Study Visa Guide for France – Key Information for Students
France is one of the top destinations for international students due to its world-class education system, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant cultural experience. Here’s everything students need to know before applying:
1. Why Study in France?
✅ Globally recognized universities (Sorbonne, HEC Paris, Sciences Po, etc.)
✅ Affordable tuition fees compared to other top study destinations
✅ Part-time work opportunities for international students
✅ Pathways to post-study work visas and permanent residence
✅ A rich cultural and historical experience
2. Types of Study Visas for France📌 Short-Stay Visa (Visa de court séjour) – For courses under 3 months (non-renewable).
📌 Long-Stay Study Visa (VLS-TS – Visa de long séjour) – For courses longer than 3 months, renewable.
📌 Talent Passport Visa – For highly skilled students and researchers.
3. Requirements for a Study Visa
✔ Acceptance letter from a French university
✔ Proof of financial resources (€615/month for living expenses)
✔ Valid passport and visa application form
✔ Proof of accommodation in France
✔ Health insurance coverage
✔ Academic transcripts and certificates
✔ Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL or French language certificate, depending on the program)
4. Work Opportunities for Students
🔹 Students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week)
🔹 Work permits are not required for student jobs
🔹 Post-graduation work visa options available for master’s and PhD students
5. Post-Study Opportunities
📍 APS (Temporary Residence Permit) – Allows non-EU graduates to stay for up to 2 years to find a job.
📍 Work Permit & PR Pathway – After gaining professional experience, students can apply for a full work permit or permanent residence.
6. How ‘Apply Global Opportunities‘ Helps You?
✅ Personalized University Selection – Based on your academic profile and career goals
✅ Complete Visa Assistance – From document preparation to visa interviews
✅ Scholarship Guidance – Helping students secure funding options
✅ Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Support – Accommodation, travel, and job assistance
🚀 Start your journey to France today! Apply with confidence through Apply Global Opportunities!
You want to study in France as part of your university studies or as part of an exchange scheme or cooperation programme.
- First, enrol as a student in the higher education establishment of your choice;
- Check the conditions for taking any entrance examinations or attend a pre-enrolment interview;
- Check the conditions for following a course as a student.
You want to improve your language skills and knowledge of France in a family with a different nationality to your own.
You want your minor child to study in a French school.
Useful links :
- Campus France : the French national agency for the promotion of higher education, international student services, and international mobility. You can also check opportunities for accessing a Campus France near you;
- Etudes en France: formalities and visa application form required to study in France;
- ONISEP (in French only) : general information about careers and training in France;
- OFII : Office Français de immigration et de l’Intégration (the French immigration and integration office).
Long-stay visa
For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay vis. In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements.
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.
Long-stay visas for Metropolitan France
Long-stay Visas for Non-European French Territories
Most nationalities are subject to long-stay visa requirements to stay in said territories for more than 90 days, with the exception of:
- Citizens of the European Union, Monaco and Andorra, for all territories.
- Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, except French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF).
