Visa type
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS “Étudiant”) for studies over 90 days.
Globally recognised French degrees
Strong programs in business and engineering
Affordable public university education
Study in a leading EU economy
English-taught programs widely available
Rich culture and student lifestyle
Main intakes in September and January
Low tuition at public universities
Part-time work up to 964 hours/year
Affordable living costs outside Paris
Post-study job-seeker residence permit
Scholarships and government funding options
Popular Courses & Fields
Business Management and Finance
Engineering and Technology
Computer Science and Data Analytics
Hospitality and Luxury Management
Fashion and Design
International Relations and Political Science
Architecture and Urban Planning
Film, Animation, and Creative Media
Economics and Applied Finance
Food Science and Culinary Studies
Top Vocational Courses in France
BTS Programmes (Business, IT, Tourism)
Culinary Arts and Pastry Certifications
Hospitality Operations Diplomas
Beauty and Wellness Qualifications
Web Development and Digital Design
Research and Science Courses
Aerospace and Aviation Engineering
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Energy Systems and Sustainability
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research
Climate Science and Environmental PolicyClimate Science and Environmental Policy
Language Courses in France
French Language (FLE)
Academic French
Business French
DELF / DALF Preparation
Short-Term Courses in France
Summer Schools (Business and Culture)
Culinary and Pastry Workshops
Fashion Design Short Courses
Data Analytics Certificates
Intakes & Admission Timeline
Key Admission Intakes
Major: September / October (Main intake)
Secondary: January / February
Limited: April (private institutions)
Admission Process timeline
9–12 months: Program selection, language planning
6–8 months: Campus France / university applications
4–6 months: Acceptance, fees, funding plan
2–3 months: Student visa, housing, travel
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Cost of Studying in France
Tuition Fees (Public universities)
UG (Licence) non-EU: EUR 2,895 per year
PG (Master) non-EU: EUR 3,941 per year
Living Expenses
Budget guide varies by city; Paris/Ile-de-France is typically higher than other regions (plan a higher monthly budget for Paris).
Other Costs
Student life contribution (CVEC), visa/residence formalities, health cover arrangements, accommodation deposit, local transport pass, flights, forex
Scholarships & Financial Support
- French government / embassy-linked funding routes
- University and departmental scholarships (with partial/full fee waivers)
- Erasmus+ (where applicable through partnerships)
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (Masters/PhD level)
- France Excellence Scholarships (Masters/PhD level)
- University-specific excellence
- Indian bank/NBFC education loans (tuition + living exp)
France Student Visa Overview
When to apply
After admission + your France-Visas/Campus France steps and finances are ready.
After arrival
Validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival.
Typical processing duration
Varies by consulate/VFS and peak intakes; apply early with a complete file.
Dependants
No automatic “dependant” on the student visa; separate visas/routes for family
Documents Checklist (Student Visa)
1
Passport, photos, admission/enrolment certificate
2
Campus France / EEF confirmation (if applicable)
3
Proof of funds (living costs), tuition payment proof
4
Academic transcripts, language proof if required
5
Accommodation proof, health insurance, personal documents (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
1
Admission from institution
2
Campus France registration
3
Complete Etudes en France
4
Visa fees payment
5
Biometrics appointment
6
Visa approval & travel
Work allowance during & after Studies
- 964 hours/year permitted
- Student job: part-time, any sector
- Internship: paid if over two months
- APS job search visa
- APS duration: up to 12 months
- Work permit: transition to salarié status
How We Help (End‑to‑End Support)
Profile & eligibility check
Campus France shortlist
SOP / motivation review
Campus France process
Funds & housing guidance
Student Visa filing
Insurance support
Pre-departure briefing
Post-arrival help
FAQs
Indian students enrolled in courses longer than 90 days must apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS).
Yes. Campus France registration and interview are mandatory for most Indian applicants before visa submission.
English-taught programmes generally require IELTS or equivalent tests, while French-taught programmes require recognised French language certification.
Students must show evidence of monthly living expenses as prescribed by French authorities, along with tuition fee proof.
Yes. Students must have valid health insurance coverage, either private or via the French student social security system.
Students are permitted to work part-time for a limited number of hours annually alongside their studies.
Yes. Proof of accommodation in France is usually required at the time of visa application.
Processing timelines vary by intake season but generally depend on document completeness and appointment availability.
Graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to seek employment or start a business, subject to eligibility.
Incomplete Campus France process, insufficient financial proof, or unclear academic progression are common factors.
Releated Links
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