Updated On: 11 June 2024
Schengen Countries with the Lowest Visa Rejection Rates
Studying in Europe is a lifetime experience, as you get to study in some of the most beautiful countries in the world. Europe is a land of artisans, sandy sores, antique castles, and century-old institutions that offer unparalleled education. Europe beckons you with low Schengen Visa Rejection Rates. The popularity of Schengen countries as some of the top study-abroad destinations is increasing daily, mainly due to their low visa rejection rates. As of 2023-2024, here is a list of the ten easiest countries to get a Schengen Visa for studying or visiting.
List of Schengen countries with the lowest visa rejection rates
1. Iceland
Iceland has the lowest visa rejection rate across the Schengen region, which is only 1.9 per cent. Iceland offers phenomenal beauty of glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, and the Northern Lights. Iceland also tops in the world's most peaceful country category, as per the Global Peace Index. Studying abroad in Iceland brings you a lifetime adventure experience in your educational journey.
Check out the Institutes of Iceland
2. Lithuania
Lithuania is among the Schengen countries with one of the lowest rejection rates, only 1.3 per cent. You can visit Lithuania for the forested national parks jeweled with rare wildlife and a taste of Jewish history and culture. Students pursuing a career in architecture find Lithuania a booster as the country is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture and UNESCO World.
Check out the Institutes in Lithuania
3. Finland
Finland’s rejection rate as of 2023-2024 is at 9.7 per cent. Apart from acquiring higher education in Finland, you can visit Arctic Finland, where the sun doesn’t set for six months. You can enjoy the phenomenal astronomical activities in Finland, from enjoying continuous days and nights to the splendours of the Northern Lights. You also have the opportunity to visit some of the 50,000 islands and mingle with like-minded people in one of the happiest countries in the world.
Check out the Institutes in Finland
4. Luxembourg
The Visa Refusal rate of Luxembourg is 10.5 per cent as per the statistics of 2023-2024. Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and you can visit the country for its popular hiking trails, stunning castles, and fine dining at a number of Michelin–starred restaurants.
Check out the Institutes in Luxembourg
5. Poland
Poland made it to the list of countries with the lowest visa rejection rates among the Schengen countries at 11.6 per cent. Poland is growing popular among international students seeking affordable tuition fees, availability of most in-demand courses, and scholarships. You can visit the country for craft beer and walk through the historical buildings of Warsaw, Krakow, and the Tatra mountains. You can also visit Slovakia as it shares its boundary with Poland.
Check out the Institutes in Poland
6. Switzerland
Switzerland is growing popular among International students. As of the 2024 stats, the rejection rate in Switzerland is only 12.1 per cent. Lower tuition fees and scholarships are two of the main reasons why international students prefer studying in Switzerland. You can also visit the country for the galleries and nightlife of Zurich, hikes and adventures through the rugged Alps, trace the roots of the international art event, in the city's graffiti, museums, and local networks.
Check out the Institutes in Switzerland
7. Italy
Italy has some of the lowest rejection rates in India, which stands at 11.5 per cent. Italy is popular for the availability of most in demand courses in the field of arts, design, and architecture. You can visit Italy for the marvels, from the colosseum in Rome to the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican City. The country homes around 55 UNESCO World heritage sites, and stunning natural landscapes from lakes to peaks.
Check Out the Universities in Italy
Schengen Countries with the Highest Visa Rejection Rate Includes Malta, Sweden, Belgium, and France.
Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area consists of 27 countries and covers nearly all of mainland Europe. And following are the countries that fall within the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Read more on: Top 5 study abroad programs for Indian Students
What are the requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa?
The requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa include the following documents:
- Visa application form: Fully completed and signed.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.
- Photograph: Two recently taken photos that meet the visa photo requirements.
- Travel insurance: Covering medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Biometric data: In the form of fingerprint scans
- Flight itinerary: Including entry and exit dates and flight numbers.
- Proof of accommodation: Evidence of where you will be staying during your visit.
- Proof of financial means: Such as bank statements, credit card, or proof of employment.
- Cover letter: Stating the purpose of the visit and travel itinerary.
- Proof of paid fee: A receipt to show that the visa fee has been paid.
Read more on: Importance of Statement of Purpose
New Schengen Visa Rule for Indians: EU eases Schengen visa rules for Indians
The European Union has introduced new Schengen visa rules for Indians that are more favourable for Indian travellers. Now, you can apply for five-year multiple-entry visas, which puts you on par with "visa-free nationals". This means that, like citizens of certain countries who can enter the Schengen area without a visa, you can now enter multiple times over five years without applying for a new visa each time.
The "Cascade" system allows Indian citizens to get two-year multi-entry Schengen visas after using two visas within three years. The EU is working on digitalizing the Schengen visa application process with the following details:
- Processing time: 15 days or longer
- Cost: Approximately Rs 7,200 for adults and Rs 3,600 for minors
Additionally, it's important to provide sufficient proof about the complete stay in the Schengen Territory and the visa of the final country of destination, if needed. The specific requirements may vary slightly from one Schengen country to another, so it's advisable to consult the relevant consular authority in your country for the exact details.
When facing a visa rejection, it's essential to rectify any mistakes made in the previous application and provide a strong, well-documented application. While some countries have higher approval rates for Schengen visas, it's important to avoid "visa shopping," as this practice is discouraged and may raise suspicions.
Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.
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