France Student Visa Requirements
- Last Updated on: June 3, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
France, as it has unmatched reputation of being an academic hub of Europe. Moreover, its ‘smooth sailing’ visa application process, reflects the commitment for academic inclusivity.
Indian students get the opportunity to explore 26 European destination under Schengen visa. But you must ensure structured and planned application. On top of it, OFII and local VFS help in visa process and validation.
AOEC India France Consultants will ensure your French rendezvous becomes a reality with 08 crucial steps, allowing you to apply for French education with full confidence.
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Understanding the French Student Visa
- Pursuing an international program is always a life-changing moment, a student visa is both a mandatory requirement and a ticket to explore the academic and cultural traits. France boasts world’s leading universities for tertiary education.
- Securing French student visa allows academic opportunities, as well as chance to navigate Schengen countries. Thereby, allowing academic and cultural opportunities. Moreover, affordability and part-time jobs ease the academic journey.
- Prompt action and applying without any delay is an important aspect, as an Indian student, arranging necessary documents in chronological order smoothens the process. Campus France handles the application and visa processing, thereby ensuring legitimate facilitation.
France Student Visa Types
Long-Stay Student Visa
Technically known as VLS-TS, this long-term visa is apt for students who are enrolled for prolonged academic courses. It comes with part-time work of a maximum of 20 hours per week, after arrival, students must validate the visa within three months through OFII.
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Short-Term Student Visa
Commonly referred to as Schengen visa, students seek this option for a brief academic stay, lasting not more than 03 months. It allows uninterrupted access to Schengen countries. Thereby offering dual benefits of cultural exploration and truncated academic courses.
Temporary Long-Stay Visa
It is tailored for international students who are pursuing short academic courses, generally not more than 06 months. This visa doesn’t require OFII validation, streamlined process is the highlight of this visa type.
It is very important to know the types of French academic visas, letting Indian students to appropriately select the visa, as per their academic plans.
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Steps for Applying France Student Visa
Applying for international education needs careful and concentrated effort. By following the below steps, one can easily secure French visa.
Step 1: Right course selection. It is first step in the quest of securing French student visa. Choose the program which is relevant to your previous education or professional experience and obtain a registration letter from the institution by paying the initial fee deposit required for registration.
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Step 2: Registration at Campus France, fill in the details on the Campus France portal & upload the required supporting documents and wait for campus France manager to complete the verification. You’ll be provided with a unique Campus France ID for further procedure.
Step 3: Pay the required campus France fees, you need to pay ₹18,500 Campus France online and get your Campus France interview scheduled. Preserve the payment receipts.
Step 4: Arrange all necessary documents such as, offer letter, academic transcripts etc., ensure all mandatory documents are available while attending campus France interview and obtain NOC from Campus France.
Step 5: Completion of online visa form on French visa portal.
Step 6: Book an appointment with local VFS for biometric data and documents submission.
Step 7: Arrange all necessary documents such as registration letters, academic transcripts, visa application form, expenses statement, financial proofs, sponsor documents, accommodation proofs etc., ensure all mandatory documents are available as per VFS Checklist.
Step 08: Take a well-compiled file with all mandatory documents to VFS for submission. With this you complete your application process.
The processing period usually takes a maximum of 4 weeks. Never delay the process, as late application may face rejection. Ensure these steps are followed to secure the visa and to embark your French academic journey.
France Student Visa Requirements
Appropriate documentation is the most important aspect of visa process, you need to ensure all relevant documents are in one place. Below are the documents you need.
Financial & Academic Documents
- You need to demonstrate at least €615 per month if living outside Paris or €1200 inside Paris towards living expenses. Financial evidence via sponsorship letter and sponsor bank statement will suffice, or you can submit an education loan sanction letter.
- Colored photocopies of all academic transcripts
- Translate the documents which are not in English to English or French language.
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Personal Documents
- Take at least 04 photographs as per French immigration protocols.
- Passport with validity of minimum 06 months.
- 3 Months accommodation proof after arrival in France.
Travel Documents
- Travel insurance is mandatory; it should have coverage of at least €30,000.
- Housing proof (private residences or university dormitory).
Additional Requirements
- Offer letter from the university.
- NOC from Campus France.
- Sponsor letter, if applicable with clear format and contact details.
Prescribed arrangement of documents is very crucial. Ensure all documents for hassle-free visa facilitation.
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France Student Visa Fees
Apart from academic tuition fees and living expenses, you need to have accurate estimation of expenditure required for visa process and post arrival in France. You need to spend –
- Campus France Fee – ₹18,500 (upfront)
- Visa Fee – ₹8,000 (upfront)
- OFII Validation – €60 (post arrival)
Payment options are available both online and in-person. Additional expenditure involves translation charge and courier services. You need to chalk out the budget properly.
Advice for Successful Visa Application
Indian applicants are advised to always ensure documents are duly translated by a sworn translator, if they are in another language for hassle-free submission and processing at VFS. Arrange the documents and soft copies as prescribed chronological order, attach forms first, followed by academic documents and then financial statements.
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We advise that Indian applicants should pay at least first semester tuition fees to show your commitment and eradicate financial risk. Make sure you make an appointment in advance; daytime slots are more convenient. In case, officials flag a missing soft copy, rush to nearest copying shop, assuring your return before the day’s operations close.
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Visa Validation Process after arriving in France
- Soon after arriving in France, you need to complete an important task of validating the student visa at OFII. It is mandatory to receive a residence permit; it shouldn’t be delayed at any cost.
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- Validation is done via OFII (French Office for Immigration & Integration). The process is entirely online and compulsory for the long-stay student visa.
- Delaying could complicate your stay and liable for penalty. Complete the procedure without fail.
- After paying the fee of €60, OFII will successfully validate your student visa, it generates an online receipt, that is your ticket to part-time work for 964 hours per year. To legalize your work rights, validation is mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Time Required for France Long-term Student Visa
Generally, it takes up to 1 month, but we advise you to apply early to avoid any last-minute travel issues.
Difference Between Short-term and Long-term Visa
The short-term French student visa allows access to Schengen countries, while long-term visa is for academic courses with duration of more than three months and it requires validation post arrival.
Do I Have to Validate my Student Visa After Arrival
Yes, Validation of student visa is mandatory, you need to validate the visa at OFII with payment of €60, including medical checkup.
Can I Work During my studies in France
Yes, as an international student, you can work up to 964 hours per year, to cover your expenses, while pursuing studies.
is Health Insurance mandatory for Student Visa
Yes! You must have valid health insurance during the stay in France for a minimum coverage of 30000 Euros of 50000 USD, it is mandated by the French authorities.
What is Campus France
Campus France is the official platform for securing student visa for international students. Registration at Campus France is compulsory for seeking higher education in France.
Fee required for France student visa
For long-stay student visa you need to pay €99 (non-refundable), while short-term visa requires €80. Additionally, you must pay for visa validation and medical checkup in France.
Can I Extend my Visa in France
Yes, you can apply for an extension or residence permit, if your course duration exceeds the prescribed time limit. However, it must be done before expiration of the visa.
Sridhar Kongara
