Applying for a student visa in France is not as complicated as you may think. In this article, we will walk you through the process step-by-step so that you know exactly what you need to do. If you are traveling to France, make sure you research the necessary student visa requirements beforehand.
Of the 250,000 international students, 10% study in France. Most of these students opt to undertake their graduate-level studies or Ph.D. in the country and are often from other European countries such as Italy and Germany.
EU/EEA nationals do not have to apply for a French student visa. But they must have a valid passport and other travel documents. Students from countries like Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein do not need to apply for a student visa in order to study in France.
Also, Apply For this Awesome Opportunity Scholarships in France Fully Funded
Applying to a French University and getting an Acceptance Letter
The visa application process can start after you are accepted at a French university. You first need an acceptance letter from the school in order to get your student visa.
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- KEDGE Business School
- Emlyon Business School
- University Of Paris
- HEC Paris
- ESCP Business School
- ESIEE Paris
- American Business School, Paris
- EBS Paris
- ESC Rennes School of Business, France
- ESGCI, Paris
- ESLSCA Business School
- EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
- ESAIP School of Engineers
- IESA International
- INSEEC Business School
- ISC Paris
- NEOMA Business School
- Paris School of Business
- SKEMA Business School
- Toulouse Business School
Find out what type of visa you needed
Visa de court séjour pour etudes (‘Schengen’ short-stay student visa) – If you are a student studying abroad for a short period of time, and your studies will last less than 3 months, you should apply for visa de court séjour pour etudes. Visa de court séjour pour etudes are granted without the need for a residence permit and can be renewed up to 5 times.
Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes (temporary long-stay visa) – for studies that take 3 to 6 months to complete.
Visa de long séjour etudes (long-stay visa) –A long-stay visa is needed in order to stay in France for more than six months. Apply for a residence permit if you continue to live in France after your long-stay visa expires.
How to apply for a student visa in France 2024?
1) Get all of the necessary documents together. These include your passport, birth certificate, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a letter of acceptance from your school in France.
2) Make an appointment at the French consulate or embassy in your home country. You can usually do this online.
3) Go to your appointment and submit your visa application. Be prepared to pay the visa fee (usually around 50–100 EUR).
4) Try to schedule the date of the appointment at least 90 days before your departure.
5) Wait for your visa to be processed. This can take up to two months, so make sure to apply early!
6) Once you have received your visa, you are ready to book your flight and start planning your adventure in France. If your application is approved, you will be issued a student visa which will allow you to stay in France for up to one year.
Language requirements in France
- TOEFL and IELTS are accepted English proficiency tests if you apply for an English-taught degree.
- French language proficiency (accepted tests are: DELF/DALF or TCF) is required if you apply for a French-taught degree.
If you study in France, the French consulate won’t require additional language requirements because of this acceptance letter from a French university. Applicants can also Study in France Without IELTS.
Required documents for the French Student visa 2024
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two passport-type photos
- Acceptance letter from the university
- Proof of financial resources for your studies in France (usually a bank statement or letter from your sponsor) (around 615 EUR per month)
- Proof of payment of the visa fee (50–100 EUR)
- Airline ticket reservation showing date of departure
- Documents Showing the accommodation arrangement.
- French language proficiency certificate (if you have enrolled in a French-taught course)
- Medical insurance (Optional)
Part-time Work in France as an international student
All international students are allowed to take a job during their studies. However, you can only work part-time (around 60 percent of full-time employment for a year) and under certain conditions. You must have a valid residence permit and make sure your employer knows you are an international student when applying for a job.
You can also find additional sources of income at your university and you can only take on those jobs during holiday breaks.
Residence Permit in France
Within a month of arriving in France, you will have to register for long-term immigration and medical exam. You can register yourself by going to the local French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) and having a medical examination to validate your visa.
If you plan to stay in France for more than one year, you’ll need a Carte de Séjour (CDS) or a ‘titre de séjour’, an official residence permit.
Note: For More Scholarship Opportunities Follow our Facebook Page, Twitter, and Telegram
