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Do you want to study in France? Then, you need a France student visa. France issues two types of student visa: A short-stay visa (C-Visa) for short-term studies in the country, and a long-stay visa (D-Visa) for long-term studies in the country. International students must know exactly which visa they must apply for, what the visa requirements are, how they can apply for the visa, the visa fees, and costs.
Therefore, in this blog, we have provided you with everything you need to know about the France Student Visa. You will get to know everything from France study visa requirements for Indian students to the application process.
This Blog Includes:
- Types of French Student Visa
- Conditions for a France Student Visa Application
- France Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students (Documents Checklist)
- How to Apply for France Student Visa?
- France Student Visa Fees
- France Student Visa Processing Time in India
- Renewal of France Student Visa
- Can you Bring Dependents on a Student Visa in France?
- France Student Visa Rejection Rate
- FAQs
Types of French Student Visa
First of all, you must know exactly the type of visa you are applying for. This is because the France study visa requirements for Indian students vary depending on the visa you are applying for. Moreover, applying for the wrong visa means visa rejection. So, let’s learn about the visa types. France issues two types of visas they are:
France Short Stay Visa:
A French short-stay visa has different names. You can call it a C visa or a Uniform Schengen Visa. This is the same visa you apply for to any Schengen state (including France) for less than 90 days within 180 days. Therefore, if you intend to study in the country for less than 90 days (meaning you are applying for short-term courses), this is the visa you need.
France Long Stay Visa:
A French Long Stay Visa (VLS‑TS) is also called the D visa. You need a D visa to enter the country for longer than 90 days in a year. Therefore, if you intend to study long term (For example, you want to enrol in a Bachelor’s or Master’s course). This is the visa you need.
Note: The long-stay visa is the main student visa. Therefore, we are only going to cover details about the D visa in this blog.
Conditions for a France Student Visa Application
Have you decided which student visa you need to apply for? Great! Let’s understand a few conditions you have to meet before applying for a visa.
- You must apply for admission to a University in France. Take any entrance exam required for admission, and get an offer of admission.
- Ensure you meet the English language requirements for the course.
- Ensure that you have sufficient funds to travel to France. This includes tuition fees and, cost of living in France.
- Get a documents checklist from a visa application centre, and arrange the necessary documents for a visa application.
France Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students (Documents Checklist)
Did you know that even 1 missing document means visa rejection? Therefore, it is very important for you to know the documents required for a long-stay visa application. The France student visa documents checklist is provided below. Ensure that all documents are translated into French or English before applying.
| S/N | France Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students | Details |
| 1 | Passport | Issued within the last 10 years with 2 blank pages. It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond visa expiry |
| 2 | Completed Visa Application Form | Complete the long-stay visa application form for studies |
| 3 | Passport Photos | Two recent ID photos |
| 4 | Letter of Acceptance/Enrollment | Offer letter from a recognised French institution. |
| 5 | Proof of Financial Means | Minimum EUR 615/month (or exemption via scholarships/institutional agreements). |
| 6 | Proof of Accommodation | Rental contract in France, dorm reservation, or host declaration covering the initial period of stay. |
| 7 | Health Insurance | Proof of a valid travel health insurance |
| 8 | Supporting Documents (Original + Copy) | Submit originals and photocopies of all documents. |
| 9 | Visa Fee | Typically EUR 50-99, varies by nationality; additional VLS‑TS validation fee EUR 50 payable in France. |
| 10 | Additional documents | Additional documents requested by the visa officer |
How to Apply for France Student Visa?
The France student visa applications are made through the French Government’s official website: France-Visas. You can complete the application process yourself. However, it is recommended that you visit the nearest visa application centre for assistance. The application process for the France student visa is:
- Gather the necessary documents
- Log in to the Campus France website.
- Register online to create a new account
- You will be asked to fill in your details, including academic records, language skills, etc. Once you have done a task, the validation tab will indicate ‘Complete.’
- You will receive a file number that you must send to the Campus France Office for review of your file.
- Next, you have to appear for a visa interview with the Campus France Advisor. You must carry a hard copy of all your documents.
- If approved, you will receive a certificate for the interview.
- Then, schedule an appointment to submit your documents, passport, certificate, and receipts to receive a visa.
Watch this video to learn how to fill out the France student visa application form.
France Student Visa Fees
France Student Visa fees are as follows. The visa fees are non-refundable. Only after you have paid the visa fees, will the application be processed.
| France Visa Name | Visa Free |
| France Long Stay Visa (for studies) | EUR 99 |
Minimum Bank Balance for a French Student Visa
You must have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. Therefore, you are asked to demonstrate your bank statement. It is to ensure that you have a minimum bank balance. You must have a minimum balance (for living expenses)+ 1 year tuition fee + visa fee, and an amount for health insurance. This is one of the France study visa requirements for indian students/
| France Visa | Minimum Bank Balance |
| France Long Stay Visa | EUR 615 per month |
Cost of Studying in France for Indian Students
The cost of studying in France for international students (including Indian students) varies depending on the course you are enrolled in and the university. You must ensure that you have the tuition fees for the first year when you apply for a visa in addition to the minimum bank balance requirement.
| Institution Type | Bachelor (Licence) | Master | PhD (Doctorate) |
| Public Universities | EUR 2770 | EUR 3 770 | EUR 380 |
| Private / Grandes Écoles (avg range) | EUR 5,000 – 18,000 | EUR 5,000 -20,000 | Varies (often higher) |
Also Read: Cost of Living in France
France Student Visa Processing Time in India
A French student visa takes time, depending on the kind of processing. If you have applied for expedited processing, you will get approval from the Campus France Office within 3 days. Still, in the case of a general application, the duration is anytime in 3 weeks. The processing time can be extended depending on the complexity of your application.
Renewal of France Student Visa
A student visa is valid till the completion of your course. But, in case you are planning to stay ahead of the visa expiration date, you must apply for a multi-annual residence permit. All the procedures for this permit occur in France, but you must apply two months before your visa expires. Renewing a student visa in France is a simple process.
This permit is usually for students who wish to continue their studies after they have finished their initial studies. In this case, the student receives a permit to stay for the number of years that your program requires.
Can you Bring Dependents on a Student Visa in France?
Yes. If you have stayed in France for more than 18 months. To bring dependents, you can apply for a student dependent visa. A student-dependent visa in France is only applicable in the case of a long-term study visa. A dependent of the student receives a visitor’s visa. But there are certain rules that the dependent needs to follow.
- They cannot take up any job for themselves.
- They must provide a source of funding in France for themselves, which is irrespective of the student’s funding proof.
- They must provide proof of living.
- Their visa process will not be clubbed with the student’s visa process but has to be handled individually.
Also Read: France Seasonal Work Visa for Non-EU Citizens
France Student Visa Rejection Rate
The France Student Visa rejection rate is very low. The rejection rate is about 8% and 15%. This means if you meet the visa requirements, you have a high chance of getting your visa application approved. However, a visa application does not guarantee visa approval. There are many reasons for student visa rejections that you must be aware of and avoid. If you avoid the reasons for visa rejection, there is a high chance that your application will be approved.
FAQs
The Schengen student visa is free and does not need to be renewed. You can apply for a visa de court séjour étudiant Concours, which is a visa for taking entrance tests if you need to come to France to take one or more university admission exams.
Foreign students are allowed to work up to 964 hours per year, or 60% of the maximum working hours allowed in France, according to French law. A minimum wage is guaranteed in France, whether you are a student or not.
A short-stay visa, known as an “étudiant/étudiant-Concours” (student examination) visa, will be awarded to you, allowing you to stay for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days.
To apply for PR in France, you must complete a master’s programme at one of the country’s reputable colleges or business schools. Following that, you must apply for an APS Visa, which permits you to stay in France for two years. During this time, you must find suitable work on a CDI contract.
Related Reads:
Needless to say, applying for a France student visa would require you to fill in every important detail and be aware of all deadlines at the same time. You can always take the assistance of our experts at Leverage Edu, who will guide you in completing the tedious task of completing your visa application. Call us today on 1800572000 for a session!
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