France Student Visa 2025 - Types, Eligibility and Application Process
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With its strong academic reputation, rich heritage, and degrees recognised worldwide, France remains a popular study destination. But before you pack your bags for Paris or Lyon, there’s one important step: getting your student visa.
Whether you're heading for a short-term course or a full-time degree, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the France student visa process, from eligibility and required documents to timelines, fees, and related queries. To understands the financial aspects of your education, you can also explore more about the cost of studying in France.
Types of French Student Visa
There are two main types of French student visas:
- Short-Stay Visa (Less than 90 Days):
This Schengen visa is for students travelling to France for language lessons, interviews, or entrance exams. It is non-renewable and does not need a residence permit. In case of admission into a programme following your visit, you may apply for a long-stay visa without the need to go back home.
- Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS):
This visa is for students who take courses lasting more than 3 months. It is both a visa and a temporary residence permit. After arriving in France, students need to validate the visa online within 3 months.
Eligibility Criteria for France Student Visa 2025
To apply for a student visa to France in 2025, you must meet key academic, financial, and documentation requirements as outlined by the French government and Campus France. Below are the eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Hold an official letter of acceptance (admission proof) from a French university or institution covered under Campus France.
- Submit evidence of sufficient funds, a minimum of €615 per month, for the full length of your stay.
- Provide accommodation arrangements for the initial months.
- Buy international health insurance to be used in France.
- Submit a clear and authentic statement of purpose (SOP).
- Complete the Campus France process (long-stay visa mandatory).
Required Documents for France Student Visa Application
When applying for a France student visa, ensure you have all the required documents ready and verified. Submitting complete and accurate documentation is essential for a smooth visa approval process:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your course completion date.
- Acceptance Letter: Confirmation of enrollment (CoE) or official admission letter from a recognised French institution.
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or a host attestation covering your initial stay.
- Financial Proof: Documents showing minimum funds of €615/month—includes bank statements, scholarship award letters, or education loan sanction letters.
- Medical Insurance: International student health insurance valid for the entire duration of your stay in France.
- Campus France Fee Receipt: Payment confirmation for the Campus France processing fee (applicable for long-stay visas).
- Passport-Size Photographs: Recent photographs as per visa specifications.
- Academic Documents: Mark sheets, certificates, and degrees of previously completed qualifications.
- Language Proficiency Scores (if applicable): IELTS, TCF/TEF, or equivalent accepted by your institution.
- Flight Ticket (for short-stay visas): Proof of confirmed round-trip travel.
- Visa Application Form: Duly filled France-Visas application form from france-visas.gouv.fr.
Tip: Always cross-verify the document checklist with Campus France and your university’s admission office before applying.
France Student Visa Application Process (2025-2026)
To study in France for more than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). Here's a detailed breakdown of each step involved in the visa application process:
- Step 1: Campus France Registration
Register at india.campusfrance.org, fill in your details, upload documents, and pay the Campus France fee.
- Step 2: Academic Interview
Attend a short in-person interview with a Campus France officer to explain your academic goals.
- Step 3: Apply Online via France-Visas
Create an account at france-visas.gouv.fr, fill out the visa form, and upload documents.
- Step 4: Book and Attend VFS Appointment
Book your biometric appointment and submit your passport and documents at a nearby VFS centre.
- Step 5: Validate Your Visa in France
Once in France, validate your Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) online within the first three months at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.
France Student Visa - Processing Time & Application Fees
Understanding the visa timelines and associated costs is crucial for planning your study journey in France. Below is a summary of the typical processing times and visa fees:
| Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Visa | 2–3 weeks | ~€80 |
| Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) | 3–6 weeks | ~€99 |
Source: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/student
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/visa-application-guidelines
https://www.inde.campusfrance.org/5-year-validity-short-stay-visa
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