French Student Visa Requirements: The Complete Guide for 2025

Studying in France means navigating one of Europe’s most structured visa systems. Whether you’re eyeing the Sorbonne, a business school in Paris, or a language course in Lyon, understanding french student visa requirements is the first step toward making it happen.

The whole process might seem overwhelming at first glance—Campus France accounts, consulate appointments, validation deadlines. But here’s the reality: thousands of international students complete this process successfully every year, and with the right preparation, you can too.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa for France, from eligibility and document checklists to post-arrival obligations. Let’s get you ready to study abroad in France.

Key Takeaways

Who Needs a French Student Visa?

Your visa requirements depend on two factors: your nationality and how long you plan to study in France. Let’s break this down clearly.

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally need a student visa to study in France. This includes students from:

EU, EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), and Swiss nationals can study in France without a visa. You’ll still need a valid passport or national ID card, and you may need to register with local authorities once you arrive on French territory.

Some nationalities—including citizens of Singapore, South Korea, and several Latin American countries—can enter France visa-free for short stays. However, if you’re planning long-term studies, you’ll still need to obtain a student visa before you can legally enroll.

Types of French Student Visas

France offers several study-related visa categories. Choosing the right one depends on your program length and purpose.

Short-Stay Study Visa (Type C)

This visa covers courses, exams, or language programs lasting up to 90 days. Common uses include:

• Summer language intensive courses
• Short-term research visits
• Entrance exams at French institutions

The short stay visa doesn’t require validation upon arrival and allows stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period within the Schengen Area.

Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS "Étudiant")

This is the standard french visa for international students pursuing:

• Full-time degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
• Exchange programs lasting 3–12 months
• Language courses exceeding 90 days

The VLS-TS serves a dual purpose—it functions as both an entry visa and a temporary long stay visa equivalent to a residence permit for your first year. Visas issued under this category are typically valid for 4–12 months and renewable in France.

Étudiant-Concours Visa

If you’re traveling to France specifically to sit an entrance exam at a French institution, this temporary visa allows you to:

• Enter France for the exam
• Return home after the exam
• Apply for a full student visa if admitted (without leaving France in some cases)

Mineur Scolarisé Visa

For students under 18 enrolling in French schools, the school going minor visa applies. Requirements differ significantly:

• Parental authorization documents required
• Guardian arrangements in France must be documented
• Additional safeguarding documentation

Core French Student Visa Requirements

While exact requirements vary depending on your home country and the consulate handling your application, the following documents are standard across most visa applicants.

Passport Requirements

Official Acceptance Letter

You need written proof of admission from a recognized French institution. This document must clearly show:

• Course title and level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, language course, etc.)
• Program duration with start and end dates
• Full-time enrollment status

An official acceptance letter or pre-registration confirmation (attestation de pré-inscription) from your university, grande école, or language school is non-negotiable.

Accommodation Evidence

Consulates require proof of housing for at least your first three months in France:

• University housing: CROUS or campus residence confirmation
• Private rental: Signed lease in your name
• Host family: Attestation d’hébergement (hosting letter) with the host’s ID and recent utility bill
• Temporary: Hotel booking or short-term rental for initial period

Financial Proof

France enforces strict financial self-sufficiency requirements. The minimum threshold is approximately €615 per month (around €7,380 for a full academic year).

Acceptable documents required include:

• Personal bank statements from the last 3–6 months
• Scholarship award letters from official bodies
• Sponsor’s financial guarantee with their bank statements
• Proof of government-funded or employer-funded programs

Large, last-minute deposits raise red flags. Consulates look for consistent, regular income that demonstrates genuine financial stability.

Health Insurance

Requirements differ by visa type:

• Short-stay: Schengen-compliant travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage for medical and repatriation)
• Long-stay: Private coverage initially, then enrollment in French student social security (Sécurité Sociale)

Additional Supporting Documents

All the documents in languages other than French or English typically need certified translations.

Campus France Registration (If Applicable)

Many students from non European countries must complete the Campus France procedure before the French consulate will accept a visa application. This extra step adds time to your application process, so plan accordingly.

Countries Requiring Campus France

The "Etudes en France" platform is mandatory for students from countries including:

• Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia
• Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
• China, Vietnam, India
• Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon
• United States (Campus France USA)
• Turkey, Russia

Check the official Campus France website for the definitive, up-to-date list of participating countries.

Campus France Application Steps

1. Create an account on the Etudes en France portal
2. Upload documents: Academic transcripts, diplomas, CV, passport copy
3. Select French programs and submit applications to institutions
4. Pay the Campus France fee (typically €100–€200, varies by country)
5. Attend an interview (some countries require this to assess academic motivation)
6. Receive validation and the “attestation” approval

The Campus France registration process can take 2–3 weeks during busy periods, especially before Fall semester applications. Build this time into your planning.

Once Campus France validates your file and issues approval, you can proceed to your online visa application through France Visas.

How to Apply for a French Student Visa

The visa application process combines an online application on the France Visas portal with an in person visa appointment at your French consulate or an external service provider like VFS or TLS.

Step 1: Start Your Online Application

Visit the france visas website (france-visas.gouv.fr) to:

• Check eligibility using the visa wizard
• Select “Long-stay student” as your visa type
• Complete the online visa application form
• Upload required document scans
• Generate your application reference number

After completing the visa online form, print your France Visas receipt—you’ll need this for your appointment.

Step 2: Book Your Visa Appointment

Schedule an appointment at:

• Your local French embassy or French consulate, OR
• A visa centre operated by VFS Global or TLS Contact

When to apply: Most consulates accept applications starting 90 days (3 months) before your course start date. Aim to book your appointment 1–3 months before your planned departure.

Step 3: Attend Your In Person Visa Appointment

At the appointment, you’ll:

• Submit originals and copies of all the required documents
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
• Pay the service fee and visa fee (approximately €50–€99)
• Answer brief questions about your study plans

Step 4: Track Your Application

You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your visa process. Passports are typically returned with the visa approved via courier or in-person pickup after processing.

Financial, Accommodation and Insurance Proofs in Detail

Three areas cause the most delays and refusals in student visa applications. Let’s examine each in detail.

Financial Documentation Deep-Dive

Consulates scrutinize financial proofs carefully to ensure you can support yourself throughout your stay.

Personal funds:

• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing regular balance above the threshold
• Avoid large unexplained deposits right before applying

Sponsored students:

• Sponsor’s bank statements and employment verification
• Signed affidavit of support
• Proof of relationship to sponsor

Scholarship recipients:

• Official award letter stating amount and duration
• Confirmation that funds cover tuition and/or living expenses

Accommodation Documentation

Insurance Requirements

For short-stay visas:

• Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
• Must cover medical emergencies and repatriation
• Valid for entire trip duration

For long-stay student visas:

• Private health insurance initially
• Registration in French student health insurance (Sécurité Sociale) after arrival
• Some students may need to show coverage until French registration is complete

Translation Requirements

Every document in a foreign language may need a certified translation into French (or English, depending on consulate rules). Use sworn translators recognized by your local consulate.

After You Arrive in France: Validation and Residence Permits

Getting your visa approved is a major milestone, but the administrative journey continues once you enter France.

The process involves:

1. Accessing the ANEF validation portal
2. Entering your visa details and French address
3. Purchasing an electronic fiscal stamp (approximately €50)
4. Submitting your validation request

Failing to validate your visa within the three-month window can make your stay irregular, potentially leading to deportation and visa bans. Some students may be called for a medical visit or orientation session as part of this process.

Carte de Séjour for Extended Studies

If your studies extend beyond your initial visa validity (typically one academic year), you must apply for a Carte de Séjour “étudiant” at your local prefecture.

Key points:

• Apply several months before your current visa expires
• Multi-year residence permits (up to 5 years) are available for longer degree programs
• Renewal requirements include proof of academic progress

Work Rights

Students holding a valid residence permit in France can work part-time:

• Up to 964 hours per year (approximately 60% of full-time)
• No separate work permit required
• Work should not interfere with studies

Your carte de séjour also allows travel within the Schengen Area without additional visas.

Processing Times, Fees and Practical Tips

Processing Timeline

Visa processing times vary depending on nationality, season, and file completeness.

Fee Structure

Some scholarship recipients may qualify for reduced visa fees.

Practical Preparation Tips

• Start 3–4 months before your course begins to allow for Campus France processing, appointment scheduling, and unexpected delays
• Organize documents clearly in the order specified by the consulate checklist
• Make photocopies of everything (2–3 sets)
• Double-check names and dates against your passport—inconsistencies cause rejections
• Arrive early to your average appointment with all printed confirmations
• Keep digital backups of all documents

Trust Official Sources

Requirements can change from one academic year to the next. Only official French sources provide up-to-date rules:

• France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr)
• Campus France (campusfrance.org)
• Your local French consulate website

Relying on outdated information from forums or unofficial guides can derail your application.

Final Thoughts

Navigating french student visa requirements takes effort, but thousands of students from other countries successfully complete this process every year. The key is starting early, gathering all the documents methodically, and following the official steps in sequence.

Whether you’re pursuing higher education at a prestigious university or an exchange program at a language school, proper preparation makes all the difference. Start your application as soon as your acceptance letter arrives, keep your documents organized, and stick to official guidance.

France offers world-class education, rich culture, and a gateway to Europe. With your visa secured, you’ll be ready to focus on what really matters—your studies and the incredible experience ahead.

Need Help with Administration?

Settling in a new country involves more than just a visa. From validating your VLS-TS to opening a bank account and finding housing, the paperwork can be daunting.

Hiliv assists international students and expatriates in France with all administrative procedures. We ensure your transition is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

FAQ – French Student Visa Requirements