France Student Visa Rules

For students who wish to study in France are required to get a French student visa or permit depending on their nationality and situation. Different application procedures apply depending on what course the student is studying in France, and how long he/she will need to live in France in order to complete the studies. This is applicable to students studying a degree course, taking a short course or enrolled in a French language class.

Types of French Student Visas

• Visa de court séjour pour etudes (‘Schengen’ short-stay student visa)

Under this visa scheme, students can go to France and study for up to three months without the need for a separate residence visa. This is suitable for those enrolling for a language course or other short-term program. It is issued free of charge and cannot be renewed.

• Etudient concours (visa for sitting entrance exams)

On this visa, the student can go to France to sit for an entrance exam at an institute of higher education. If he/she does pass, then they can apply directly to their local prefecture in France for a one-year, renewable, residence permit.

• Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes (temporary long-stay visa)

This visa allows the student to study in France for between three and six months without the need for a residence permit. It is non-renewable.

• Visa de long séjour etudes (long-stay visa)

If a student wants to study for longer than six months, then he/she will need to apply for this visa. As from 2013, this type of study visa, (which is also residence permit) now lasts for the duration of course in France: three years for bachelors, two years for a Master’s and four years for a PhD. Long-stay visas act as residence permits and are called VLT-TS.

The extended stay VLS-TS’ visa is for all international students (except those from Algeria who don’t need one) who wish to enroll in a course at a French institute of higher education. The student will have to provide information on their academic background, French language proficiency and adequate financial resources (approximately EUR 615 per month).

• Extended stay research scholar visa

For those students who have a Master’s degree or higher and want to go to France to take part in research or teach at university level, then the institution can bring them over on an extended stay research scholar visa VLS-TS. They need a hosting agreement from the institution, describing the work they will be doing and its duration, which needs to be stamped by the local prefecture. They then need to send this to the consulate in their home country along with the visa application.

Like the normal extended visa, they must report to the OFII on their arrival in France (as above). Two months before the visa expires, they must apply for a residence permit which lasts between one and four years. With this visa, family members (spouse and minor children) are automatically entitled for a residency permit marked vie privée et familial.