France Student Visa Guide

A strategic partnership between France and India opens up numerous opportunities for Indian students. France has set an ambitious goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030. To promote this, they introduced a program called Classes Internationales, which offers students an additional year to learn French before starting their main studies. In a further push to promote this opportunity, many schools in India have begun incorporating French as an additional language subject in their education system. This initiative aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students and make their move to France student visa easier.

There are three different types of France student visa. To avoid confusion with the French names, we’ve included the English names as well:

Visa de court séjour pour etudes (‘Schengen’ Short-stay Student Visa)

For students who have applied for short-term courses for up to three months. With this visa, you don’t need to apply for a residence card for the duration of your stay.

Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes (Temporary Long-stay Visa)

This visa allows you to stay and study in France for three to six months, but you can’t renew or extend this visa. 

Visa de long séjour etudes (Long-stay Visa)

France long-stay student visa lasting more than six months, also acts as a residence permit (VLT-TS). You can extend every year according to your course duration.

To qualify for a student visa, you need to meet the following key requirements:

Age Requirement

You must be 18 years old. 

University Criteria

Every university has its own rules and regulations for every course. They will have their grade and other requirement thus, ensure that you check those requirements before. This will help you in evaluating your options in France. 

French Proficiency 

French is the primary language in France which is required to communicate and interact with people. Thus, you are required to have at least B2-level proficiency in the French language.

When applying for the France student visa, you’ll need to provide some documents, and here’s what you need to prepare: 

Application Form

To apply for France student visa you are required to submit an application form. Remember, to check the duration and type of visa before filling out the application form. 

Passport

Submit a valid passport in good condition, also include the old visa history during the visa application with a reason.

Photographs

Provide two passport-sized photographs following the visa instructions.

Campus France NOC

Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Campus France, this is required for the long-term visa application. This mentions that they have no issues granting admission to an Indian national. 

Letter of Appointment

Your French academic institution will provide you with an electronic Letter of Appointment mentioning your course and tuition fees. Usually, when you apply for the student visa Etudes en France (EEF) number is required for verification. This document also decides the exact amount of immediate funds for your visa application.

Cover Letter & Resume

Prepare a detailed cover letter explaining your study plans and objectives. Your resume (CV) should also be included along with the cover letter. 

Proof of Funds

Financial documents are the most important document when you apply for a France student visa. The interviewer verifies that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, which are around ₹60,624 per month. The sponsor’s income proof is also required to verify that they can fund your studies throughout your course duration. For more details read France Visa Requirement.

Airplane Ticket

For stays under six months, submit a round-trip ticket. However, for long-term stays (over six months) one-way ticket is required.

Medical Insurance

Medical Insurance is a priority to cover your healthcare expenses during your stay in France. For this, you either get help from your institution or get it through a private provider. 

OFII form (Office Francais de Immigration et de Integration)

The form must be completed after you arrive in France which is used for tracking and verifying your stay.

Proof of Residency

It’s not necessary to submit a rent agreement, you can submit a hotel reservation also. This is to ensure that you have a place to stay after your land in France. Searching for an apartment? Take leverage of the University living.

Educational Certificates

To support your academic background you need to submit educational certificates. The interviewer may evaluate your value as part of their evaluation process, so ensure you meet the required standards.

After you’ve gathered all the required documents, it’s time to apply for the visa. You can follow the mentioned steps:

Register Online

Visit india.campusfrance.org and register yourself by creating an account. 

Fill the Details

Log in and proceed with the application form. Upload the asked documents and ensure that the field indicates complete. Don’t move forward with the France student visa application until you receive confirmation. 

File Number

Once your application is complete, print a copy and submit it to the assigned Campus France office. They will review your application and will request an appointment for further processing.

Attend the Appointment

On the scheduled date and time attend the appointment. You are required to carry all your mandatory documents with you. Ensure to get a copy of each document and the receipt from Campus France which is proof of the fee payment. 

Interview Completion Certificate

Attend the appointment at the scheduled time and carry all your original documents and photocopies, along with the Campus France fee payment receipt. This step includes an academic interview, so be prepared to discuss your study plans. Don’t forget to collect your interview completion certificate. 

VFS France

Once the academic interview is done, book an appointment with VFS France. They will ask you to submit the original documents but, will return later. If you cannot collect them personally, only your parents or immediate family members (siblings) can retrieve them on your behalf.

Your visa's cost depends on the visa type you are applying for (short-stay, temporary long-stay, or long-stay). Refer to the table for an estimated cost.

The visa interview is often the most challenging part of the process, as interviewers are skilled at catching students off-guard. To help you stay prepared, follow these key tips:

Know Your Study Plan

The interviewer will likely ask why you chose to study in France and what motivated you to apply to your chosen university. Give clear, concise, and confident answers that can satisfy the interviewer.

Be Prepared to Discuss Finances

Visa officers will definitely questions regarding finances to ensure that your sponsor can support you during your stay in France. Explain the sponsor’s income and have a satisfactory reason if someone other than your parents is sponsoring you (such as an uncle).

 

 

 

Understand French Culture & Language

While fluency isn't always required, a basic understanding of French is required to interact with the country. Thus, acquire a B2 proficiency level in French before your interview. 

Be Honest

Don’t try to be over-smart during the visa interview, it can backfire. Stay honest and avoid overcomplicating your answers. Otherwise, the interviewer can trick you thus, decreasing your France student visa success rate.

The strengthening ties between India and France are building a ladder for the Indian students. Launching new initiatives like Classes Internationales and a variety of scholarships, making it more accessible. Check Scholarships and know the possible options you can opt to decrease your financial requirement. If you are still thinking and exploring your options then it is a good time to apply for the France student visa as it can shape and embrace your future plans.