Complete Guide: How to Get a Student Visa for France

Have you been accepted to a university in France and are ready to say ‘Bonjour’ to your future? You are about to embark on an incredible study abroad journey.

Before packing your bags, it is crucial to determine if you require a student visa for France. Start organizing your documentation early to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

1. Apply to a French university and get your acceptance letter

If you are still finalizing your university choice, decide soon to initiate your visa application. Once you receive your official acceptance letter from a French university, you will have the core document needed for your visa submission.

To help you decide, here are some of the most prestigious universities in France that we highly recommend:

2. Find out what type of visa you need to study in France

• Visa de court séjour pour etudes (‘Schengen’ short-stay student visa) – for studies shorter than 3 months. This type of visa is mainly for short-term study programmes or language courses. It is free of charge, you won’t need a residence permit and you can apply for a new one when it expires.
• Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes (temporary long-stay visa) – for studies that take 3 to 6 months to complete.
• Visa de long séjour etudes (long-stay visa) – for studies that take more than 6 months to complete. You need to also apply for a residence permit in order to extend the duration of your stay after this long-stay visa expires (one year).

To verify your specific visa requirements, use the official tool on the France-Visas website.

3. When and where to apply for the student visa

You can obtain your student visa via a French consulate in your home country or through Campus France, the organization dedicated to promoting French higher education. Note that many countries require mandatory registration with Campus France prior to your visa application.

To successfully secure your visa, simply follow these steps:

• Schedule an in-person interview/appointment through the official website of the French consulate in your area
• Check the online calendar that shows the available dates and hours
• Try to schedule the date of the appointment at least 90 days before your departure to France
• Pay the visa processing fee: 50–100 EUR depending on your nationality
• Wait to receive the visa. The processing time depends on your nationality, on how many students are currently applying for a visa, and so on. The sooner your start the application the better.

4. Language requirements for studying in France

During the university application process in France, you will be required to provide evidence of the following:

• French language proficiency – if you apply for French-taught degrees (accepted tests are: DELF/DALF or TCF)
• English language proficiency – if you apply for English-taught degrees (accepted tests are: PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo or C1 Advanced)

If you hold an official acceptance letter from a recognized French institution, the French consulate generally does not require additional language proficiency proof for your student visa.

5. Required application documents for the French student visa

• Visa application form
• Two passport-type photos
• Valid passport and copies of your previous visas
• Official enrolment or acceptance letter from the university
• Proof of financial means (around 615 EUR per month) to cover all your expenses during your study period
• Airline ticket/reservation showing date of departure
• Medical insurance that might cost between 300–715 EUR/year (Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in France)
• Documents stating the accommodation arrangement during your studies
• French language proficiency certificate (if you have enrolled in a French-taught course)
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (50–100 EUR)
• Proof of civil status (if applicable)

6. Residence permit in France

For your first year, your long-term student visa serves as your residency proof. Within one month of arriving in France, you must register with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) and complete a mandatory medical examination to validate your visa.

If your studies extend beyond one year, you will need to apply for a 'Carte de Séjour' (CDS) or 'titre de séjour,' which acts as your official French residence permit starting from your second year.

7. Working in France as an international student

International students in France are permitted to work while studying, provided they adhere to specific legal conditions.

You are legally authorized to work part-time (up to 60 percent of the annual legal work hours) if you hold a valid residence permit. Be transparent with prospective employers about your student status so they can tailor your employment to part-time regulations.

Many students find convenient work opportunities directly on campus. If you wish to prioritize your academic performance, consider scheduling your work hours during semester breaks and holidays.