How to get a France student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) |
| Application fee | €99 visa plus about €50 validation tax on arrival |
| Health cover | Free registration with French social security once you arrive |
| Funds to show | €615 a month for the length of the stay (about €7,380 a year), shown in bank statements, a scholarship letter or a sponsor's guarantee |
| Validity | 1 year, validated online within 3 months of arrival, then renewed as a residence permit |
| Post-study route | Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) / Recherche d'emploi: 12 months after a master's; 24 months for Indian nationals |
How to apply, step by step
- Create your Études en France file and get an academic interview at Campus France
- Receive admission and pay any deposit
- Apply for the visa online via France-Visas and book a VFS appointment
- Submit documents and biometrics; processing 2 to 4 weeks
- Validate the VLS-TS online after arrival and register for social security
Documents checklist
- Campus France attestation (Études en France procedure)
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months
- Passport, photos, academic documents
- Language proof: English (IELTS 6.0 to 6.5) or French (DELF B2) depending on programme
Financial evidence
€615 a month for the length of the stay (about €7,380 a year), shown in bank statements, a scholarship letter or a sponsor's guarantee. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted. Money must be in your name or a parent's with a consent letter, and statements must be recent. Our loan partners issue sanction letters that visa offices recognise.
After you graduate
Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) / Recherche d'emploi: 12 months after a master's; 24 months for Indian nationals. Work in any job while searching; convert to a work permit with a qualifying salary.
Working on a student visa
964 hours a year (about 60 percent of full time), which allows roughly 20 hours a week. Minimum wages of €11.88 an hour gross minimum wage (SMIC, 2025).
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Do I need to speak French to study in France?
Not for an English-taught programme. Daily life, internships and jobs are far easier with French, and many schools include French classes in the fee.
How long can I stay after my master's in France?
12 months on the APS for most nationals, 24 months for Indian nationals. Bachelor's graduates are not eligible.
Is a French public university degree recognised abroad?
Yes. Public universities award national diplomas recognised across the EU and beyond. For business, check that a school's programme is Visa-accredited or triple-crowned (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).