Non-EU/EEA students who plan to study in France for more than 90 days need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS étudiant). This guide covers the Campus France procedure, financial requirements, the visa application itself, and what happens after you arrive — including validation with OFII and the post-study job-search permit.
Do You Need Campus France First?
For applicants in around 50 countries with a "Études en France" (Campus France) procedure — including India, China, and most of Sub-Saharan Africa — you must create a Campus France (or "Études en France") account and get your application validated before applying for the visa itself.
| Country Group | Process |
|---|---|
| Countries with Campus France procedure | Campus France account → apply to universities → visa application |
| Countries without the procedure | Apply directly to universities, then apply for visa |
| EU/EEA/Swiss citizens | No visa required at all |
VLS-TS vs VLS-T — Which Visa Do You Need?
| Visa Type | Duration | Validation Required |
|---|---|---|
| VLS-TS (temporary long-stay visa acting as residence permit) | 4–12 months, renewable | Must validate with OFII within 3 months of arrival |
| VLS-T (short-term long-stay visa) | Under 6 months, non-renewable | No OFII validation, no residence permit conversion |
Most degree-seeking students (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) are issued the VLS-TS, since it doubles as a residence permit for the first year.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a French student visa, you must:
- Hold an admission letter from a recognised French institution
- Complete the Campus France procedure, where applicable, with a validated "avis favorable"
- Show financial resources of at least the minimum required amount (see below)
- Have accommodation arranged in France (or a booking confirmation) for your arrival
- Hold valid health insurance covering your stay
Financial Requirements
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum monthly resources | Approx. €615/month (equivalent to French minimum student grant, "boursier" rate) |
| Annual proof commonly requested | Approx. €7,380 or more, depending on consulate |
| Acceptable proof | Bank statements, scholarship letter, sponsor's affidavit (attestation de prise en charge), CAF-approved guarantor |
Requirements vary slightly by consulate — always check the exact figure quoted for your country of application, as consulates update thresholds periodically.
Application Process
Step 1: Campus France / Direct University Application
Create your Campus France account (if applicable) and receive offers from French institutions.
Step 2: Apply for the Visa Online
Submit your application through France-Visas, the official online portal, and pay the visa fee.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa (VLS-TS) | Approx. €50 |
| Campus France procedure fee | Varies by country (often €50–€100) |
Step 3: Book a Visa Appointment
Attend an appointment at the French consulate or an authorised visa application centre (e.g., TLScontact, VFS Global) with your documents and biometrics.
Step 4: Documents Checklist
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admission letter | From your French institution |
| Campus France attestation | Where applicable |
| Proof of financial resources | Bank statements or sponsor letter |
| Proof of accommodation | Lease, university housing confirmation, or host attestation |
| Health insurance | Covering the initial period in France |
| Passport photos and valid passport | Standard biometric requirements |
Step 5: Arrival and OFII Validation
Within 3 months of arriving, validate your VLS-TS online with the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration) and pay the OFII tax (approx. €50–€60). This step converts your visa into a valid residence permit for the year.
Language Requirements — French vs. English Programmes
| Programme Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| French-taught programmes | Usually DELF/DALF B1–B2 or equivalent |
| English-taught Master's/MBA programmes | IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80–100, depending on the school |
| Grandes Écoles / Business Schools | Often IELTS 6.5+ for English-taught tracks |
Many French Grandes Écoles and business schools (HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD, ESCP) run fully English-taught Master's and MBA programmes and do not require French proficiency for admission — but you'll still need an English test score.
Work Rights on a French Student Visa
| Status | Hours |
|---|---|
| All VLS-TS holders | Up to 964 hours/year (approx. 60% of full-time work) |
| PhD candidates | Same cap, though many work as contracted researchers instead |
After Graduation — The APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour)
Graduates can apply for the APS, a temporary residence authorisation to look for a job or start a business:
| Qualification | APS Duration |
|---|---|
| Master's degree | 12 months |
| Master's in engineering/STEM fields (recent extensions) | Up to 24 months in some cases |
| PhD | 12 months |
Once you secure a qualifying job offer or start a business, the APS can be converted into a work-authorising residence permit.
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