Student Visas allow professionals, entrepreneurs, and families to relocate to a new country through dedicated immigration programmes. In 2026, 6 countries offer at least one student visa pathway in our database, each with different income thresholds, processing timelines, and paths to permanent residency.
This page compares every student visa programme we track, sorted by difficulty score (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest). Use the table below to quickly identify which countries match your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Click any country name to see its full immigration profile.
Country Comparison Table
| # | Country | Programme | Income Req. | Processing | Difficulty | PR Path | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | Student's Pass | — | 14–42 days | 4.5/10 | — | No |
| 2 | Spain | Student Visa | €600/mo | 30–90 days | 5.5/10 | — | Yes |
| 3 | United Arab Emirates | Student Visa | — | 7–20 days | 5.5/10 | No PR path | No |
| 4 | Japan | Student Visa (Ryugaku) | — | 60–180 days | 5.5/10 | 10 yr | No |
| 5 | Switzerland | Student Permit | €1,983/mo | 60–120 days | 6.0/10 | — | Yes |
| 6 | United States | F-1 Student Visa | — | 30–90 days | 6.0/10 | — | No |
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Japan (1 programme)
- Student Visa (Ryugaku) — Student visa for studying at Japanese institutions. 28hrs/week work allowed.
Singapore (1 programme)
- Student's Pass — Student pass for full-time studies at approved institutions.
Spain (1 programme)
- Student Visa — Student visa for studies in Spain. €900-1,200/month proof of funds. 20hrs/week work allowed.
Switzerland (1 programme)
- Student Permit — Student residence permit. CHF 20,000-25,000/year proof of funds. 15hrs/week work allowed.
United Arab Emirates (1 programme)
- Student Visa — Student visa for studying at UAE institutions. AED 30,000 minimum bank balance.
United States (1 programme)
- F-1 Student Visa — Student visa for full-time study at SEVP-approved institutions.
Student Visas by Country
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries offer student visas in 2026?
As of 2026, 6 countries in our database offer at least one student visa pathway. Requirements, processing times, and costs vary significantly between countries.
Which country has the easiest student visa to obtain?
Based on our difficulty scoring, Singapore currently offers one of the most accessible student visa pathways, though eligibility still depends on your individual circumstances.
What are the typical requirements for student visas?
Common requirements include proof of income or savings, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and passport validity. Specific thresholds (income, education, experience) vary by country and programme.
Can I bring my family on a student visa?
Many student visa programmes allow family accompaniment (spouse and dependent children). Some also grant work rights to spouses. Check the family column in our comparison table above.
How long does it take to get permanent residency through a student visa?
The path to permanent residency ranges from 2 to 10 years depending on the country. Some student visa programmes offer faster PR tracks than others — see the PR Path column in our table.
Explore by Region
- Europe Immigration Guide 2026
- Asia Immigration Guide 2026
- Americas Immigration Guide 2026
- Middle East Immigration Guide 2026
- Oceania Immigration Guide 2026
- Africa Immigration Guide 2026
See also: All Pathways by Country · Compare Countries Side by Side · Immigration Glossary
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified March 2026. Requirements change frequently — always confirm with the relevant embassy or immigration authority before applying.