Study Visa in France

A study visa, also known as a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), is a crucial requirement for international students planning to pursue their education in France. This visa allows students to reside in the country for their studies legally. France, renowned for its prestigious educational institutions and vibrant student life, attracts many international students yearly.

Students must undergo a structured application process to obtain a study visa for France. 

They typically need to apply at the French consulate or embassy in their home country, providing essential documents such as a letter of acceptance from a French educational institution, proof of financial means, medical insurance coverage, and a valid passport. The application process often begins several months in advance, so planning is essential.

France offers different types of study visas based on the duration and level of study. Students may need to apply for a long-stay visa for more extended programs, while shorter programs may require a short-stay visa. Additionally, students from certain countries must go through the “Studying in France” procedure managed by Campus France, which involves submitting an online application and attending an interview.

Step 1 – So after you accept your offer from the university, our visa process starts. This was our last step in the previous video. So once you accept the offer, go to france-visas.gouv.fr/en website and click on Start your visa application tab on the homepage.

Step 2 – This page opens, and you click on the Start your visa application tab and a new webpage that looks like this opens.

Step 3 – Create an account to start your process. Since I have already created one, I am logging into my account by adding my login details.

Step 4 – Once you log in, this webpage opens. Click on Create a new application in a new group of applications tab, and this webpage opens. Adding my current nationality, that is Indian, Place of submission India, City of submission, New Delhi, Visa type requested long stay, France’s main destination of stay. Then the issuing authority will be India, travel document – mine is an ordinary passport, then I enter my passport number, date of issue, and expiry date. Last, your plans – choose to study, and the main purpose of your stay is to be a student. Click save and then click verify.

Step 5 – This webpage opens next. Now you add all your details. I have added mine. This will include several things – name, address, place of birth, email, current job, employer address, telephone number etc. Once you fill in all this, click next.

Step 6 – Once you click next, this page opens. Click yes if you have stayed in France for more than 3 months in a row, no if not and click next. Next, you enter your planned date of arrival, duration of stay, EEF number, application ID from the Etudes en France process I described in the last video, scholarship details, if any, and whether you will travel with family members. Fill in this info and click next.

Step 7 – Next, this webpage opens in which you add details such as where you will stay and funding information. Select relevant info to you and then click next.

Step 8 – This will be the last step here. You upload all relevant documents and click on continue.

Step 9 – Once you do this, you can book an appointment at VFS France to submit your documents, passport, and biometrics. Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the VFS and pay additionally to get it delivered to your address. This concludes the whole process. Also, do note that you have to show proof of one full year of tuition fees plus living costs of 615 Euros per month for one full year as proof of funding. Also, 50 Euros as an application fee is payable for the visa process for Indian students. For a more detailed process, refer to the Campus France website.

• France Visa Wizard
• Visa Application Guidelines
• Student Visa Information
• Campus France Visa Application Procedure
• Campus France India

In conclusion, obtaining a study visa for France is crucial for international students planning to pursue their education there. It grants legal permission to reside in France for their studies and opens doors to the rich academic and cultural experiences French educational institutions offer.

The application process for a study visa requires careful planning and adherence to the requirements set by the French consulate or embassy. Students must gather essential documents, such as an acceptance letter from a French educational institution, proof of financial means, medical insurance, and a valid passport. Initiating the application process well is crucial to avoid any last-minute complications.

France offers different types of study visas based on the duration and level of study, ensuring that students can find the appropriate visa to match their educational goals. Additionally, the “Studying in France” procedure managed by Campus France may be mandatory for students from certain countries, adding an extra step to the application process.

Once in France, students must obtain a residence permit, which further validates their stay in the country for their studies. It is important to note that international students are generally allowed to work part-time in France, providing an opportunity to gain practical experience and supplement their finances while studying.

By diligently following the visa application process and complying with the regulations, international students can embark on a transformative educational journey in France, benefitting from the country’s academic excellence, diverse cultural landscape, and vibrant student community.

Also Read: Mexican Government Merit Scholarship for International Students