Study visa in France, conditions and required papers 2022
✔ France is among the countries most attractive to students in the framework of scientific cooperation at the international level.
✔ France ranks fourth in the list of host countries for students globally after the USA, UK and Australia.
✔ A specific number of students are selected each year to study in France, and in 2020 325,000 foreign students are selected to come to France.
Study visa requirements in France
We will offer you the following set of conditions to study in France:
1. Applying for a letter of acceptance from a French university:
Before you can begin the student visa application process, you must decide which university to choose.
After being accepted into a French university, you will receive the required acceptance letter and a document with the documents important for your visa application.
Consider some great universities from France that we recommend:
- Polytechnic Institute of Paris
- Cage College of Business
- Emilion Business School
- HEC Paris
- ESCP Business School
- ESIEE Paris
2. The type of visa you want to study in France
Short-stay Schengen student visa: for studies of less than 3 months duration. This type of visa is mainly for short-term study programs or language courses.
Temporary Long Stay Visa: For studies that take 3 to 6 months to complete.
Long-stay visa: for studies that take more than 6 months to complete. You need to apply for a residence permit to extend your stay after your long-stay visa has expired.
3. When and where to apply for a student visa in France
Where: From the French consulate in your country or through the Campus France office.
Campus France: An institution that promotes higher education in France, with an office in almost all countries around the world.
The appointment :
- Schedule an appointment for a personal interview through the official website of the French Consulate.
- Check the online calendar that shows available dates and hours.
- Try to schedule an appointment at least 90 days before your departure for France.
- Pay the visa processing fee: 50-100 EUR depending on your nationality.
4. Language requirements to study in France
When you apply for admission to a university in France, you need to provide evidence of:
- French language proficiency: if you are applying for degrees (acceptable tests are: DELF/DALF or TCF).
- English Proficiency: If you are applying for degrees in English (acceptable tests are: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or C1 Advanced).
Important note: If you have a letter of acceptance from a French university, the French consulate will not ask for additional language requirements for a study visa.
Documents required to apply for a French student visa
Below is a set of papers and documents required to obtain a study visa in France:
- Visa application form.
- Two passport-type photos.
- A valid passport and copies of your previous visa.
- Official registration or acceptance letter from the university.
- Proof of financial means (about 615 € per month) to cover all your expenses during the study period.
- Flight ticket / reservation showing the date of departure.
- Medical insurance may cost between 300-715 euros per year.
- Documents showing the arrangement of accommodation during your studies.
- French language proficiency certificate (if you have taken a course in French).
- Proof of payment of the visa fee (50-100 EUR).
- Proof of civil status (if any).
Study and work in France as an international student
✔France allows all international students to get a job during their studies under few conditions.
✔Legally, you are only allowed to work part-time, and only if you hold a valid residence permit.
✔You must inform the employer that you are a foreign student so that they will only consider your application for a part-time job.