Do I still have to go through Campus France for my French student visa if I join a private university?
16 Oct 2026 · Answered by Soorya Sudheer · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Yes. Indian students studying in France for more than 90 days typically must go through Campus France India and the Etudes en France procedure first, regardless of whether the university is private, autonomous or partnered. Only then can you move to the visa stage.
Yes, you should plan to go through Campus France even for a private university. The assumption that private or autonomous institutions let you apply straight to the French consulate is a common misconception.
What the Process Involves
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Etudes en France portal | You register online and build your profile |
| Campus France India | It reviews your online profile, validates your academic files and conducts an academic interview |
| France-Visas | After approval, you complete the online application |
| Visa appointment | You book a physical appointment to submit your passport, biometrics and documents |
Who Needs It
- Full-time higher education programs: undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD
- Structured student exchange programs
- Long-term French language programs of over 3 months
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Internships integrated into university curricula, where an approved internship agreement (Convention de Stage) is uploaded to your profile
My Advice
Start the Campus France profile early and keep your academic documents ready for validation. Rules and steps can change, so confirm them on the official Campus France India page.
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