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Unlocking Your Academic Journey: A Comprehensive Guide to the French Student Visa

Dreaming of studying in France? You’re not alone. From the world-class universities of Paris to the vibrant culture of Lyon, France offers an academic adventure like no other. But before you can order your first café au lait near campus, there’s one essential step: securing your French Student Visa.

Think of it not as a hurdle, but as your official ticket to an unforgettable educational and cultural journey in the heart of Europe.

Your All-in-One Pass to Student Life: The VLS-TS "Étudiant"

The visa you’ll be applying for is the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) under the “Étudiant” (Student) category. It’s specifically designed for non-EU students who will be studying in France for more than three months.

This visa is a powerful tool. In your first year, it grants you the right to:

  • Live and study legally in France.
  • Open a French bank account and manage daily life.
  • Work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) to supplement your income.
  • Travel freely within the Schengen Area.

 

It’s a comprehensive status that lets you focus on what matters most: your education.

Checking the Boxes: Are You Eligible?

To be eligible for a student visa, you must meet several key conditions. Your application will be built on proving the following:

  • ✅ Official Acceptance Letter: This is non-negotiable. You need a formal letter of admission or pre-registration from a recognized French university, grande école, or vocational school.
  • ✅ Proof of Financial Resources: You must prove you can support yourself. The current minimum is €615 per month. This can be shown through a scholarship certificate, a notarized letter of financial support from a sponsor (with their bank statements), or a statement from your own bank account with sufficient funds.
  • ✅ Proof of Accommodation: You must have a place to live for at least the first three months. This can be a reservation in a student dormitory, a private rental agreement, or an accommodation certificate (attestation d’accueil) from a host.
  • ✅ Comprehensive Health Insurance: A policy covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation is mandatory until you are affiliated with the French student social security system upon arrival.
  • ✅ French Language Proficiency: Depending on your course, you may need to prove your language level with a certificate like the TCF, DELF, or DALF.

The Campus France Pathway: A Must for Many

For students from over 40 countries—including Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, China, India, and Senegal—the process starts with Campus France. This official online platform centralizes your academic and visa applications. The process generally involves:

  1. Creating your online file on the Campus France platform, detailing your academic history and motivations.
  2. Undergoing a mandatory interview with a Campus France advisor to discuss your academic project.
  3. Receiving a favorable opinion, which is the green light to finalize your visa application on the official France-Visas website.

Your Document Checklist: The Keys to Success

Meticulous preparation is everything. While requirements vary slightly, your standard document file will typically include:

  • Your valid passport
  • The completed and signed long-stay visa application form
  • Recent, compliant passport-sized photos
  • Your official acceptance letter from the French institution
  • Detailed proof of financial resources
  • Your accommodation certificate or rental agreement
  • Proof of health and travel insurance
  • Certified and translated copies of your diplomas and transcripts
  • Any required language proficiency certificates
  • Proof of payment for the visa application fee

Nailing the Interview: Your Chance to Shine

The visa interview is your opportunity to demonstrate the seriousness of your academic project. Be prepared to clearly and confidently discuss:

  • Why you chose France and your specific institution.
  • Your academic and future career goals.
  • How you plan to finance your entire stay.
  • Your understanding of the rules for working as a student in France.

Welcome to France! What to Do After You Land

Once your visa is in hand and you’ve arrived in France, two final steps are crucial:

  • Working While You Study: Your visa allows you to work a maximum of 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week). This is meant to supplement your finances, not be your primary income source.

 

  • The All-Important OFII Validation: This is compulsory. Within three months of arrival, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online via the OFII website. This simple step formalizes your legal status for your first year. If your studies last longer than a year, you’ll need to apply for a student residence permit (titre de séjour) at your local préfecture before your visa expires.

Don't Let Paperwork Stand in the Way of Your Dreams

The French student visa process can feel like a marathon, but the finish line—a world-class education in an amazing country—is well worth it. Every detail matters.

At LegalMova, we understand the unique challenges international students face. We offer tailored support for your entire visa journey, from navigating Campus France procedures to meticulously reviewing your documents and preparing you for your interview. Our team is dedicated to making your application a success so you can focus on the incredible academic adventure that awaits.

Contact us today to turn your educational aspirations into a tangible and enriching French reality!

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Disclaimer : LegalMova is not a law firm. We are a legaltech company providing digital legal tools and services. We facilitate connections between users and independent lawyers for your relocation in Europe. No content or service provided by LegalMova should be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for consulting a qualified legal professional.

Immigration Services

Business Services

Consultation

Resources

Legal

  • 66 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
legalmova-whitelogo

Disclaimer : LegalMova is not a law firm. We are a legaltech company providing digital legal tools and services. We facilitate connections between users and independent lawyers. No content or service provided by LegalMova should be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for consulting a qualified legal professional.

Copyright © 2025 LegalMova. All rights reserved.