A fantastic education may be readily obtained in France, whether you're looking for undergraduate study, postgraduate learning, or something else. There are several colleges and educational facilities giving top-notch education to individuals worldwide in every location. There is a reason why so many people opt to study in France, so if you want the greatest education possible, it is well worth your time to check out the institutions that are located all around the nation.
The French higher education system is often regarded as one of the greatest in the world. It is also one of the most easily accessible. Because of the cheap tuition prices, studying in France is more affordable for overseas students. Every year, French institutions are towards the top of prestigious university rankings. Their educational institutions can readily compete with those of other countries.
France has 71 public institutions, all of which are financed by the national government and provide good education at a low cost to all students, local and foreign. Private universities (grandes ecoles) are also available.
A candidate from a non EU or non EEA country requires a student visa to study abroad in France. You must apply for an extended-stay student visa with a resident permit if you are enrolled full-time in a programme that lasts more than three months, such as a bachelor's or master's degree (VLS-TS).
Types of French Student Visas
For studying in France, there are many student visa categories. According to how long you want to study in France, you'll require one of the following:
- Short stay visa (visa de court séjour pour etudes):You are permitted to study in France for up to three months with this kind of visa. It is free and cannot be extended after it expires. Short language classes and summer school programmes are only a couple of uses for this visa.
- Entrance exam visa (etudient concours):This kind of visa enables you to go to France to take a university admission exam. Then, if you succeed, you can apply for a long-stay visa.
- Extended-stay visa with residence permit (visa de long séjour etudes VLS-TS):You are permitted to study in France for a period of four to twelve months with this kind of visa, which also serves as your residence permit. Two months before it expires, you can renew it through your institution.
What is the application process for a French student visa?
- Accept your offer from university:You may begin the visa application process when you've received and accepted your offer from a French institution.
- Application submission:Fill out and submit the necessary paperwork, including the visa application form.
- Watch out for the response:The time it takes to complete a visa varies based on the embassy handling your application, but it might take three months to hear back.
- Confirm your visa:You will have three months after arriving in France to validate your VLS-TS. You may now complete this online here; you'll need to provide your email address, details about your visa, your French address, and the date of your arrival. The €99 visa charge must also be paid using a bank card.
France Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
The following information is required when requesting a VLS-TS:
- A passport that was issued within the previous ten years and is still valid at least three months after the day you want to leave France.
- Form for a long-term visa, fully filled out, signed, and date
- 2 passport photographs
- Evidence of accommodations
- Financial verification
- Evidence of insurance with coverage for at least €30,000 in medical and hospital costs
Processing time for student visas in France
The time it takes to obtain your visa might vary, but generally speaking, it takes two to three weeks or longer.
No earlier than 90 days prior to your scheduled travel to France may you start the visa application process. Therefore, it's crucial that you get started as soon as feasible.
Working while on a student visa in France
An extended-stay student visa permits you to work in France for up to 964 hours annually. This equates to 18.5 hours each week or around 60% of a full-time job over a year. Your earnings should serve as supplemental income, not as your exclusive source of support while you are a student in France.
FAQs: France Student Visa
How to apply for France student visa?
To apply for a French student visa, firstly the student needs to secure admission to an educational institution in France and acquire a letter of acceptance. He/she needs to then register on the Études en France (Campus France) platform, fill out their application, and book an appointment with the French consulate or visa center to hand in documents and attend an interview.
Is it easy to get a student visa for France?
Acquiring a France education visa is typically clear-cut provided you fulfill all the general prerequisites viz., securing admission to an accredited university in France, providing evidence of approximately €615/month for living expenses, travel and health insurance, and housing details-particularly under the Campus France procedure for Indian candidates. Processing usually takes 3-4 weeks, but during peak times, it can take longer, thus, it is wise to apply at least 2-3 months ahead of time.
Is IELTS required for a France study visa?
No, IELTS is not necessary for a France student visa application. Until and unless your university strictly requires an English proficiency test, visa officers do not need it. Students applying to an English-taught program that demands IELTS (or TOEFL/PTE/MOI), need to enclose that with their admission letter in order to fulfill both university and visa prerequisites.
How much money do you need for a student visa for France?
You need to prove that you are capable of sustaining yourself in France, generally by demonstrating a minimum monthly budget of €615 for living expenses (≈ €7,380 for a 12-month year). Moreover, the student needs to provide evidence that he/she can pay for his/her tuition fees except if they have already been fully paid or covered through a scholarship or sponsorship.
Do students get PR in France?
Students studying in France do not automatically acquire permanent residency (PR). Nevertheless, post completing their studies, they can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS) to work, and ultimately apply for long-term residency provided they adhere to particular requirements such as stable employment, continuous residence, and language competence.
What are the requirements for a France student visa for Indian students?
As part of the France student visa requirements for Indian students, he/she should hold a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from a university in France, provide evidence of adequate finances (approximately €615/month), and health insurance. In addition, he/she ought to provide evidence of housing in France and attend a visa interview at the French consulate or VFS center.
How long does it take to get a student visa for France?
The France student visa process generally spans around 2-4 weeks for a long-stay student visa (valid for stays more than 90 days). For short-stay student visas (less than 90 days), the processing time is typically about 15 working days. Nevertheless, during peak times, viz., the summer intake, the processing time might sometimes reach 45 days in some situations.
Is it easy to get a France student visa?
Provided the student holds a letter of acceptance from an accredited French institution, provides evidence of adequate finances, and fulfills all document prerequisites, obtaining a student visa for France is typically hassle-free. Nevertheless, the turnaround time and prerequisites can differ from country to country.
Can you work part-time on a student visa in France?
Yes, international students holding a France study visa are permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 964 hours annually, which is approximately 20 hours per week during the academic session. This enables students to sustain themselves while pursuing their studies without interfering with their visa status.
What is the difference between short-stay and long-stay in France?
A short-stay visa in France is for visits of no more than 90 days within a 180-day period, particularly for leisure, business, or family visits and requires a Schengen visa if you do not have a visa exemption. A long-stay, on the contrary, is for stays exceeding 90 days, demanding a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) and frequently a residence permit for reasons such as work, study, or joining family.
How long does a student visa last in France?
A France student visa is generally valid for the duration of the academic program, for a maximum of one year. It can be renewed every year if the student continues to study and adheres to the renewal guidelines.
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