Overview of Student Visas in France
International students planning to study in France must obtain a valid residency authorization if they are not citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the French government maintains specific visa categories based on the duration of the study program and the nature of the educational institution.
Most long-term students apply for the Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS), which serves as both a visa and a temporary residence permit. This document allows the holder to stay in France for more than four months and up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. Short-term programs lasting less than 90 days are covered under the standard Schengen short-stay visa.
Types of Student Visas
The type of visa required depends strictly on the length of the course and the student's nationality. The following categories are the most common for the 2025/2026 period:
- Short-stay Student Visa (Court Séjour pour Études): For courses lasting less than three months. It does not require a residence permit and cannot be renewed in France.
- Temporary Long-stay Visa (VLS-T): For programs lasting between four and six months (often used for short exchange semesters). This visa does not require validation upon arrival but does not allow for a renewal or part-time work in most cases.
- Long-stay Visa - Residence Permit (VLS-TS): The standard visa for degree-seeking students. It must be validated online within three months of arrival.
Financial Requirements
To qualify for a student visa, applicants must demonstrate that they possess sufficient financial resources to support themselves without relying on public funds. For the 2025/2026 cycle, the minimum monthly requirement is generally set at 615 EUR ($664 USD, Jan 2026). This amount may be proven through bank statements, scholarship certificates, or a letter of guarantee from a sponsor (garant).
The Application Process
For many nationalities, the application begins with the Études en France (EEF) procedure managed by Campus France. This is an integrated online platform for university applications and visa pre-screening. Applicants from countries not covered by the EEF procedure apply directly via the official France-Visas portal.
Step-by-Step Registration
- Enrollment: Obtain a formal letter of acceptance or "Attestation d'inscription" from a French higher education institution.
- Campus France: Create a profile on the Campus France website to complete the academic interview if required.
- Visa Application: Submit the formal application on France-Visas.
- Appointment: Attend an interview at a French consulate or an external service provider (such as VFS Global or TLScontact).
Associated Costs
The following fees are standard for 2025/2026, though they may vary slightly by country of application:
- Visa Application Fee: Approximately 99 EUR ($107 USD, Jan 2026).
- Campus France Fee: Varies by country, typically between 70 EUR and 300 EUR ($75 - $324 USD, Jan 2026).
- Residence Permit Tax (OFII): Upon arrival, students with a VLS-TS must pay a tax of approximately 75 EUR ($81 USD, Jan 2026).
Rights and Obligations After Arrival
Holding a VLS-TS "Étudiant" provides specific rights to the holder during their stay in France. One of the primary benefits is the legal right to work part-time. Students are permitted to work up to 964 hours per year, which represents approximately 60% of the legal annual work duration in France.
Validation of the Visa
Within three months of arriving in France, holders of a VLS-TS must validate their visa online via the Ministry of Interior's portal. Failure to complete this step will result in the visa holder being considered an undocumented resident, which may lead to the cancellation of their right to stay and work.
Social Security and Healthcare
Registration with the French healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale) is mandatory for all international students and is free of charge. This process is completed after arrival and after the university registration is finalized. Information on this process can be found on the Ameli website.
Please note: Rules for Algerian nationals are governed by the Franco-Algerian Accord of 1968 and may differ regarding the duration of residence permits and specific application steps.