France Student Visa: Process & Guidelines

France has established a worldwide name in education at an international level and is a popular study destination for both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. The quality of education in France is unsurpassable, thus attracting international students to study in France.

If you have made up your mind to pursue higher education best country to study in Europe  from France, it is important that before you grab your French dictionary and place it in your luggage, figure out the type of student visa you need, start preparing all the required documents and find everything that you need to know about it.
The two prevalent visa options for the prospective international students is as follows:


Short Stay Visa:

Applicable to students aspiring for a training or course which does not exceed 3 months in duration.

Long Stay Visa:

Applicable to students seeking education in France for a period longer than 3 or 6 months. This is considered equivalent to a residence permit.
To pursue a complete degree program at any French institution students, apply for a long stay visa.
Now once you know which Visa to apply for, its time to understand the France study visa requirements. So, go through the checklist below, so that you don’t miss out on anything.
  • Valid Passport
  • Student Visa Application Form - Dated and Signed
  • Student’s ID photograph
  • proof of legal residency in the country of application - if not a legal residence of the visa submitted country
  • Required Travel Documents - with 3 months validity succeeding the date of return
  • The students latest completed degree documents
  • OFII form - Filled with student’s details
  • Pre-registration Certificate by prospective institution
  • Bank Certificate or Scholarship Certificate justifying the deposits of €615 per month
Any documents submitted apart from French or English languages must be translated into French upon submission. Now is the time to know the process of visa application.
Go through the below Visa procedure.

Step 1: File Preparation
Step 2: Online Registration
Step 3: The Academic Interview
Step 4: Appointment with VFS- France
Step 5: Collect Your Visa

Once the process is done just sit back and relax as your dream of studying abroad is just about to come true. You can check free online counselling for study abroad as well, for complete assistance in study abroad admissions and visa process.

If you are an Indian citizen, you can benefit from the changed norms of post study work permit as you are eligible for upto 2 years of visa extension.

So, don’t wait to experience the student life at France! 

All the best!