Table of Contents
Which country do you want to study in?
UK
USA
Germany
Australia
Ireland
Canada
Other
Do you have a valid passport?
When do you want to study abroad?
What's your preferred program?
What's your highest level of education?
What is your IELTS/PTE/Duolingo Status?
How Leap will help you
Personalised University Shortlist
Express Applications with Quicker Admits
End-to-End Application Support
Studying in France is a dream come true for most international students. France offers you education in top universities, fun campus experiences, rich cultural experiences, and opportunities to learn globally.
If you are an Indian student looking to seek education in France, a France student visa is an important part of your journey.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about a France study visa, France student visa requirements for Indian citizens, cost and much more.
Also Read: Top Reasons to Study in France
What is a Study Visa in France?
A France study visa is a lawful document that assists students in continuing their studies in France. If you wish to study at a university or undertake a language course, you need this visa to study in France.
The France education visa is granted for the length of your course and can be extended if needed.
What are the Different Types of France Student Visas?
France offers many types of student visas, which depend on the duration and type of the course:
- Short-Stay Student Visa (Schengen Visa): It is for courses lasting less than 3 months.
- Temporary Long Stay Visa (VLS-TS): It is for courses lasting for 3 to 6 months.
- Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS): It is for courses exceeding 6 months. This can also act as a permit to reside for the duration of your course.
France Student Visa Requirements
You must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for a France Student Visa. These requirements help you study in France and can support yourself during your stay.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students:
Indian students must meet the following criteria to get a France student visa:
- Get accepted into a recognised French university.
- A proof of financial stability which can cover your cost of studying and living.
- A valid passport and other mandatory documents.
Explore all countries
Academic Requirements:
To meet the France study visa requirements for Indian students, you must provide:
- Your academic transcripts (Class XII, College)
- A letter of admission from a French university
- A statement of purpose
Language Requirements:
Language proficiency is an important part of the France study visa IELTS requirement. It depends totally on your course. You may need to provide the following:
- IELTS (6) or TOEFL (80) scores for English-taught programs
- DELF/DALF scores for French-taught programs
Also Read: Study in France Without IELTS
How to Apply for a France Student Visa?
Applying for a France student visa is a step-by-step process, and it would be better for a student to follow the process or get guidance from an experienced counsellor.
Now, lets look at the steps in applying for France Student Visa.
- You need to secure admission into a French university or college.
- You need to register for the visa on the France-Visas website.
- You need to complete your visa application and provide all the necessary details like your documents required and proof.
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest French consulate or visa centre.
- Submit all the necessary documents during your visa appointment.
- Pay the France student visa cost.
- They will schedule your visa interview if required and Voila!
France Student Visa Cost: What is the Cost for Indian Citizens?
The France student visa cost for indian students depends on the duration and purpose of the stay. Let’s look at the breakdown of the visa costs below.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Short stay visa | 3 months | INR 8K |
| Temporary Long stay visa | 4 to 6 months | INR 5K |
| Long - stay visa (VLS-TS) | 3 months to 12 months | INR 9.2k |
How Long Does It Take to Process a France Student Visa?
The processing period for a France student visa will vary based on the visa type and the number of applicants. Following are the average processing times for all visa types
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Short stay visa | 15 to 30 days | It can vary based on the embassy and the peak seasons. |
| Temporary long stay visa | 3 to 6 weeks | It is recommended to apply at least 2 months in advance. |
| Long stay visa | 4 to 8 weeks | It requires the approval of Campus France. |
Documents Required for a France Student Visa
You need to submit your required documents for a France student visa to avoid rejection. Here is the list of documents you require for your visa:
- Offer letter from your university
- Proof of financial stability
- Language Proficiency Tests
- Medical Check
- Valid Passport
Common France Student Visa Rejection
Visa rejections can be frustrating, but you need to understand the common reasons that can help you avoid rejection. Let’s look at some reasons for a visa rejection.
- Missing or incomplete documents can lead to your visa rejection. So, double-check before submitting your documents.
- You must have at least INR 55K per month to cover your cost of living. Insufficient funds can be a big reason for visa rejection.
- If your SOP doesn’t explain your reason for visiting, future & study plans or why you chose France, it can raise doubt about your intentions.
- If you don’t have confirmed housing details, that can lead to rejection too.
- If the visa officer feels you might stay after your studies or don’t have a clear path for the future, you could be denied.
Fulfil your dream of studying in France. Get help getting a France student visa. Contact LeapScholar today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it easy to get a student visa for France?
A. There are 3 types of France student visas: short-term, temporary and long-term. Each visa has its own processing time and processes. It is generally not difficult to get a student visa for france with the correct documents and information.
Q. How much funds are required for France Student Visa?
A. You need to show INR 55K monthly in your bank account to cover your living expenses to get a France study visa. Moreover, you also need to fulfil other academic, documents and language requirements to get a france study visa. It is essential that you complete the france student visa financial requirements.
Q. Is France good for Indian students?
A. France is a popular destination for indian students who want to study in fields like luxury fashion, hospitality and engineering. The education is affordable, and you get access to a lively campus and rich cultural life.
Q. Is it easy to get a student visa for France?
A. To get a visa in France you first need to get admission into a French university, then you need to register for a France student visa, then you complete your visa application and fill in all the necessary information. After that, you secure an appointment at the nearby French consulate, pay the france visa cost and then you are on your way to get a france student visa.
Q. Is IELTS required for France student visa?
A. IELTS may be required for a student visa france from India, depending on the course you plan to study. An English-taught course may require you to prove your english language proficiency. A score between 6-7 is ideal for a program in France.
Q. How many years to get PR in France?
A. You must live in France for 5 years to get a valid PR. If you have studied in france, this time is shorter; PR gives you a long term stay, but it doesn’t give you your citizenship. There a different criteria for getting citizenship.
Q. What is the age limit to study in France?
A. There is no age barrier to studying in France. A UG program in france may require you to be under the age of 30 years, whereas, for a masters program, an older student is accepted, especially with work experience.
Q. Do Indians get PR in France?
A. Yes, Indians can get a PR in france after living there for 5 years on a study, work or business visa. If you are married to a French citizen, you can get a PR even sooner. PR doesn’t give you voting rights, and it can just let you work and live there freely.
Q. Which intake is best for France?
A. France majorly has two intake periods: Fall and Spring. The fall is the best intake in France as it offers multiple courses and job opportunities. However, the spring intake has limited number of programs, but may be ideal if you miss the fall intake.
Q. Is France costly for Indian students?
A. France is an affordable destination for most indian students. The cost of studying in France starts from INR 5L. However, it is best advised to check your desired university for accurate tuition fees. It is also important to consider your cost of living.
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance