France Student Visa Guide 2026: Indian Applicant Manual

Getting your France student visa is a major milestone in your journey to study abroad. With France aiming to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, the application process for the 2026 intake has been streamlined with new digital systems and clear financial mandates.

This manual breaks down the latest 2026 updates, fees, and step-by-step procedures to help you navigate the process like a pro. For a broader look at life and academics, explore our comprehensive guide to study in France for Indian students.

What is a France Study Visa?

A France study visa is an official endorsement issued by the French consulate that grants international students legal permission to enter and reside in France for educational purposes.

Unlike a standard tourist visa, a study visa is a “functional document”:

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• Dual Identity (VLS-TS): For most Indian students, the visa acts as both an entry permit and a temporary residence permit (Titre de séjour). This means you don't need to visit a local government office immediately to get a separate ID card; your validated visa is your ID.
• Schengen Mobility: It grants you the right to travel freely (for up to 90 days in any 180-day period) across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area (like Germany, Italy, and Spain) without needing additional visas.
• Economic Rights: It officially authorizes you to work part-time (up to 964 hours per year) to help support your living expenses.
• Institutional Link: It is legally tied to your enrollment in a "Recognized Higher Education Institution." If you drop out or change courses without notification, the visa status can be revoked.

Types of France Student Visas for Indian Applicants

Choosing the correct visa category is the first step in your application. Your choice depends entirely on the duration of your course and whether you need to attend an entrance exam first.

1. Long-Stay Visa as Residence Permit (VLS-TS)

This is the most common visa for Indian students pursuing a full degree.

• Duration: 4 to 12 months (Renewable).
• Best For: Students enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s in France.
• Key Benefit: It acts as a temporary residence permit. You must validate it online via the ANEF portal within 3 months of arrival.
• Rights: Allows you to work part-time (964 hours/year) and apply for housing subsidies (CAF).

2. Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-T)

A non-renewable visa for mid-length stays.

• Duration: 4 to 6 months (Non-renewable).
• Best For: Short-term exchange programs or certificate courses.
• Key Difference: You do not need to validate this visa upon arrival, but you cannot extend it or work part-time in France.

3. Short-Stay Schengen Student Visa

For very brief academic engagements.

• Duration: Up to 90 days.
• Best For: Short language courses or summer schools.
• Limitation: It cannot be converted into a long-stay visa while you are in France.

4. Étudiant-Concours (Entrance Exam Visa)

A unique visa for students who haven't secured admission yet but need to sit for a test.

• Duration: 90 days.
• The Perk: If you pass your exam, you can apply for a residence permit directly at the local préfecture in France without returning to India to restart the visa process.

Quick Comparison for 2026 Intakes

Eligibility & Academic Requirements for France Student Visa (2026)

France has a "student-first" policy, but you must meet specific age and academic benchmarks to be considered for a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS).

1. General Eligibility

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of your visa application. (Minor students follow a different "Mineur Scolarisé" process).
• Passport: Must be an Indian citizen with a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
• Prior Acceptance: You cannot apply for a visa without a "Letter of Acceptance" from a recognized French Higher Education Institution.

2. Academic Requirements

French universities are known for their academic rigor. For the 2026 session, the following benchmarks are typical:

• Undergraduate (After 12th): Minimum 60%–70% in your Standard XII boards. Top-tier public universities may require 80%+.
• Postgraduate (Masters): A 3-year or 4-year Bachelor’s degree from India with at least a 55%–60% aggregate.
• Relevancy: Your chosen course in France must ideally align with your previous background or work experience. If you are switching streams, your SOP for France must strongly justify the change.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Depending on your "Medium of Instruction" (MOI), you will need to prove your proficiency in either English or French.

1. For English-Taught Programs

If your course is in English, you must provide one of the following:

• IELTS Academic: A minimum overall band of 6.0 to 6.5. (Top schools like HEC Paris or INSEAD often require 7.0+). Check the latest IELTS score requirements for France.
• TOEFL iBT: Generally between 80 and 90.
• MOI Certificate: Many private business schools accept a "Medium of Instruction" certificate if your entire previous degree was taught in English. Read more about studying in France without IELTS.

2. For French-Taught Programs

If you choose a course taught in French, you must demonstrate proficiency via:

• DELF/DALF: Minimum B2 level is required for most degrees.
• TCF/TEF: Score reports valid for 2 years.
• New for 2026: If you plan to stay long-term, be aware that France is raising language requirements for multi-year residency permits to Level B1.

Pro-Tip: The "Campus France NOC"

Regardless of your test scores, the Campus France Academic Interview is where your language skills are truly assessed. The interviewer will verify if you can actually communicate in the language of your course. To prepare, check out our Campus France interview guide.

To navigate the France student visa application in 2026, you must follow a dual-portal system: Campus France (EEF) for academic approval and France-Visas/VFS for the legal permit.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a France Student Visa 2026

The application is a linear process. Do not skip a step, as each stage requires a "Validation" from the previous one.

Step 1: Register on the Études en France (EEF) Portal

All Indian students must first create an account on the official Campus France India portal.

• Action: Upload your academic transcripts, CV, and SOP for France.
• Payment: Pay the Campus France processing fee of ₹18,500 (+ taxes).

Step 2: The Academic Interview

Once your file is reviewed, you will be invited to an in-person or online interview with a Campus France manager.

• Goal: To discuss your study plan and verify your documents.
• Preparation: Review these common Campus France interview questions to ensure your answers align with your visa goals.
• Outcome: After a successful interview, you will receive a confirmation email (often called the NOC) allowing you to proceed to the visa stage.

Step 3: Complete the Online France-Visas Application

Now, move to the official France-Visas portal.

• Action: Fill out the long-stay visa form. You will need your EEF ID number for this.
• The Receipt: Once submitted, you must print the "France-Visas Receipt" (the page with the barcode). VFS will not accept your application without this.

Step 4: Book and Attend Your VFS Global Appointment

With your EEF approval and France-Visas form ready, book a slot at your nearest VFS Global center.

• Biometrics: You will provide your fingerprints and digital photo.
• Submission: Hand over your physical "Dossier" (checklist of documents).
• Note: VFS New Delhi is relocating in January 2026—always double-check your appointment letter for the correct address.

Step 5: Visa Processing & Collection

• Timeline: Standard processing takes 15 to 21 days, though it can extend to 45 days during peak August/September rushes.
• Tracking: Use the VFS tracking tool to see when your passport is ready for collection or courier.

Step 6: Post-Arrival Validation (Crucial!)

Your visa is only "half-active" when you land. Within 3 months of arriving in France, you must validate your VLS-TS via the ANEF digital portal.

• Failure to do this will make your stay illegal and may prevent you from returning to France after a holiday.

2026 Application Timeline

To ensure you don't miss the September 2026 intake, follow this schedule:

• Jan – March: Finalize university offers and pay the deposit.
• April – May: Complete the EEF Portal and Academic Interview.
• June – July: Apply on France-Visas and book the VFS Appointment.
• August: Receive your visa and prepare for departure.

Proof of Funds & Financial Requirements 2026

To secure your visa, you must prove you have enough "risk mitigation" funds to sustain yourself without immediate full-time work.

• Minimum Living Expenses: You must demonstrate access to at least €615 per month (approx. ₹56,000 to ₹60,000).
• One-Year Rule: You need to show proof of funds for the first 12 months, totaling roughly €7,380 (approx. ₹6.7 Lakhs).

Common Reasons for France Student Visa Rejection

Even with a strong academic background, small errors can lead to a refusal. Here are the top reasons Indian students face rejections and how to avoid them:

1. Lack of "Course Consistency"

The Visa Officer looks for a logical link between your past education, your work experience, and your chosen course in France.

• The Mistake: Applying for a Master’s in Luxury Brand Management after a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering without a strong justification.
• The Fix: Use your SOP for France to bridge the gap. Explain how the new course fits your career pivot.

2. Insufficient or "Unreliable" Funds

This is the #1 reason for rejection in India.

• The Mistake: Showing a sudden, large deposit in your bank account just days before the application. This is flagged as "unreliable."
• The Fix: Funds should be "seasoned" (maintained for at least 3 months). If using a sponsor, ensure you include an Affidavit of Support. Read more on managing your finances for France.

3. Vague Accommodation Plans

France requires proof that you have a roof over your head from Day 1.

• The Mistake: Providing a dummy hotel booking or an Airbnb for only 2 days.
• The Fix: You must show a reservation for at least the first 3 months. If staying with a friend, an official Attestation d’accueil from their local town hall (Mairie) is mandatory.

4. Poor Performance in the Campus France Interview

The interview is not just a chat; it’s an assessment of your intent.

• The Mistake: Not knowing the modules of your course or the city you are moving to.
• The Fix: Research your university’s curriculum thoroughly. Prepare using our Campus France Interview Question Bank.

Final Pro-Tips for a 2026 Success

• Apply Early: The "August Rush" is real. Aim to have your VFS appointment done by June or July for a September intake.
• Check Your Passport: Ensure it isn't damaged and has at least two blank pages. A "mutilated" passport is an automatic VFS rejection.
• Stay Updated: Policies can shift. For the most recent updates on the 5-year alumni rule, check our Post-Study Work Visa Guide.

Post-Study Work Rights & The 5-Year Alumni Visa

France offers some of the most student-friendly post-grad policies in Europe.

• Part-time Work: You can work up to 964 hours per year (roughly 20 hours/week) while studying.
• 5-Year Alumni Visa: If you complete a Master's degree in France (and have spent at least one semester there), you are eligible for a 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. This is a massive perk for Indian alumni wanting to maintain professional links with Europe.
• Job Seeker Visa (APS/RECE): This allows you to stay for 12–24 months after graduation to find a job. For a deep dive into these rules, see our France post-study work visa guide.

Frequently Asked Questions