France has become one of the most popular destinations for students looking forward to studying abroad. With access to renowned universities, a vibrant and diverse culture, career opportunities, quality education, rich art and history, and impressive architecture, France allows international students to gain life-changing experiences. To study in France, here’s what you must know about the student visa.
Key Highlights
- Understanding the France Study Visa
- Types of France Student Visas
- France Student Visa Requirements
- France Student Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- France Student Visa Fees in 2025
- France Student Visa Processing Time
- France Student Visa Success: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Understanding the France Study Visa
A France study visa allows international students to legally reside and study full-time, with options of visa renewal and part-time work. Students who want to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s programme can apply for a French study visa through the EEF (Études en France) platform, the central application system. Furthermore, a French student visa provides access to the Schengen Area, enabling travel across 26 European countries.
Types of France Student Visas
Students can apply for a study visa for France after getting admission into a French institution. There are many different types of student visas for France, depending on the duration of study.
Schengen Student Visa (short-stay)
If a student’s course in France is under three months with no plan to extend their stay, they should apply for a short-stay Schengen student visa.
Temporary Long-stay Visa
This type of visa is a 6-month-long temporary student visa, allowing students to study in France. The visa involves no additional formalities after arrival in the country.
Long-stay Visa
Students planning to study in France for more than 6 months must obtain a long-stay visa, known as the extended-stay Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS). This visa remains valid for the duration of the academic programme, normally 3 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s, and 4 years for a Ph.D.
France Study Visa Requirements
The general eligibility requirements for a France student visa include:
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- They must have already selected their course of study.
- The applicant must have received acceptance from an institution in France.
Required Documents
- France study visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos
- Valid passport and visa copies
- Student visa fee receipt
- Official university enrolment or acceptance letter
- Airline ticket or reservation with departure date
- Proof of accommodation during studies
- Medical insurance
- Financial proof for the study period
France Student Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the French government’s official website to submit a visa application.
- Fill in the required details, including academic records, CV, language skills, and other sections.
- Upload the required documents.
- Send the file number to Campus France (the official French government agency that promotes French higher education) for review and to book a visa interview appointment.
- Attend an in-person visa interview at Campus France with all required documents, photocopies, and fee receipts.
- After the visa interview, schedule an appointment with your nearest embassy or consulate to submit documents, photocopies, payment receipts, and your passport.
France Student Visa Fees in 2025
In 2025, the France student visa (long-stay VLS-TS) fee for Indian students is approximately €99, which is around ₹9,200. In addition, students are required to pay other charges such as the VFS Global appointment fee of about ₹2,540, an optional mailing fee of around ₹2,920, and the Campus France service fee of approximately ₹16,500. After arriving in France, students must also validate their visa through the French Immigration Office (OFII), which costs about €60 (nearly ₹5,400). Altogether, the total expense for obtaining and validating a France student visa comes to roughly ₹33,600 to ₹38,000, depending on optional services chosen and exchange rate fluctuations.
France Student Visa Processing Time
Visa applications are typically processed within 15 days. However, in certain cases, this period may be extended up to 45 days if additional review of the application is required.
Also Read: Top IT Universities in France for Cutting-Edge Education
France Education Visa Success: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Students are expected to provide very clear and correct information. Even minor mistakes can lead to visa rejections.
Wrong Selection of Programme
Students must select a programme that can help them show their commitment to an area of study to France visa authorities.
Insufficient Funds
Students need to provide proof that they can cover at least twelve months of study costs in France, including tuition fees, food, accommodation, etc.
Inadequate or Fake Documents
Students should not submit documents that are fake or contain fake evidence or forged signatures.
Providing Inaccurate Information
Often, students misinterpret questions in the visa application form, leading to visa rejection. It is important to provide accurate information to avoid rejection.
Damaged or Invalid Passport
The visa application may be rejected if the passport is damaged, expired, or incorrect. Students should ensure that the passport is in good condition, with no missing or detached pages.
Lack of Interview Skills
Candidates are expected to demonstrate confidence during their interview. They should be well-prepared with proper knowledge about the country, state, city, university, and academic programmes.
While France is a popular study destination for Indian students, expenses can be a barrier to their study abroad plan. At Avanse Financial Services, we believe that students should focus on academic excellence without financial stress.
We offer a customized abroad study loan, designed to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and other education-related costs. Our education loans provide 100% financing with quick sanctions and flexible repayment options. Students should calculate education loan EMI to plan their finances. If you have any questions, please contact us today.
