General Information

A useful guide for people who want to gain a quick understanding of the requirements, documents needed, and a complete step-by-step guide on the application process while applying for Student Visa in France. Apart from a brief guide on the Student Visa, it also gives you brief information on post-study visas and works permits.

Student Visa

For training or a course exceeding six months, you will be issued a long-stay visa, equivalent to a residence permit, which will be subject to further formalities on your arrival in France.

Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year. In order to extend your stay beyond the period of validity of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit at a prefecture.

During its period of validity, the long-stay visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa, enabling you to move around and stay in the Schengen Area outside France for periods not exceeding 90 days over any period of 180 consecutive days, under the same conditions as if you held a Schengen visa.

Only once you have received acceptance into a program at a French institution will you be eligible to apply for your student visa for France. In order to apply for your visa, you will need to contact the French consulate in your home country and provide them with the following, when requested:

Proof of sufficient funds for living in the country. The current amount required is €615 (US$820) per month, which can be shown with a bank statement, a guarantor’s letter, or a notice of funding from a loan, scholarship, or grant.
Proof of medical insurance (minimum cover €30,000, US$40,150).
Proof of accommodation. Can be shown in the form of student housing confirmation or a certificate of board and lodging.
Proof of proficiency in French, if you are studying a French-language course.

Working with a French Student Visa

With a valid residence permit, as an international student, you are eligible to take on paid work for 964 hours annually (this equates to about 60% full-time employment).

Post Study Visa

A student, upon completing the studies in France, must as per the immigration rules of the country, leave France. S/He can, however, apply for a residence permit for France if s/he has paid employment. This is applicable for both bachelor’s and master’s programs and students would have to apply for a work permit.

Students completing masters’ Program: 24-month post-study work permit.
On completing the master’s course, a student can apply for and get a temporary residence permit – APS, for a period of 24 months.

Scholarships available for International Students