Complete Guide to France Student Visa Requirements for International Students
So you’ve found the programme and location in France you want — congratulations. Before you jet off, you must understand the France student visa requirements, how the student visa for France process works and what you’ll need to succeed. Getting your visa sorted early gives you confidence, reducing last-minute stress so you can focus on your studies at BSBI.
France remains one of the world’s most popular study destinations. Why? Because of its rich culture, high academic standards, diverse fields of study, excellent quality of life, strong employability and vibrant student life. But it’s not enough just to apply for a programme: to live and study in France legally you need the right visa. Knowing the ins and outs of student visa France regulations matters: delays, mistakes or missing documents can risk your admission or your stay.
Types of France Student Visa
Your visa type depends mainly on how long you’ll study in France and the nature of your programme. Here are the main options:
- Short-stay student visa
For studies or programmes lasting up to 90 days (fewer than three months). Examples include short courses, summer schools or for taking entrance exams. - Temporary long-stay visa
For stays slightly longer than three months but not extending to a full academic year or where the stay doesn’t require full residence permit rights. Valid for up to six months. - Long-stay student visa
Often known as the VLS-TS (“visa long séjour valant titre de séjour – étudiant”) for studies. This visa is valid for between four months and one year, and doubles as a residence permit. After arrival you must validate it. - Special case
Some students may need visa types with special mentions. For instance, the “étudiant-concours” visa if you are coming for an entrance exam; or “Talent Passport” visas for doctoral students or researchers. There are also provisions for trainee internships, depending on duration and programme.
France Student Visa Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, you must satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Meeting these ensures your France student visa requirements are fulfilled and helps your application succeed.
- Admission to a recognised French institution
You must hold an offer or acceptance (or pre-acceptance) from a French institution recognised by the French government or its required accreditation bodies. BSBI’s programmes in Paris will qualify. - Proof of financial resources
You must show you can support yourself financially during your stay. This includes tuition, living costs, food, travel and accommodation. France requires a minimum monthly income threshold (around €615 per month), or equivalent means via scholarships, bank statements or guarantors. - Academic requirements
Provide your previous qualifications (school reports, diplomas), transcripts, possibly entrance exam invitations (if relevant). Your academic record should meet the entry standard of the course you applied for. - Health insurance coverage
You must have valid medical/health insurance that covers you while in France. For long-stay visas, this is mandatory. During your stay you will also need to register with French health or social security systems depending on your status.
France Student Visa Requirements
Here’s a handy table summarising the essential documents you’ll need as part of the France student visa application:
| Document | What it is / Details |
| Acceptance Letter | Your official letter of acceptance or pre-registration from BSBI or the French institution. |
| Valid Passport | Passport valid for at least the period of the visa, ideally with blank pages, often validity must extend beyond visa expiry. |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A document explaining why you choose the course, your study and career goals and how you’ll benefit from studying in France. |
| Visa Application Form | The official visa application form (online or printed), fully completed and signed. |
| Passport-sized Photos | Recent photos meeting French visa standards (background, size, type). |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements, scholarship letters, guarantor documents showing regular reliable income, or funding to cover costs. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Evidence of where you will stay in France for at least the first few months (hotel reservation, lease or guarantee). |
| Medical Insurance | Policy covering health, hospitalisation; for long stays proof that you can join French social security or equivalent. |
| Flight Ticket/Reservation | Sometimes a return ticket or proof of onward travel, or at least reservation, though consulates differ. |
| Proof of Visa Fee Payment | Receipt or confirmation that you have paid required visa/consulate fees. |
France Student Visa Application Process
A clear, step-by-step guide to how you apply for a student visa in France from start to finish.
- Get accepted into your chosen business school or institution
Ensure you have your admission / offer letter in hand, or pre-registration through appropriate channels like Études en France or equivalent. - Campus France / Études en France registration (for long-stay visas)
If your home country participates in the “Études en France” (or “Etudes en France/EEF”) procedure, you must register via that platform. This helps to streamline approvals, recognition and documentation. - Fill out the visa application form online
Use the official France-Visas website to complete the correct visa application type (short-stay, VLS-TS etc.). Make sure you choose the correct category. - Book an appointment
Depending on your country, you’ll need to visit a French consulate, visa centre or embassy. Book in advance because slots can fill up. - Submit your application
At your appointment bring all the required documents. Expect biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and possibly an interview. Be ready to explain your study goals, career plans, why France, why the course and how you will fund everything. Also bring payment for the visa fee. - Visa validation (for long-stay visas like VLS-TS)
Once you arrive in France with a long-stay student visa like VLS-TS, you must validate it online (within three months of arrival). This makes it legally effective as a residence permit.
France Student Visa Application Process
The time it takes to secure a France student visa can vary depending on your country of residence, the type of visa you are applying for and the workload of the French consulate handling your case. In most situations, you should allow up to 12 weeks for the full France student visa process, especially if your application involves Campus France or additional consular checks.
Short-stay visas are generally quicker, sometimes processed within a few weeks, but long-stay visas such as the VLS-TS can take longer due to the additional documentation and validation required. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is strongly recommended that you apply at least 10–12 weeks before your intended departure date. Even if you are confident that your documents are complete, delays are common during peak periods, so starting the process early gives you the best chance of arriving in France on time to begin your studies.
Post-Arrival Formalities
Getting your visa is just the beginning. Once you arrive in France, there are further steps to make everything legal and smooth for your stay.
- Residence permit validation
For long-stay student visas like VLS-TS, validate online via the official French foreign-residents administration website within three months of arrival. Without this, you risk losing legal status to stay or travel. - Health insurance registration
Make sure you are enrolled in the French social security system if required, or your health insurance policy is recognised. BSBI can help you understand which policies meet the visa requirement. - Student work rights in France
With a valid long-stay student visa you are usually allowed to work up to 964 hours/year (about 20 hours/week) to supplement income, subject to conditions.
Common Challenges & Important Tips for France Student Visa Approval
It’s not uncommon for applicants to face delays or issues. Here are tips to help your application succeed.
- Start early
Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin gathering documents, applying through Études en France (if needed) and booking appointments well ahead of time. - Be organised
Make a checklist of all required documents. Keep originals and certified copies. Understand what each document means. Missing documents are a major cause of refusal. - Be accurate
Fill out forms (online and paper) without mistakes. Dates, spellings of names and addresses must match across passport, acceptance letter and financial statements. - Avoid incomplete documentation
Documents must be current, valid, translated (if required) and certified. If anything is questionable, include explanations. - Show strong financial proof
Don’t just show funds, but show consistency and legitimacy. Bank statements, guarantor letters, scholarships and sponsorships are all useful. - Be prepared for the interview
If the consulate or embassy requires an interview, you must clearly explain your study and career goals, why you chose France and BSBI in particular, and how you plan to use your learning. Being confident and credible matters. - Check the France-Visas website regularly
Rules can change. Fees, required documents or procedures may be updated. Make sure you refer to official websites like france-visas.gouv.fr. - Avoid unofficial websites
Use only recognised platforms: the official French consulate or embassy in your country, the France-Visas portal, Campus France or Études en France when relevant. Be wary of third-party services that may misrepresent requirements or charge excessive fees.
Conclusion
Navigating student visa requirements in France may seem complex at first, but with clear knowledge, good planning and early preparation, it becomes manageable. To summarise: identify the right visa type, ensure you meet eligibility (admission, finances, insurance), gather all required documents, follow the correct process (including any Campus France registration), apply well in advance, validate any long-stay visa upon arrival and follow post-arrival formalities.
At BSBI we are here to support you every step of the way — from admission to visa application, to arriving in France and settling in. Explore BSBI Paris and start your French adventure today.
