mobility courses combine virtual and in-person training. The student only needs to be in the European country for part of the course, the rest is completed online.

Blended mobility courses fit into the 90-day ETIAS allowance. Physical presence abroad when completing a mixed mobility course is from a minimum of 5 days, up to a maximum of 30 days.

LONG-TERM STUDY

Some long-term study periods can also be completed visa-free with ETIAS. Long-term study lasts a minimum of 2 months.

A visa is required to participate in Erasmus if the course lasts longer than 90 days, or if the student is from a non-visa-waiver country.

In all cases, students must check the application and visa requirements for their selected course and European country.

FAQS ABOUT SHORT-TERM STUDY IN EUROPE WITH ETIAS

DO I NEED ETIAS TO STUDY IN EUROPE IN [CONTENT-INJECT PATH="/DATE" /]?

When ETIAS is introduced in 2026 ], it will be mandatory for all citizens of visa-waiver countries.

For short courses of 90 days or less, eligible students will only need to register with ETIAS. To study for longer, a visa will be required.

WHICH COUNTRIES CAN I STUDY IN WITH ETIAS?

ETIAS will be valid in all Schengen Area countries. With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, students will be able to study in any of these nations for up to 90 days at a time.

WHICH EU COUNTRY HAS THE BEST SUMMER SCHOOLS?

Many EU countries have world-class summer schools. Some of the most popular choices for summer school programmes are the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany.

WHICH IS THE BEST EU COUNTRY TO STUDY ABROAD?

Some of the best countries in Europe to study abroad are France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. ETIAS will be valid for short-term study in all of these destinations.

WHICH EU COUNTRY HAS THE BEST SHORT COURSES?

Short-term language courses are popular in countries like France, Germany, and Spain.

Students can take top culinary courses in France, while Italy, Portugal, and Spain are great choices for short-term business courses.