France’s education system has so many benefits which compel foreign students to apply for France student visa.
France is offering cheaper higher education compared to the UK and the USA.
Tuition fees for French universities are low, and the government is also providing funding for studies.
France is attracting around 300,000 international students from both non-EU and EU countries each year.
One of the reasons for the popularity is the cheaper education compared to other European countries.
This makes the competition tougher at higher institutions in France.
Students can also have the advantage of accommodation packages and social insurance from the government.
In France, there are 83 government universities that are funded by the French government, Out of which 32 universities are included in the QS World Ranking.
This is a detailed guide for international students on how to apply for a student visa in France.
I hope it answers all your queries.
Don’t miss the question-answer session at the end of the blog.
Want to study in France for free, Check our ultimate guide about Eiffel scholarships.
France student visa
1. Types of France Student Visa for International Students
3. Processing Time for France Student Visa
4. Office Responsible for France student visas to international student
5. Requirements for France Student Visa
6. How to apply for a France study visa?
7. Interview Questions for France Study Visa
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1. Types of France Student Visa for International Students
1.1. The short-stay visa
1.2. Temporary long-stay visa
1.3. The long stay visa
1.4 France study Visas type table
1.1 The Short Stay (Student) Visa (Less than 90 days)
If a NON-EU/EEA student is applying for a “Short Course” or Some cultural/Sports event or conference etc that only requires them to stay in France for up to 90 days then the applicant should apply for a short stay student visa.
It is also called a Type C visa.
Remember that short stay (student) visa to France could be
Either
“The Schengen short stay (for study) visa”
Or
“The Student in Competition short stay visa”.
1.1.1. The Schengen Short-Stay (for study)Visa
The Schengen Short-Stay visa lets international students enter and remain in the Schengen state area for a duration period of 90 days.
After 90 days, (attending their course, conference, seminars, etc) students must leave the Schengen area.
The Schengen short-stay visa is renewable, but students have to wait for six months before submitting a new request.
Students can’t do work in France on a Schengen Short-Stay visa.
1.1.2. The student-in-Competition Short Stay Visa
The “student-in-competition” short-stay visa allows students to come to France for an exam or admission interview in a higher education institution.
The “student-in-competition” short-stay visa will be granted if the admission interview or results of the competition are known within three months.
Desired students can download their respect visa forms for a France visa here.
1.2. Temporary long stay (French student) visa:
If a NON-EU/EEA student got enrolled in a “Short Course” or Some cultural/Sports event or conference etc that only requires them to stay in France for up to 6 months ( 180 days) then the applicant should apply for a Temporary long stay France (student) visa.
However, they may not be able to extend this visa and they can’t apply for a residence permit.
1.3. Long stay (France student) visa:
If the Student is applying for a course that is taking more than 180 days in France, then they should apply for a long-stay visa.
In most cases, Those students who got enrolled in a full-time Bachelor or Masters or PhD (Or research).
Then their course will take more than 180 days, so technically they should apply for a Long stay (France student) visa.
Remember, that Students who got long-stay visas will be needed to apply for a residence permit later when they reach France. Mostly the residence permit is renewed annually.
After getting a residence permit Students can get the following benefits:
They can travel freely in the countries of the Schengen area and can work 20 hours per week to supplement their financial needs.
Students can also extend their stay beyond the validity period of the issued residence permit.
Desired students can download their respect visa forms for a France visa here.
NOTE:
This French visa type could also be used if the student is applying for an internship or Research program which requires them to stay in France for more than 180 days.
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1.4 France study Visa type table
|
Study Programs |
Stay of Duration |
Type of France student visa |
|
Exchange & mobility program |
Less than 90 days |
France short stay visa (Schengen visit) |
|
University single course |
Less than 90 days |
France short stay visa (Schengen visit) |
|
Vocational training |
Less than 90 days |
France short stay visa (Schengen visit) |
|
Academic short course |
Less than 90 days |
France short stay visa (Schengen visit) |
|
Apprenticeship |
Less than 90 days |
France short stay visa (Schengen visit) |
|
University admission test |
Less than 90 days |
France short-stay visa (Student-in-competition visit) |
|
Exchange & Mobility program, University single course, Vocational training, Academic short course, Apprenticeship, Research, etc |
If more than 180 days |
Temporary long-stay (France student) visa |
|
Full-time Graduate or post-graduate programs |
More than 180 days |
Long stay (France student) visa |
Students from different nationalities can also fill out this visa Wizard form here to see, whether they need a France visa or not.
2. France Student Visa Fee
The fee for a France Schengen visa is 80 Euros,
For a Short-stay visa, it’s 60 Euros, And for a Long-stay visa, the fee for international students is 99 Euros.
|
France Student Visa Type |
Visa Fee |
|
Schengen Visa |
80 Euros |
|
Short-stay visa |
60 Euros |
|
Long stay visa |
99 Euros |
If You have any questions related to your France study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
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3. Processing Time for France Student Visa
The visa process time for a French student’s visa could depend upon
Applicant’s Nationality,
French Embassy in that particular region,
The number of applicants,
Type of study permit (University, college, Religious institution, Research, training, etc)
and
Sometimes specific requirements of the Applicant’s case.
However, the standard recommended process time for a France student visa is expected to take 14-21 days.
(Remember It could vary due to the reasons mentioned above. It could take even for up to 45 days in case of some countries.)
Therefore, Students should start the visa application process right after their acceptance at their choice of university.
It is better to take an appointment in the French embassy at least 3 months before starting the university degree program.
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4. Office Responsible for France student visas to international student
There are various visa categories that fulfill visa applications of foreign students who wish to travel to France for higher studies.
Different embassies, offices, and Campus France are responsible for managing academic plans and visa applications of international students.
International students can find the links to different consular offices and embassies here.
Other important links for international students:
Here is the official website of the Ministry of the Interior & Overseas for France.
Explore France website, Business France, And France Diplomatie
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5. Requirements for France Student Visa
5.1. French visa application form
5.3. Passport-size photographs
5.6. University Admission Letter for France student visa
5.8. English Language Proficiency for France Student Visa
5.11. Proof of financial requirements for a France Student Visa
5.12. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
5.14. Health (Travel) Insurance for France Student Visa
5.15. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
5.16. Police Clearance Certificate (Optional)
5.17. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
5.18. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
5.19. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate
5.20. FRC (Family registration certificate)
5.1. French visa application form
Print, sign & complete your desired French students visa form here.
Remember Students who are applying for full-time Masters, Bachelors, or PHD will need a long-term visa form, while if their stay is less than 90 days they will need a short-stay visa form.
We discussed this in more detail above.
5.2. Valid Passport
A: A passport must have at least 18 months of validity from the date of visa application.
B: Applicants will also provide visa copies (if they have any).
C: The passport must have at least two blank pages.
D: All the previous passports must also be attached. (If they have any)
5.3. Passport-size photographs
The general picture format for a French student visa is the following.
A: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos.
B: White background with neutral facial expressions. (Unedited)
C: Avoid uniforms & the head should be 80% in the photo.
D: The applicant should look at the camera.
E: One photograph should be glued to the visa application
while the other should contain the applicant’s full name on the reverse side, & should be attached with a paper clip to the visa form.
The same rules apply to every Schengen country.
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5.4. CNIC
A birth certificate and a National Identity card are mandatory for international students for issuance of a France study visa.
5.5. Academic Documents
It includes all academic records & certificates.
A. Certificate & transcript of Bachelor’s (If a student is applying for a master’s program)
B. Certificate & transcript of Master’s (If a student is applying for a Ph.D. program)
C. Transcript (DMCs) of Metric & FSC and certificates (if a student is applying for a bachelor’s degree)
D. Proficiency certificate in English from the university.
E. Course summary which explains current courses & previous courses.
F. Provide two Recommendation Letters from your university along with the referee’s detail.
5.5.1. Translated Documents contain:
A. Confirmation from Translation Company/Translator
B. Translation Date
C. Name and Signature of the Translator
D. Translator’s Contact Details
NOTE:
The above-mentioned documents must be attested by respective universities and boards.
For example, in the case of Pakistan, it must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
Other International students should attest their documents from their own respective ministries & authorities.
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5.6. University Admission Letter for France student visa
It is an acceptable proof of study, internship, and training program at a higher institution in France.
This acceptance letter should mention:
That the applicant is accepted to a study program at a French university.
It also includes accommodation proof and details of the organization supporting the student, plus the duration of studies.
This document could also tell that the student follows the European Union Training Program or may specify the scholarship in case of awarding of the scholarship.
According to the campus in France, NON-EU students need to pay up to €2,770 per year at the bachelor level & €3,770 per year at the master level.
Remember if your country is on the list of Etudes En France study procedure, then are needed to register to the “Etudes En France” platform, provide all the details, do the payment & submit all your documents.
if you got admission in your selected French university, you will be given an “EEF Admission Certificate” and An EEF number.
5.7. CV
CV is compulsory for the university admission process and optional for embassy interviews.
It should contain all the contact details and academic information.
Students can make a perfect Cv in Europass here in under a few minutes.
5.8. English Language Proficiency for France Student Visa (IELTS)
There are no specific mentions of IELTS for France student visas on their immigration websites. However, IELTS is compulsory for almost all public French universities.
And Having a strong band in IELTS certainly increases your chances of getting a long-term visa.
For Bachelor’s an overall 6 bands while for a Master’s 7.0 bands is good for France.
If students can’t do IELTS they should provide the alternative PTE 54 score.
Therefore, Students from NONEU countries are strongly advised to do IELTS (Or TOEFL or PTE) to avoid any hassle.
Remember the chance of getting a French study permit without IELTS for Non-Eu students is very low.
If the taught courses in your selected universities are in French, then the applicant must provide French language proficiency certificates.
These tests are DELF/DALE or TCF.
5.9. Statement of Purpose
This document comprises the following information about the student
A. Previous academic record
B. Employment Status
C. Relationship with your home country
D. Immigration History
E. Economic conditions of the applicant
A statement of purpose (SOP) & letter of motivation (LOM) are almost the same thing & could be interchangeable.
In this letter, you are asked to write about your personal and professional reasons why are you applying for a course or the scholarship and what is your intention of traveling to France.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages, But it is advised to make it short & concise to one page.
5.10. Proof of Legal Fees
It is a receipt or proof of the application fee from the university. It may be the first-semester fee or the fee for the whole year. (depends from university to university)
5.11. Proof of financial requirements for a France Student Visa
According to the calculation of the French immigration service, international students will need at least 615 euros per month to stay in France. Which means 7380 euros per annum.
So it is advised to show the bank statement of at least € 10,000 for a French study visa to prove that applicant is capable of covering his/her expenses for at least one year.
Bank Statement must be signed and stamped by the bank officer. The bank account must be in the name of the student.
This amount should be shown irrespective of the university fee.
In the case of a scholarship or grant, there is no need of showing a bank statement.
5.11.1 SPONSORSHIP
In the case of sponsorship, the applicant should make an Affidavit of the sponsor, in which they will state their relationship.
The sponsor is also required to show the tax return for the last two years.
Property Details & other Income sources of the sponsor are also required.
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5.12. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
The student will pay a non-refundable fee and fill out the form.
The fee for a France Schengen visa is 80 Euros, For a Short-stay visa its 60 Euros And for a Long-stay visa the fee for international students is 99 Euros.
5.13. Medical Examination
For the past two years during the COVID-19, the health control system of France discontinued the previous law of taking emergency steps to tickle COVID-19.
The previous rules applied to those travels to France are no longer applicable from August 2022.
International students are now exempted from preventive formalities before entry into France. Applicants don’t need to show a health pass for obtaining a study visa in France.
There is no need to show a sworn statement and undertaking to go for screening or antigen test upon entry to France.
5.14. Health (Travel) Insurance for France study visa
International students from Non-Eu countries are advised to have private or public health (Travel) insurance which can cover their first few months in case of any medical & Pharmaceutical assistance or emergency.
After entering France, these students must apply later to CVEC (CONTRIBUTION VIE ETUDIANTE ET CAMPUS). International students need to pay 91 Euros annually for CVEC.
While the EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card.
5.15. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
The booking confirms the arrival date in a particular country. The hotel reservation shows that a student researched the process.
The host university should mention in their admission letter if they provide accommodation for the student.
The student can also provide a rental home contract.
5.16. Police Clearance Certificate (Optional)
International students who want to apply for a France long-stay visa (more than 90 days) must submit a document showing a history of a criminal record.
This document must be issued by the country of your residence within five months of starting the visa application.
Generally, PCC can be issued by your local security police station or many international students can also make it online.
Indian students can make it through Passport seva, and Pakistani students can make it in “Police Khidmat Markaz” or the ICTP app or the ICTP website.
International Students normally don’t need PCC for a France Schengen visa (short-term less than 90 days), however, it’s better to cross-check the requirement with your local French consulate.
5.17. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
It also varies from country to country. It is compulsory for some countries and known as NOC.
This letter will include that the student is applying for a student visa to Turkey, And will return to the country after completing their education.
NOC must be written by the Dean or HOD of the university.
5.18. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
These certificates include internship certificates and experience letters. The embassy gives extra value to these certificates.
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5.19. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate
The embassy may ask about Childbirth Certificates and marriage certificates.
It is better to bring both childbirth and marriage certificates along with you for a French student visa.
5.20. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
A family registration certificate (FRC) is a document that tells that the family record of the student is complete in the database of the home country.
This document contains details of the name and information of the parents and siblings.
This document is very much important in case of extending a residence permit or in case of permanent settling in France.
International students can get it from their local ministries & authorities.
Pakistani students can get FRC through NADRA offices in Pakistan.
They can also apply for it online.
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6. How to Apply for a France student visa?
Are you wondering how you can apply for a French study visa? You don’t need to think anymore and follow these four steps to complete the application process.
6.1. Apply and get admission to a French university
Your first step is to find a university in France in your desired course & get an Acceptance letter. You can find a list of the top universities in France here.
6.2. Gather all the required documents
After getting an admission letter, you need to apply for a French student visa. However, before initiating the application procedure, you must gather all the required documents so that you don’t face any unnecessary delays in your application process.
You can find a complete list of documents in the above section.
6.3. Fill out the visa application form & pay the fee
The third step is to carefully fill out & sign your desired visa application form. International students will either apply to
“The Schengen Short-Stay Visa”,
The “student-in-competition” ,
or “ Temporary long stay” or
“Long stay visa”, depends upon their duration in France.
The costs & details about all the French study visa types are discussed above in detail.
Take a few minutes to read all the steps required and start your visa application.
Desired students can download their respect visa forms for a France visa here.
6.4. Book an appointment for an interview at a French Embassy or Consulate
The last step is to book an appointment for an interview at the French embassy or consulate. You can check out the embassies & consulates nearest to you here.
The visa center is responsible for the application of students and provides tracking information about application status.
The standard recommended process time for a France student visa is expected to take 14-21 days.
But in the case of a few countries It could take even for up to 45 days.
Therefore, Students should start the visa application process right after their acceptance at their choice of university.
It is better to take an appointment in the French embassy at least 3 months before starting the university degree program.
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7. Interview Questions for France Student Visa
Common questions student face during their visa interview. These questions may vary from profile to profile.
Name of the student & questions about previous educational qualification?
What is your purpose for going to France?
Did you already search for opportunities in your home country?
Where is the university located in France?
Who is your sponsor? What is your relationship?
What is your course structure or Course summary?
Which course you will start at the university?
Why did you choose this university and subject?
How will this course shape your career?
How did you find this university?
What are your plans after the completion of the course?
Who advised this accommodation and how much will be?
When will your course start?
Why did you choose France and not another country?
What is the capital of France and the spoken language?
Can you name other cities where famous universities exist?
Did you do an examination or a test made by the university?
Please name the person with whom you are in contact at the university.
Where will you stay in France?
How much do you expect to spend per month in your destination city? On your rent, food & fee.
Is there any information to tell us to support your application?
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8. FAQs of France student’s visa
8.1. How can an international student renew a France visa?
If students are in France, then they must contact the prefecture of the place of residence. In case students are in their home country, then they must contact the consular services.
8.2. Does a student need a visa in case of holding a French residence permit?
If a student has a valid residence permit that authorizes them to stay in France, then there is no need for an entry visa.
8.3. Where can students find all the forms related to French visa applications?
Desired students can download their respect visa forms for a France visa here.
8.4. Can students find out why their French visa got rejected?
The reasons could be
A: Not able to give proper convincing answers during the visa interview.
B: Lack of good communication skills.
C: Insufficient funds.
D: Irregularity in studies or less resemblance with future studies.
E: Lack of English Language fluency According to French & European Laws, a negative decision of the visa must be notified.
If the visa of the applicant has been refused, then the student can go for an appeal against the visa decision. This appeal must be lodged within two months of official notification.
8.5. What level of French language is required for international students?
Most of the programs for undergraduate studies are offered in the French language. Students can search for English programs available at Desired students can download their respect visa forms for a France visa here. searchable online database. Students need to submit proficiency in relevant languages of English or French.
This evidence is provided by showing language tests like DALE, DELF, IELTS or TOEFL.
8.6. Can a student visit France on an already issued Schengen short-stay visa by another Schengen State?
A Schengen visa is the one which is issued by the Schengen State consulate or embassy. Schengen visa is valid for all the 26 States that are included in the Schengen area.
If the Schengen visa of the students is valid, they don’t need to apply for another France student visa.
Students must provide supporting documents to show the purpose of their stay and subsistence means upon arrival to France.
8.7. Can an international student stay and work in France after graduation?
Yes. International students must apply for changing their residency status after completing graduation in case of applying for a job. Residency status can be changed through the local prefecture after receiving an employment offer.
Students also have the option to apply for an extended residence permit for the duration of one year. During this time, students can work up to 60% of the legal working hours and week.
8.8. For How much time a short-stay visa is valid?
There is a stamp on the visa that indicates the validity and time duration of the stay. These visas may be either issued for single entry or multiple entries. The maximum duration of the stay is mentioned on the visa and varies with the purpose of the stay.
8.9. What is The Researcher-Talent Passport Long-Stay Visa for France?
The “researcher-talent passport” long-stay visa (VLS-TS) allows students to continue doctorate studies and conduct research in France.
If the stay is less than 12 months, the researcher-talent passport visa (VLS-TS) is valid for a one-year duration. International students must VLS-TS visa within three months duration time after arrival in France.
If the stay is more than 12 months, initially the researcher-talent passport visa is valid for three months. Within two months after arrival to France, students must go to the Prefecture and request a multi-year research-talent passport residency permit.
It is valid for a maximum of four years.
Students can travel freely within the Schengen area during the first three months period. following entry to France with a multi-entry researcher-talent passport visa (VLS-TS). Students need to validate their visas online.
With a researcher-talent passport visa, students can freely enter and leave the Schengen area during the period of the first three months following entry to France.
8.10. How to Renew Researcher-Talent Passport Long-Stay Visa
As the researcher-talent passport long-stay visa expires, students can request for a multi-year researcher-talent passport residency permit to extend stay in France.
It is valid for a maximum of four years. The cost of renewing this visa is 225 Euros.
8.11. What is Long Stay Visa as Residence Permit for Studies (VLS-TS)?
The VLS-TS student visa allows students to continue their studies for a period of four-month duration to one year. This visa is validated upon arrival to France. Students need to apply for a multi-annual residence permit after expiring of this visa.
Students can get the following benefits upon receiving a residence permit for studies (VLS-TS) visa:
They can travel freely in the countries of the Schengen area, & can work 20 hours per week to supplement their financial needs.
Students can also extend their stay beyond the validity period of the issued residence permit.
8.12. What is The Long-Stay Internship Visa (VLS-TS)
The long-stay internship visa allows students to do internships in France for more than four months. After the expiry of the Internship Visa (VLS-TS), students can request a temporary internship residency permit.
Remember, The internship must be part of professional training that takes place in a company. There is no need to validate it from the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII).
If the duration of the internship lasts less than three months, then the student must request for short stay visa that procedure is different.
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9. France student visa for international students (SUMMARY):
1. Take a visa appointment at a France embassy near you & choose the correct visa category, as we discussed above in detail.
2. Pay the visa fee & provide financial resources and bank statement details.
3. Prepare the list of documents discussed above i.e., language tests, Health insurance, Bank details, scholarships etc.
4. Appear at the visa interview & wait for the result. It will take up some time.
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If You have any questions related to your France study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
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