₦airaland Forum

zionjonah:
How do you book and pay for ASISA health insurance

femicephas:
I handled the documents in three groups. My Birth Certificate, Police Character Certificate, and Medical Fitness Certificate were authenticated at MFA, legalized at the Spanish Embassy, and then sworn translated. My BSc degree went through Ministry of Education authentication first, then MFA, Embassy legalization and sworn translation.

My sponsorship letter was apostilled in the UK because my sponsor is based there, although that wasn’t strictly required, and I also had it sworn translated. The personal statement didn’t need authentication or legalization; I just translated it to Spanish using ChatGPT.

I didn’t submit WAEC. I used my BSc degree certificate, and I also had my university send my degree certificate and transcript directly to the Spanish Consulate before my appointment.

Also note that the Police Character Certificate and Medical Fitness Certificate expire after 3 months, so time your legalization and visa application carefully.

femicephas:
Hey guys, I submitted my Spain student visa application at BLS Lagos on 3 August and got my passport back today, 4 September. It was approved.

I thought I’d share a bit about my process because there isn’t much recent information on student visa applications from Nigeria. This is obviously just my own experience and not a guarantee that the same approach will work for everyone.

I’m a Computer Vision Engineer with over three years of professional experience, and I was admitted to the Master in Computer Vision at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). The programme is directly related to the work and research I’ve already been doing, so my study plan was quite easy to connect to my existing career.

One major issue I faced before the visa stage was document legalisation. When I initially contacted the Spanish Consulate for an appointment, I was given February 2027, which would have made it impossible to join the programme this year. After intervention from my university’s international office, the Consulate later moved my appointment forward to July, which allowed me to complete the legalisation and proceed with the visa application.

Before submitting my visa application, I tried to remove as much financial uncertainty as possible:

- I paid my full tuition fee.
- I paid for one full year of university accommodation.
- I obtained ASISA health insurance covering the full period of my stay.
- My brother, who lives and works in the UK, sponsored my living expenses and provided the required sponsorship and financial documents.

Before committing that much money, I first got confirmation from UAB that my tuition/enrolment payments would be refunded in the event of a documented visa refusal. I would recommend doing something similar where possible instead of paying large amounts without knowing the refund conditions.

My cover letter was also quite short and direct. I explained my professional background, why the Computer Vision programme was a natural continuation of what I already do, and why I specifically wanted this programme. I also mentioned that I had known about/followed the programme since 2023, so the application wasn’t something I had randomly decided on just for the purpose of travelling to Spain.

I can’t say which particular factor led to the approval, but my approach was to make the application as coherent as possible: relevant professional background → relevant master’s programme → recognised university → tuition and accommodation already secured → clear funding for living expenses → insurance covering the full stay.

My visa timeline:
- Application submitted: 3 August 2026
- Visa issued: 2 September 2026
- Passport dispatched: 3 September 2026
- Passport received: 4 September 2026
- Outcome: Approved

Some of my major costs were:
- Tuition: €4,867
- Accommodation: €6,276
- Insurance: €1,184

My main recommendation would be to build an application that makes sense as a whole. Get admitted into a legitimate programme that fits your academic/professional background, document your finances properly, and make sure the purpose of study is easy for whoever reviews the application to understand.

Hopefully this helps someone currently preparing their application. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

femicephas:
Hey guys, I submitted my Spain student visa application at BLS Lagos on 3 August and got my passport back today, 4 September. It was approved.

I thought I’d share a bit about my process because there isn’t much recent information on student visa applications from Nigeria. This is obviously just my own experience and not a guarantee that the same approach will work for everyone.


I’m a Computer Vision Engineer with over three years of professional experience, and I was admitted to the Master in Computer Vision at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). The programme is directly related to the work and research I’ve already been doing, so my study plan was quite easy to connect to my existing career.

One major issue I faced before the visa stage was document legalisation. When I initially contacted the Spanish Consulate for an appointment, I was given February 2027, which would have made it impossible to join the programme this year. After intervention from my university’s international office, the Consulate later moved my appointment forward to July, which allowed me to complete the legalisation and proceed with the visa application.

Before submitting my visa application, I tried to remove as much financial uncertainty as possible:

- I paid my full tuition fee.
- I paid for one full year of university accommodation.
- I obtained ASISA health insurance covering the full period of my stay.
- My brother, who lives and works in the UK, sponsored my living expenses and provided the required sponsorship and financial documents.

Before committing that much money, I first got confirmation from UAB that my tuition/enrolment payments would be refunded in the event of a documented visa refusal. I would recommend doing something similar where possible instead of paying large amounts without knowing the refund conditions.

My cover letter was also quite short and direct. I explained my professional background, why the Computer Vision programme was a natural continuation of what I already do, and why I specifically wanted this programme. I also mentioned that I had known about/followed the programme since 2023, so the application wasn’t something I had randomly decided on just for the purpose of travelling to Spain.

I can’t say which particular factor led to the approval, but my approach was to make the application as coherent as possible: relevant professional background → relevant master’s programme → recognised university → tuition and accommodation already secured → clear funding for living expenses → insurance covering the full stay.

My visa timeline:
- Application submitted: 3 August 2026
- Visa issued: 2 September 2026
- Passport dispatched: 3 September 2026
- Passport received: 4 September 2026
- Outcome: Approved

Some of my major costs were:
- Tuition: €4,867
- Accommodation: €6,276
- Insurance: €1,184

My main recommendation would be to build an application that makes sense as a whole. Get admitted into a legitimate programme that fits your academic/professional background, document your finances properly, and make sure the purpose of study is easy for whoever reviews the application to understand.

Hopefully this helps someone currently preparing their application. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

femicephas:
Yes, it is refundable. I first confirmed with all the parties that they all have a refund policy in case of visa refusal before making payments and all.

I want to believe paying tuition, accommodation and all reduces the amount of scrutiny on the POF.

femicephas:
Hey guys, I submitted my Spain student visa application at BLS Lagos on 3 August and got my passport back today, 4 September. It was approved.

I thought I’d share a bit about my process because there isn’t much recent information on student visa applications from Nigeria. This is obviously just my own experience and not a guarantee that the same approach will work for everyone.

I’m a Computer Vision Engineer with over three years of professional experience, and I was admitted to the Master in Computer Vision at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). The programme is directly related to the work and research I’ve already been doing, so my study plan was quite easy to connect to my existing career.

One major issue I faced before the visa stage was document legalisation. When I initially contacted the Spanish Consulate for an appointment, I was given February 2027, which would have made it impossible to join the programme this year. After intervention from my university’s international office, the Consulate later moved my appointment forward to July, which allowed me to complete the legalisation and proceed with the visa application.

Before submitting my visa application, I tried to remove as much financial uncertainty as possible:

- I paid my full tuition fee.
- I paid for one full year of university accommodation.
- I obtained ASISA health insurance covering the full period of my stay.
- My brother, who lives and works in the UK, sponsored my living expenses and provided the required sponsorship and financial documents.

Before committing that much money, I first got confirmation from UAB that my tuition/enrolment payments would be refunded in the event of a documented visa refusal. I would recommend doing something similar where possible instead of paying large amounts without knowing the refund conditions.

My cover letter was also quite short and direct. I explained my professional background, why the Computer Vision programme was a natural continuation of what I already do, and why I specifically wanted this programme. I also mentioned that I had known about/followed the programme since 2023, so the application wasn’t something I had randomly decided on just for the purpose of travelling to Spain.

I can’t say which particular factor led to the approval, but my approach was to make the application as coherent as possible: relevant professional background → relevant master’s programme → recognised university → tuition and accommodation already secured → clear funding for living expenses → insurance covering the full stay.

My visa timeline:
- Application submitted: 3 August 2026
- Visa issued: 2 September 2026
- Passport dispatched: 3 September 2026
- Passport received: 4 September 2026
- Outcome: Approved

Some of my major costs were:
- Tuition: €4,867
- Accommodation: €6,276
- Insurance: €1,184

My main recommendation would be to build an application that makes sense as a whole. Get admitted into a legitimate programme that fits your academic/professional background, document your finances properly, and make sure the purpose of study is easy for whoever reviews the application to understand.

Hopefully this helps someone currently preparing their application. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

Hakeez674:
“The applicant has not demonstrated sufficient financial means to cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and return travel to their country.”

As stated

Even after after showing bank statements that there is enough funds in the account

femicephas:
Email your school (perhaps their international office) -- they might be able to help. I also got Feb 2027 appointment. My school mailed the embassy, and they brought it forward to July 6.

Hakeez674:
Hello guys
I’ve been off for a while to get my mental health better after getting the refusal after so much expenses.
I’m just seeing the messages I was tagged to
I submitted an appeal to BLS but I didn’t hear anything from them it’s been over 1 month plus I submitted the appeal now and nothing yet.
So guess nothing changed…
My agent just acted like nothing happened.
Guys you need to be really careful with these agents sha
Spain is really just showing a lot of people where because everything looked good when I submitted and see what I got

I guess the plan by Gods grace is to re strategize and save up to try UK or reapply again

justwise:
@All

What do you guys think about this program by the Federal government?

The Diaspora National Housing Fund (NHF) Mortgage

MadamShe:
Okay, same here. Mine will be 45days by next week. Hopefully, we get update this week or next.

jahbenedict:
Visa appointment... Yeah, I should've made that clarification.

jahbenedict:
I heard appointments are available now. Someone I know got an appointment for August 14. They had to select premium before they could see available slots.

femicephas:
Email your school (perhaps their international office) -- they might be able to help. I also got Feb 2027 appointment. My school mailed the embassy, and they brought it forward to July 6.

babakb:
It's like people do forget, in the Sheghen zone, the most important thing is your legalization before anything, Admission is the least of the applicant's worries.

Complete your authentication and legalization before anything.

Khool147:
Sending out appointment dates well beyond the official school resumption date is just a subtle way of saying "We want your money but we don't want you in our country." It is almost as if they are giving out false hope because they do know schools resume around October and pre-enrollment has to be completed on or before November for most schools, and only a few will allow you to resume beyond January. So imagine giving out dates for legalization in November. What's the essence of doing legalization quite early if admission is not really sure, especially for master's degree courses? Legalization can be done via an online platform to ensure the authenticity of the submitted documents because it is not really that hard. For example, the Italian consulate can mandate that applicants' schools should send the official transcripts via school email address and certificate to them alongside the copies authenticated by MOE and MOFA, and that way the authenticity of the documents can be established through comparison; hence, legalization is done quickly and precisely, which is what they actually do now because I have seen some of the couriers go into a university's exams and records department tendering documents to be verified, which is just a slow and thoughtless thing to do, and I guess they don't really rate Nigeria like that because countries like South Africa, Senegal, Namibia, and Lesotho are in the Hague Convention, and they won't go through this much wahala if anyone from there wants to go and study in Italy, and what caused this was a result of some nefarious Nigerians going to Italy with fake certificates around 1990-2000. It is quite annoying because I have gotten admissions into top universities in 2 consecutive years, and I missed out on the first one with legalization wahala, and now, I hope not, but it is quite frustrating. How can you fix an appointment date for someone in November when he is supposed to resume in October? All this BS won't be happening if only this country were working well. Can anybody recommend a school in Europe or any European country with moderate tuition fees and less cumbersome visa processing?

MadamShe:
That's a lot. I spent on 180 euros for translation and 89 euros for dhl delivery to Nigeria
Legalization was about 300k

Judeaz10:
In anything you do, ensure it is a sworn translator you are using to avoid story that touches o! And note that the translated hard copies would need to be shipped to you. Certified Digital Copies aren't allowed anymore.

Judeaz10:
Yeah I know it's a long time and it's frustrating, keeping me stuck at the moment. I sent a mail but didn't get a response, I don't live in Lagos else I would have visited the Embassy. I took one of the Visa officers number from BLS, he told me I should just be patient. Some one else told me his client's own from last year took almost 6-7 Weeks. Mine is currently sitting at 6 weeks.

Spainever:
This is not correct. I am wondering why you wrote 1000 euros for legalization and translation . This is not correct . I have family member who went recently ,the amount you mentioned is outrageous

MadamShe:
Their process is stressful.

abuhusna1:
You better becare with the use of the word dear so you wint be in trouble in the uk. Stop calling everyone dear

MadamShe:
Check during the end of the month or first day in the month very early in the morning or late at night

MadamShe:
Please anyone who applied for spain student visa early June gotten any feedback?

Percaput:
Gotten one.
Thanks

VahlarMorghulis:
Omoo, they gave me July in January 😪

Hakeez674:
After all my efforts and all the spending my study visa application got refused… Omoh it is so sad after so much spending on translation, legalization, tuition deposit, travel expenses and so much expenses…Omoh it’s so bad

Does anyone know if appeal works ?? Does anyone have any idea if anyone has had any positive response from the Appeal ?

VahlarMorghulis:
Noob Question

How long does legalisation take after submission?

How long does it take to get NIE?

I have a date for 1 and it is close, want to see if i should reschedule 1) to give room to finish 2)

Michael8991:
just finish the 🇪🇸 Spain Document Legalization Process for Nigerian Applicants and here is the Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re applying for a Spain student visa, work visa, or residence permit your documents must pass through the proper legalization chain before the Embassy accepts them.

Here’s the correct breakdown

STEP 1: Ministry of Education
Start with all your academic documents:

* WAEC / NECO
* Degree certificate
* Transcript
* Statement of result
* NYSC certificate (if required)
* Any other academic-related documents

Take them to the **Federal Ministry of Education for authentication/legalization.

STEP 2: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
After education authentication, move all documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This stage confirms the authenticity of the signatures and stamps from the issuing authorities before Spain can recognize them. This follows Spain’s general rule for foreign public documents. ([Ministry of Foreign Affairs][1])

**STEP 3: Add Personal & Supporting Documents**
Now include your other required documents such as:

* Birth certificate
* Police character certificate
* Medical report
* Affidavit (if applicable)
* Marriage certificate (if needed)
* Sponsorship documents
* Any supporting civil documents

These also need the same legalization chain through the relevant local authority + MFA before embassy submission. Spain accepts originals/true copies only. ([Ministry of Foreign Affairs][1])

STEP 4: Spanish Embassy Legalization
Once MFA is done, take ALL legalized documents to the Spanish Embassy/Consulate.. you need an appointment at the embassy to do this

This is the **final legalization stage**, where Spain confirms the Nigerian government authentications and makes the documents valid for use in Spain.

**STEP 5: Certified Spanish Translation**
Before visa submission, make sure documents are translated into **Spanish by an approved sworn translator** if required by your visa type. Spain specifically requires official translations for foreign-language public documents. ([Ministry of Foreign Affairs][1])

**STEP 6: Ready for Visa Application**
Once embassy legalization is completed, your file is now ready for:

* Student visa
* Master’s / PhD admission visa
* Family reunification
* Work permit
* Residence application

At this point, you can proceed with your **Spain visa submission confidently**.

Important Tips

* Use only **original documents**
* Legalization does **not expire**, but the original document validity still matters
* Police reports and medicals usually have short validity windows
* Always confirm the latest checklist from the Spanish Embassy before submission

This process may look long, but once you follow the sequence:
**Education → MFA → Embassy → Translation → Visa**
…it becomes straightforward.

feel free to reach to me on whatapp 08141749778

Percaput:
Thank you so much for your response
My colleagues said this too but I have copied the statement as written on the consolagos guideline-


Consulate General of Italy
Lagos
ENTRY VISA FOR “STUDY ENROLLMENT” (V.N.)
The study enrollment visa allows entry into Italy, for a long-term stay of fixed
duration, to foreigners intending to attend a university course at an Italian public or
private institution.
To apply for the visa, the following must be submitted:
1. Visa application form duly completed and signed;
2. Valid passport with an expiry date at least 16 months beyond the duration of stay
(for visa type D

Percaput:
Good morning everyone
Please I need help
I just saw the checklist for consolagos on passport validity..which is stated that the passport must be valid at least 16months beyond entire stay.
My resumption date is in September 2026 and my program is 2yrs Msc but my passport expires in Oct 2029.

Am I supposed to renew now cos I learnt consolagos is very strict with their checklist.
I'm really confused.

Amycanada:
Guys, is now the admission window for Spain? Is there any school open for undergraduate studies (specifically nursing)?