France stands out as a prime choice for international students pursuing higher education. Renowned for its esteemed educational institutions, the country offers a plethora of academic opportunities, whether one is seeking undergraduate or postgraduate studies. With a surge in students choosing France for their education, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for employment and settlement in this culturally rich nation. Consequently, international students have abundant job prospects to initiate their professional journeys. However, securing these opportunities necessitates obtaining a student visa and following the appropriate procedures.
Benefits of Studying in France
1. Budget-Friendly Education System: French universities provide cost-effective courses, with the additional benefit of numerous students receiving government assistance programs that substantially reduce tuition fees. These programs are designed to offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, integrating professional tools within real-world contexts. Furthermore, France ranks the fourth-largest global destination for international students and holds the top among non-English-speaking countries. The excellence in higher education and research in France is widely acknowledged worldwide.
2. Work Opportunities: Due to the extensive presence of French corporations worldwide, obtaining a degree from a French university can open doors to various international career opportunities. France, renowned as a global fashion hub, a center for business and management education, and a highly sought-after tourist destination, provides abundant job prospects post-graduation.
3. Enthralling French Culture & Lifestyles: French culture is truly one-of-a-kind and captivating. It presents a plethora of cultural and historical wonders to delight in. For international students, there are endless opportunities to explore some of the globe's most renowned landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Pantheon, Arc de Triomphe, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. The rich culinary heritage and traditions of France make it a premier destination for those interested in mastering the culinary arts and learning about its gastronomic history.
4. Cheap Transport: Studying in France comes with affordable transportation options. The TER network provides discounted fares for young individuals and students across every mainland region. Moreover, many students in Paris opt for the convenient and budget-friendly bike rental system known as Vélib'.
5. Accommodation: Depending on your budget and preferred experience, various types of student accommodation are accessible in France. Student halls, which typically offer lower rents than other options, are particularly favored, especially among international students. You have the choice between single occupancy or sharing a flat. On average, the monthly cost ranges from €250 to €300.
Types of French student visas
There are three types of French student visas. These are:
1. Short-stay visa: This visa category allows individuals to pursue studies in France for three months. It is free and cannot be extended once its validity expires. Typically utilized for short-term language courses or summer school programs, this visa option offers flexibility for temporary educational pursuits.
2. Entrance exam visa: This visa category permits travel to France specifically to sit an entrance examination at a university. Successful candidates may subsequently apply for a long-term visa.
3. Extended-stay visa with residence permit: This visa serves as both your residence permit and authorization to study in France for a duration spanning from four to 12 months. Renewal can be arranged through your university two months prior to its expiration.
Required Documents for France Student Visa
1. A passport photograph
2. A valid passport
3. An acceptance letter to your university of study
4. An EEF Admission Certificate (Accord préalable d'Inscription)
5. An EEF number (ZA21-XXXXX-PXX)
6. Proof of temporary accommodation in France
7. Proof of sufficient funds for your time in France (the equivalent of €615 per month for the duration of your stay in France)
8. Proof of residency in France, such as a lease, electricity bill, title of property, etc. For a minimum of three months or a hotel reservation
9. Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France
10. A completed visa application form
11. A receipt for your paid visa application fee
Process of France Student Visa
Step 1 - Gather information on your situation
Seek information and check if you need a visa or not
This portal helps you gather the information you will need before submitting your visa application online.
The visa wizard will help you determine, depending on your situation, the visa requirements, as well as the visa fees and required supporting documents.
If you have stayed in the Schengen Area within the past six months, please use the Visa Calculator tool to determine the precise number of days remaining for your authorized stay (online calculator).
Determine which authority is approved to receive your application
In addition to providing important general information, this link offers specific pages related to your place of residence so that you can access the most accurate information for your visa application.
STEP 2 - Set up my online application
Fill out the visa application form
To submit a visa application, you must provide at least the following:
1. A travel document (original + copy) in good condition, issued less than ten years ago, with at least two blank pages, which is valid for at least three months after the date on which you have planned to leave the Schengen Area or in the event of a long stay, which is valid for at least three months on the date on which the requested visa expires. However, in the event of a duly proven emergency, this final requirement may be waived.
2. Two recent ID pictures in ISO/IEC format (pdf)
3. The supporting documents (originals and copies) depend on your situation and your plan
Important: Documents in languages other than French or English may be required to be translated into French.
4. Your application fees are due upon filing.
5. If your home country is eligible, you must fill out the online application form. You will be guided through the whole process by on-screen explanations.
- Before validating and printing out your application, you will be asked to create a personal account that includes your email address in order to save your partially- or fully-completed form. After this step, you will receive the list of required supporting documents and have the opportunity to book your appointment.
- Tutorial: How to create your account
- Tutorial: Completing your visa application online
6. If your country is not eligible, please check the appropriate procedure on your country of application page.
Step 3 - Book your appointment
Make an appointment with the visa application center
Make sure you allow enough time before your departure date to schedule an appointment to have your application reviewed.
Check on the average appointment waiting time to ensure that you are able to submit your application three months to two weeks prior to your departure date for a long-stay visa and six months to two weeks prior to your departure date for a short-stay visa.
In most cases, the consular services use external service providers to receive visa applicants and collect their documents. The consular services nonetheless remain fully responsible for processing and making decisions on visa applications.
You will find all the necessary details to make an appointment on the country of application page.
Step 4 - Submit your application
Go to the appointment with your application
You must attend your appointment with all the required documents (CERFA and receipt).
The service provider (or consulate) will receive you, review your application, collect the visa fee, collect your biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and keep your passport and copies of all your supporting documents to forward to the consulate.
The visa application process will take approximately 20 minutes at the visa center.
Biometrics
All visas issued by France are biometric visas.
Any visa applicant aged 12 or older must submit his or her visa application in person. The following biometric data will be required: a photo (scanned or taken during your appointment) and ten fingerprints.
If you hold a biometric Schengen visa issued in the past 59 months, your previous biometric data can be re-used.
Fees
Visa application fees are composed of:
1. The administrative costs incurred for the processing of your application. The amount paid is kept by the administration, even in cases where visas are denied. For more details, please refer to the table of application fees by visa type (pdf).
2. If application fees are received by an external service provider, this provider is responsible for collecting the appropriate fees. The service fee may differ from one country to another but may not exceed € 40 per visa application. External service providers are also authorized by the administration to offer additional services at cost.
You may be exempt from attending your visa appointment in person if
Your fingerprints were previously collected as part of an earlier application less than 59 months before the date of your current application.
NOTE: To confirm whether someone else can apply for a visa on your behalf, please contact your visa center.
Step 5 - Track your application. Track your application and collect your passport.
Your application is monitored by the visa center where you applied. For details, go to our track the progress of your application page.
You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection from the visa center where you applied. Visa applications are generally processed within 15 days. This period can be extended up to 45 days in particular cases if the examination of the application justifies it.
In some instances, the passport can be sent by postal services.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does France's student visa processing take?
Two weeks to a month
What is the acceptance rate for student visas in France?
Often surpassing 80%
How much bank balance is required for a France student visa?
A minimum of 615 EUR for the first month
Conclusion
France offers numerous benefits for international students seeking higher education, including budget-friendly tuition, abundant job opportunities, captivating cultural experiences, affordable transportation, and various accommodation options. Securing a student visa involves gathering required documents, filling out the application online, scheduling an appointment, submitting the application, and tracking its progress. France's commitment to quality education and vibrant lifestyle makes it an attractive destination for students worldwide.