Study In France

How to Apply for a French Student VISA?

A step-by-step process to make an online application for French Student VISA is as mentioned below:

Visit https://france-visas.gouv.fr to make a VISA application.
Create an account on France Visas and use it at every step of the application process.
You will get a link for appointment scheduling with VFS-France. Carry photocopies of your documents and original passport.
Be present for the interview on the appointed date with all validated documents and register your biometric data.

Note: You have to validate your residence permit or long-stay VISA (VLS-TS) within three months of arrival in the country by clicking on: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/

Important Documents to be Carried During French VISA Interview

Types Of Student VISA to Study In France for Indian Students

The French Student Visas are broadly classified on the kind of stay expected. Depending on the duration of your visit (or duration of your course), you can apply either to a Short Stay VISA, a temporary long-stay VISA or a long-stay VISA. Here’s a quick look at them.

VISA De Court Sejour Pour Etudes

This is a short-stay student VISA, which is valid for 3 months and is ideal for students planning to take up short language programs in France.

VISA De Long Sejour Temporaire Pour Etudes

This is temporary long stay student VISA that is valid for four months up to a year. The students planning to take up courses that may last between 3 and 6 months.

VISA De Long Sejour Etudes

This is a long stay VISA also called the residence permit -VLT-TS, and it stands valid for the entire course duration.

Etudiant Concours

This VISA is issued for 90 days and is valid for entrance exams. A student can apply to their local prefecture for a 1-year renewable, residence permit after clearing the exam.

Post Study Work VISA in France

Indian students would require a work contract or the promise of employment to continue in France after their studies. They must possess a contract, which indicates their payment will be at least one and half times the minimum wage in France, which is € 2,200, as of 2017. If the student doesn’t possess the promise of employment or work contract, they may raise a request an Autorisation Provisoire de Sejour (APS – temporary resident permit) that is valid for the next 12 months. To make a request, the student must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s – level degree or must be planning to start their own business.