Before packing your bags to pursue higher studies in France, make sure you have your approved France student visa (visa étudiant) and have received a stamped one. France has particular requirements for international students to apply for a visa, and there are many students who are required to apply for programs in France to study abroad. Of course, many students apply to receive higher education in France for a wide variety of reasons. One of the top reasons for international students to apply for the programs at the French universities is due to their international reputation, world-class education, and affordability, along with a variety of work opportunities after graduation.
However, to have all this, international students need a France student visa while applying for admission to French universities. France has a dedicated setup to regulate and oversee the process of approving visa applications of different nationalities, which require international students to visit France for a short period of time on a short-term visa, which is basically a temporary visa. To clear the air around the confusion regarding what kind of visa requirements are there for international students to follow, we will take a look at the process followed, including the involved costs associated with your visa application, and finally, learning about some of the practical tips to ensure you get your approved visa and start with your France studies.
There are different types of France student visa that students from different countries can apply for. Indian students can apply for the visa that matches their educational objectives and future goals/current needs. Here are the three different types of France study visa:
As the name suggests, the short-stay visa (also called Visa de court séjour pour études in French), is valid up to a period of 3 months. This visa is apt for those students who have enrolled in the short duration of courses, summer programs, or maybe a language course. However, it must be noted that these short-stay visas cannot be renewed once they expire.
As the name suggests, while Visa de long séjour temporaire pour études (in French) is a long-stay France student visa, compared to the short-stay visa, it is temporary. This means that it is valid for a minimum period of 3 months and a maximum duration of 6 months, with no option to extend. That being said, this visa is apt for students who opted for a program that has a duration that fits in this visa.
The most common type of visa that all international students apply for is to complete their aim to study in France. Also called Visa de long séjour études in French, or simply VLS-TS, it is valid for a year and can be renewed for the duration of a course, depending on the needs of a student. It should be noted that a long-stay France student visa exceeds 6 months, and is equivalent to getting a residence permit (Carte de Séjour), so it will involve additional procedures from the French authorities after a student’s arrival.
To apply for a France study visa, the student must follow some common requirements and guidelines laid down by the French government, which involve the required documents and submission of a registration form with Campus France (which is the official authority in France to manage the students arriving in France and classifying France student visa applications as approved or denied).
While requirements for the student visa of France may vary depending on a student’s home country and the French consulate, the following France study visa requirements are generally accepted, and also deemed mandatory by the authorities:
The student must carry a valid passport that has a validity of at least 3 months, but with a further scope of your intended duration of study in France.
Students applying for the visa must have proof of official admission confirmation by keeping a copy of the acceptance letter from the receiving institution in France.
The application for the France student visa must be submitted online on the Campus France website/portal, but after carefully checking the information filled out.
The passport-sized photographs for the international applicant students will have to be submitted, as per the guidelines of Schengen visa.
To not only have your visa application approved, but also ensure that your France studies go smoothly, keep in mind that you have to show at least €615 per month, which will reflect that you can pay for your living expenses. There are various options available to show financial support, which includes bank statements, scholarship letters, or a sponsor’s affidavit.
France student visa application will also consider whether a student has accommodation arrangements. The student must show their housing arrangements, which can include documents like rental contract, hostel booking or a residence confirmation from the university they are going to study in.
All international students should consider registering for the French Social Security. However, as an international student you will need to show having health coverage of at least €30,000, which is valid all across the Schengen area.
Showing your documents related to the kind of academic background you have is a very important and basic part of your application. To get your France student visa, have your documents organised, consisting of academic transcripts, degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Having the proficiency in the language you are going to study at a French university will be an important part of your France study visa requirements. Depending on your program of study, you may need to show French proficiency (DELF/DALF), or English proficiency certificate and test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
Registering at the Campus France website through the Études en France platform is a mandatory requirement for certain countries, which also include India.
The steps to apply for a France student visa must be completed by following these steps:
The cost of a visa to receive education in France, varies depending on the type of visa. For countries using Études en France and EFF countries, the visa fee is €50, but fees are always subject to change, so it is important to check the latest updates on official websites. Here are the costs of a France student visa:
International students who want to study abroad must ensure that they are following the right guidelines and protocols laid out by the government and official authorities of that country. France has a systematic process to approve a visa application, and you must ensure that there are no loopholes or mistakes from your end in front of the authorities. To successfully receive your France student visa, show a genuine interest and intent of your stay in France, while keeping in mind that your documentation is a necessary part of your application process. Upon approval, you will be able to study in France in no time!
Interested in applying to a French university? Want to learn about the options? Talk to our experts at Education Vibes. They will guide you through the application process, from admission to visa application, and ensure your success to kickstart your educational journey!
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