Guide to the French student visa and study process
France generally has two major intakes:
Fall Intake (September/October): The primary intake with the widest range of courses across all universities. Most international students prefer this session.
Spring Intake (January/February): Available in selected universities and programs, mostly in business, management, and STEM fields.
Some private business schools may also offer additional rolling intakes throughout the year.
Applications are usually processed through:
Campus France (Études en France platform): The official application portal for most international students. You create a profile, upload documents, and track your application.
Direct University Application: Some universities and private institutions allow you to apply directly through their websites.
Tip: For public universities, Campus France is mandatory, while for business schools/private institutes, applications can often be direct.
Typical documents include:
Valid passport.
Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, bachelor’s degree, if applicable).
Degree certificates.
CV/Resume.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Motivation Letter.
Letters of Recommendation (1–2).
Language proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL for English, DELF/DALF/TCF for French).
Portfolio (for arts, architecture, design courses).
Work experience certificates (if applying for MBA or specialized master’s).
No, IELTS is not mandatory for all institutions.
If your chosen program is taught in English, universities usually accept IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/DUOLINGO.
If you completed your previous education in English, many institutions may waive IELTS.
For French-taught programs, DELF/DALF/TCF is required instead.
Most universities require an overall IELTS band of 6.0–6.5.
Top business schools like HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD may require 7.0 or above.
For bachelor’s and regular master’s programs, 6.0 is usually acceptable.
Yes, in many cases:
If you studied in an English-medium school or university, you may get a waiver.
Some universities conduct their own English proficiency tests instead of IELTS.
Campus France may accept a medium of instruction certificate (MOI) from your previous institution.
Yes. Most universities in France are flexible and may accept students with up to 8–10 backlogs, provided they demonstrate overall academic improvement and meet program requirements. Competitive schools may prefer fewer backlogs.
Through Campus France, you can apply to up to 7 programs per academic year. For direct applications (to private schools), there is no strict limit—you can apply to multiple institutions.
Campus France is the official government agency for promoting higher education in France. It serves as:
The main application portal for international students.
A platform for document verification and interview scheduling.
A mandatory step before filing your visa application through VFS.
For regular master’s programs, work experience is not mandatory.
For MBA, EMBA, or specialized master’s (Grande École programs), 2–5 years of professional experience is usually required.
The SOP (or Motivation Letter) is a critical document in French applications. It should clearly explain:
Why you chose France and the specific university.
How the program aligns with your career goals.
Your academic background and achievements.
Future plans (career, research, or entrepreneurship).
Yes. Most universities require 1–2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
For undergraduates → usually from teachers.
For postgraduates → from professors or professional supervisors (if work experience is relevant).
Yes. Students can apply with predicted scores or provisional certificates. In this case, universities issue a conditional offer letter, which becomes unconditional once final transcripts are submitted.
Public universities: Around €100–€150 via Campus France (processing + application).
Private schools/business schools: Application fees range from €50–€200 per application.
Yes, especially for programs in business, management, and selective master’s programs. The interview is often part of the Campus France procedure and focuses on:
Academic motivation.
Program and career alignment.
Why France is your study destination.
Public universities: Tuition is highly subsidized by the French government. As of 2025:
Bachelor’s: ~ €2,770 per year
Master’s: ~ €3,770 per year
Doctorate (PhD): ~ €380–€600 per year
Private universities/business schools: Fees are much higher, ranging from €8,000 – €20,000 per year, and top institutions like INSEAD or HEC Paris may charge up to €50,000+ for MBA programs.
Yes. France is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe for international students because tuition at public universities is subsidized. Even compared to Germany or Italy, the cost-to-quality ratio is very high, especially for master’s and PhD programs.
On average, international students spend €800–€1,200 per month, depending on the city:
Paris: €1,100–€1,500/month
Lyon, Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux: €800–€1,000/month
Smaller cities: €650–€850/month
This includes accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, and leisure.
The French student visa (VLS-TS) requires students to show at least €615 per month for the entire stay.
For a one-year program: ~ €7,380 in savings/funding.
Proof can be in the form of a bank statement, scholarship award letter, or guarantor’s financial documents.
Key scholarships include:
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Master’s & PhD): Covers tuition, €1,181 monthly stipend, travel & insurance.
Campus France Scholarships: Regional scholarships offered through Études en France.
Erasmus+ Programs: For exchange and master’s mobility programs.
French Government & Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants.
University-specific scholarships (like Sciences Po Emile-Boutmy, HEC Foundation scholarships, etc.).
Highly competitive—especially the Eiffel Scholarship, which is awarded to top-performing students worldwide. However, many universities offer partial tuition fee waivers and need-based support, making them more accessible. Applying early increases chances.
Yes. International students on a valid student visa can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week).
The current minimum wage (SMIC) is ~ €11.65/hour (2025).
On average, students earn €500–€800/month from part-time jobs, which helps cover living expenses.
Students under 28 years old can enroll in French Social Security (free or minimal charge).
Non-EU students must register at sécurité sociale étudiante upon arrival.
Private health insurance may be needed in the first year before getting access to public coverage.
CROUS student residences (government housing): ~ €150–€400/month.
Private apartments: €500–€900/month (higher in Paris).
Shared apartments/coliving: €300–€600/month.
Homestays with French families may also be available for around €250–€500/month, often including meals.
Outside Paris, cities like Lille, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble, and Nantes are considered budget-friendly. They have lower rent, cheaper transport, and a vibrant student community.
Yes. Students may apply for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), which provides rent subsidies.
Eligible students can receive €100–€200/month towards housing costs.
This benefit is open to both EU and non-EU students, provided they are legal residents.
Yes, in certain cases:
PhD programs are often heavily funded, and many include monthly stipends.
With scholarships like Eiffel or Erasmus+, tuition and living costs can be covered.
Public universities are already very affordable compared to English-speaking countries.
Students pay tuition annually, and for many universities, payments can be made in installments. Private institutions often charge per semester, with flexible payment plans.
Most French universities refund tuition deposits if the visa application is rejected, provided students submit the visa refusal letter from the French consulate. Always check the university’s refund policy before making payments.
Yes. Opening a student bank account is simple and required for managing expenses, receiving part-time salaries, and applying for CAF benefits. Documents required:
Passport & visa.
Proof of residence (rental contract or housing certificate).
University admission letter/student ID.
Banks popular with students: BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, N26, and Revolut.
International students usually require a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS – Visa de Long Séjour Valant Titre de Séjour) if their course lasts more than 90 days.
For programs under 3 months → Short-stay visa (rare for degree students).
For exchange programs, language courses, or full-time higher education → VLS-TS student visa.
The application process involves:
1. Campus France application (Études en France platform) – mandatory for most non-EU students.
2. Visa application via VFS Global (French consulate partner).
3. Attend a biometric appointment and submit documents.
4. Wait for approval and collect passport with visa.
Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay).
Campus France admission/approval letter.
University acceptance letter.
Proof of sufficient funds (€615/month for duration of stay).
Proof of accommodation (CROUS booking, rental contract, or housing guarantee).
Recent passport-size photos.
Proof of health insurance (if required initially).
Academic transcripts and certificates.
Visa application form.
Visa fee payment receipt.
As of 2025:
Student long-stay visa (VLS-TS): €99.
Service charges (VFS Global) may apply separately.
Processing usually takes 3–6 weeks after submitting documents. During peak intake months (June–August), it may take longer. Students are advised to apply at least 2–3 months before program start.
Yes. Students must show where they will stay during their studies. Acceptable proofs include:
University residence booking (CROUS).
Private rental agreement.
A housing certificate from a host (attestation d’hébergement).
Students must show they have at least €615 per month for their stay. For a 12-month program, this totals around €7,380.
Proof can include:
Recent bank statements (student or sponsor).
Scholarship award letter.
Sponsor’s financial documents + affidavit of support.
Yes. Non-EU students must have health insurance covering at least the first year.
Students under 28 can register with French Social Security (free or minimal fee) upon arrival.
Some students may need private insurance initially until they enroll.
Yes, most students must attend a Campus France interview before applying for the visa. The interview assesses:
Academic background.
Choice of program/university.
Motivation for studying in France.
The actual visa appointment at VFS is generally for biometrics and document submission, not a detailed interview.
Some common questions include:
Why did you choose France as your study destination?
Why this university and course?
How will this program help your career?
How will you fund your studies?
Do you plan to return to your home country after graduation?
Yes. Students with a valid VLS-TS visa can work 964 hours per year (20 hours/week). This is about 60% of full-time employment.
In general, France does not allow dependents on a student visa. However:
Spouses can apply for their own spouse visa or visitor visa.
Some exceptions exist for PhD and research scholars, who may bring dependents under special visas.
Within 3 months of arrival, students must:
1. Validate their visa online through the OFII (French Immigration Office) portal.
2. Pay the visa validation fee (~€60).
3. Complete a medical check if required.
This validation gives you the right to reside, work, and travel within Schengen countries.
Students apply for a residence permit renewal (titre de séjour étudiant) at their local prefecture before their visa expires. Required documents include proof of enrollment, academic progress, financial means, and housing.
Yes. After graduation, students can switch to:
APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour): A 12–24 month post-study work permit for job search.
Work visa if they secure full-time employment.
If refused, students receive a refusal letter. Options include:
Reapply with corrected documents.
File an appeal within 2 months of refusal.
Most refusals happen due to insufficient financial proof or weak academic justification.
It depends on the program:
English-taught programs: English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL).
French-taught programs: DELF/DALF/TCF scores.
Campus France ensures students meet the language requirements of their chosen program.
Yes. The French VLS-TS visa allows travel within all 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
No. The VLS-TS student visa itself acts as a residence permit once validated through OFII. For multi-year programs, students must renew their residence permit annually.
Short-stay visa: For courses less than 90 days (e.g., summer schools, language programs).
Long-stay visa (VLS-TS): For degree programs and courses longer than 3 months, also doubling as a residence permit.
Yes. Students with a valid long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) can work up to 964 hours per year (20 hours/week during semesters). During university breaks, students may work full-time. This work right is automatic, no separate permit required.
As of 2025, the minimum wage (SMIC) in France is around €11.65 per hour (gross). After deductions, students typically earn about €9–10 per hour net. On average, part-time student jobs can generate €400–€800 per month, depending on hours worked.
Popular options include:
On-campus roles (library assistant, research assistant, student ambassador).
Language tutoring (English tutors are in high demand).
Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, retail shops).
Internships related to the field of study.
Many universities also have job boards and partnerships with companies that hire students.
Yes, for many programs (especially in business, engineering, and hospitality), internships are mandatory and built into the curriculum. Internships are often paid and provide valuable work experience.
If an internship lasts more than 2 months, French law requires it to be paid.
The minimum stipend is around €4.05/hour, totaling about €600–€700/month.
Many companies, especially in Paris, pay higher (up to €1,200–€1,800/month).
The APS visa is a post-study work permit that allows non-EU graduates to stay in France after completing their degree.
Valid for 12 months (renewable once for certain programs).
Allows graduates to look for jobs or start a business.
Once employed, students can switch to a work visa.
Eligibility includes:
Students who completed a Master’s degree or higher in France.
Students with a professional bachelor’s degree may also qualify.
Students graduating from programs recognized by the French government.
Yes. Once you secure a full-time job with a valid contract, you can apply to switch to a work permit/residence permit. The employer often sponsors this, and the job must usually pay at least 1.5 times the minimum wage (around €2,300/month gross).
France is strong in:
Business & Finance (Paris is a hub for banking, consulting, MNCs).
Engineering & IT (AI, robotics, data science, cybersecurity).
Luxury, Fashion & Design (France is home to global brands).
Hospitality & Tourism (world’s most visited country).
Research & Academia (public research centers and universities).
It depends on the industry. While English-speaking roles exist in multinational companies, knowledge of French significantly improves employability. Students who learn French (B2 level or higher) often have a much smoother job search.
Yes, but in steps:
1. Student Visa → APS (12–24 months).
2. Work visa once employed.
3. After 5 years of continuous legal stay, you may apply for Permanent Residency (Carte de Résident).
4. After 5–10 years, depending on circumstances, you may apply for French citizenship.
Not always, but highly recommended.
In global companies (tech, finance, luxury brands), many roles are in English.
For mid-sized French firms, French proficiency (B1–B2 level) is often mandatory.
Internships are easier to secure with French language skills.
University career services & alumni networks.
Job portals like Pole Emploi, APEC, Indeed France.
Networking events, job fairs, and LinkedIn.
Campus France and local chambers of commerce often support graduates with career placement.
Business/Management graduates: €35,000–€45,000/year.
Engineering/IT graduates: €40,000–€50,000/year.
Luxury/Fashion/Arts graduates: €30,000–€40,000/year.
Hospitality graduates: €25,000–€35,000/year.
Salaries in Paris tend to be higher, but so is the cost of living.
Yes, but only after graduation. Students cannot open a business while on a student visa. However:
With an APS visa, you can start a business.
Later, you can switch to a business visa or entrepreneur permit if the venture is successful.
Students can choose from:
CROUS residences (public student housing): Affordable dormitories run by the government (€150–€400/month).
Private student residences: Modern facilities, closer to campus (€500–€800/month).
Shared apartments (colocation): Popular among students, €300–€600/month.
Homestays: Living with a French family, often including meals (€250–€500/month).
Applications are made through the CROUS (Centres Régionaux des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) website.
Students need to complete the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE).
Demand is very high, so apply as early as possible. International students can also apply, but places are limited.
Paris: €600–€1,200/month.
Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse: €400–€700/month.
Smaller cities: €250–€500/month.
Many students save money by sharing flats or staying in CROUS residences.
Yes. Students can apply for CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) housing allowance.
Reduces rent by €100–€200/month depending on income and rent.
Available to EU and non-EU students with a valid residence permit and French bank account.
Yes. Cities offer discounted monthly passes:
Paris: ~ €43/month (Imagine R pass for students).
Other cities: €20–€30/month for unlimited travel.
France also has student discounts on trains (SNCF cards) for intercity travel.
France is generally safe, but like any major country, students should be cautious about:
Pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas (Paris, Marseille).
Late-night travel in certain neighborhoods.
Universities have international student offices and helplines for support.
France offers a vibrant mix of history, art, fashion, gastronomy, and festivals. Students enjoy:
Rich cultural life with museums, concerts, and theatre.
Affordable student tickets for cinema, museums, and exhibitions.
A strong café culture and nightlife in major cities.
Yes. Support services include:
International offices (help with visas, housing, health insurance).
Language support (French language classes).
Career services (internships, job placements).
Student associations for networking and cultural exchange.
It can take some adjustment, especially with language. However:
Most universities have welcome weeks for international students.
Student groups and associations help newcomers integrate.
Learning basic French (A2–B1 level) makes daily life easier.
Paris: World-class opportunities, diverse culture, higher cost of living.
Smaller cities (Lyon, Toulouse, Montpellier): Lower costs, friendlier communities, easier integration, and still excellent universities.
Many students prefer starting in smaller cities for affordability.
Universities and student unions organize:
Sports (football, basketball, tennis, swimming).
Cultural clubs (music, drama, debate, arts).
International student networks (like ESN – Erasmus Student Network).
CROUS university restaurants offer meals at €3.30 per meal for students.
Grocery shopping costs around €150–€250/month depending on lifestyle.
Eating out in restaurants is expensive (€12–€20 for a student meal), so students often cook at home.
Yes. Students often find jobs in:
Cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Hotels and tourism-related services.
Tutoring (especially English language tutoring).
Fluency in French is usually required for customer-facing roles.
France has a strong student community spirit with events, nightlife, and cultural exchange programs.
International student groups (like ESN and AIESEC) organize trips and events.
Students often enjoy weekend travel across Europe thanks to affordable trains and flights.
Yes, especially outside big cities. While courses in English are common, everyday life (banking, shopping, paperwork) often requires basic French. Many universities offer free or low-cost French courses to help students adapt.
To apply for a French student visa (VLS-TS), you generally need:
Valid passport (minimum validity 12 months).
France admission/acceptance letter from a recognized university.
Proof of financial resources (at least €615/month × duration of stay or approx. €7,380/year).
Accommodation proof (CROUS, rental contract, or housing guarantee).
Proof of tuition fee payment or funding.
Medical insurance valid in France.
Completed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photos.
Campus France authorization letter (Etudes en France platform).
Visa fee payment receipt (~ €99).
Most international students apply for the Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS).
Valid for 12 months (renewable).
Acts as both visa and residence permit once validated in France.
Allows part-time work and travel within the Schengen Zone.
Yes. Most non-EU students must register through the Etudes en France (Campus France) portal. The platform manages:
University applications.
Document verification.
Pre-visa interview.
Only after receiving Campus France clearance can you apply for the visa at the French consulate.
Students must show proof of at least €615 per month for the entire duration of study.
For a 1-year course: approx. €7,380.
This can be in the form of bank statements, scholarship letters, or a sponsor’s financial guarantee.
Yes, for most students. The Campus France interview checks:
Your academic and career goals.
Why you chose France and your course.
Financial ability to fund studies.
Future plans after graduation.
The interview is usually conversational and not as strict as U.S. or Canadian visa interviews.
On average, it takes 3–6 weeks after submitting documents. Students are advised to apply at least 8–12 weeks before departure to avoid delays.
Yes. All students must have health coverage:
Students under 28 can register for French Social Security (free) after arrival.
Private insurance is required for initial months or if above 28 years.
Yes. Within the first 3 months of arrival, students must validate their VLS-TS visa online at the OFII (French Immigration Office) website. This makes it a valid residence permit.
Yes, but not automatically. Students’ spouses and children can apply for a visitor visa. They won’t have automatic work rights, unlike some other countries (e.g., Canada, Australia).
Yes. A French student visa (VLS-TS) allows free travel within the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Students must apply for a residence permit renewal at the prefecture at least 2 months before expiry. Failure to renew may result in fines or deportation.
Yes. Once you secure a job (with a salary meeting French labor law requirements), you can switch to a work permit or talent passport residence permit.
If a French student visa is refused:
You’ll receive a written explanation.
You can appeal within 2 months to the French consulate or Tribunal Administratif in Nantes.
Often, rejection is due to weak financial proof or incomplete documents, so reapplying with stronger evidence is possible.
Yes. All applicants must provide fingerprints and a digital photo at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Not always. If your course is in English, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is enough.
For French-taught programs, B2 level in DELF/DALF may be required.
However, basic French knowledge helps with daily life and visa approval.
Yes. Internships (stages) are a key part of many French programs.
Internships longer than 2 months must be paid (~€600–€800/month).
Students must sign a convention de stage (internship agreement) with the university.
Internships help build professional networks and often lead to full-time opportunities.
Not always. For programs like engineering, business, hospitality, and arts, internships are mandatory. In research-focused or theoretical programs, internships may be optional but strongly recommended.
Non-EU students who graduate in France can apply for:
APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour): A temporary residence permit valid for 12 months (renewable once) to look for a job or start a business.
After securing a job with minimum salary requirements, students can switch to a work permit or Talent Passport.
To switch from a student visa to a work visa, graduates must earn at least 1.5 times the minimum wage (SMIC). In 2025, this is approximately €2,600/month gross.
Yes. The Talent Passport – Qualified Employee residence permit is available for students who:
Graduate with a Master’s or higher degree.
Secure a job with a salary of at least €41,933/year (2025 rate).
It is valid for 4 years and is renewable, offering a pathway to PR.
Yes, after graduation. While on an APS or with a Talent Passport, students can register as entrepreneurs. Many graduates in IT, design, and business fields start startups in France due to government support programs.
APS allows graduates to:
Stay in France for 12–24 months (depending on degree).
Work part-time or full-time.
Search for jobs or set up a business.
APS is a popular route for students seeking work experience before applying for long-term permits.
Yes, but not immediately. You must first stay in France under work permits.
Students typically apply for PR (Carte de Résident) after 5 years of continuous residence.
For graduates of French universities, this time can sometimes be shorter if employed.
Carte de Résident (10-year residence permit): After 5 years of stay.
EU Long-Term Residence Permit: After 5 years, valid across EU countries.
Naturalization (French Citizenship): Possible after 5 years in France, reduced to 2 years if you studied at a French university and integrated well.
Yes. PR eligibility depends on residence duration and legal stay, not on the language of instruction. However, you must demonstrate integration into French society, which includes at least B1-level French language proficiency.
Yes. France has a growing demand for skilled workers in:
Engineering (mechanical, civil, IT, automotive).
Business & Finance.
Hospitality, luxury, and fashion industries.
Healthcare & research.
Fluency in French is a major advantage in the job market.
Yes. Universities provide:
Career centers with CV/resume guidance.
Networking events & job fairs.
Alumni associations connecting graduates with recruiters.
Additionally, Pôle Emploi (the French employment agency) assists international graduates in job hunting.
Yes, but not directly with a French student visa.
With an EU Blue Card (after securing a job in France), graduates may later move to other EU countries.
Alternatively, graduates may apply directly for jobs in other EU nations after completing their degree in France.
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals.
To qualify in France, you must have a Master’s degree (or 5+ years of work experience) and a job offer with a salary at least 1.5× the national average.
It offers mobility across EU states and a pathway to PR.
Yes, via the APS (post-study work permit). It allows graduates to remain in France while searching for employment or planning a startup. However, beyond APS, a job or business activity is required to legally stay.