The France Student Visa allows eligible international students to pursue studies in France. The visa route depends on the length and type of course. Students planning to study for more than three months generally need a long-stay visa, followed by the applicable formalities after arriving in France.
- France Student Visa Details
- France Student Visa Benefits and Eligibility
- France Student Visa Financial Requirements
- Required Documents
- How to Apply for a France Student Visa
- Step 1: Choose Your Course
- Step 2: Apply for Admission
- Step 3: Check Études en France
- Step 4: Check Your Visa Type and Document List
- Step 5: Prepare Financial and Accommodation Evidence
- Step 6: Complete the France-Visas Application
- Step 7: Attend the Required Appointment
- Step 8: Check the Decision and Arrival Formalities
- France Student Visa Fees and Deadline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need Études en France before applying for a visa?
- How much financial support must I show?
- Is the France Student Visa fee always €50?
- Can I work while studying in France?
- Do I need accommodation before applying?
- Is university admission enough to receive a visa?
- Final Thoughts
- Apply Now and Official Website
Before applying, you need admission to an eligible programme. Your nationality and country of residence can also affect whether you must complete the Études en France procedure before submitting your visa application. This guide explains the requirements, current financial threshold, documents and application steps.
France Student Visa Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Study destination | France |
| Visa for studies longer than three months | Long-stay student visa |
| Main academic requirement | Acceptance by an eligible education provider |
| Pre-visa procedure | Études en France, where applicable |
| Financial threshold | At least €877.50 per month under the requirement effective August 2026 |
| Indicative visa fee for Études en France countries | €50 |
| Indicative visa fee for other countries | €99 |
| Application portal | France-Visas |
| Application deadline | No single annual deadline |
| After arrival | Complete the formalities required for the visa issued |
France Student Visa Benefits and Eligibility
What Does the Visa Allow?
A long-stay France Student Visa enables a successful applicant to travel to France for an eligible course lasting more than three months. The type of long-stay visa issued determines the steps you must complete after arrival.
Foreign students may be allowed to work alongside their studies, subject to the conditions that apply to them. France-Visas states a general limit of 964 hours per year, with a different rule for Algerian nationals. Part-time work should be treated as supplementary income rather than the main way to pay for study and living costs.
Who Is Eligible?
The standard higher education student route described by France-Visas is for applicants over 18 who have chosen a course and been accepted by a higher education establishment. Enrolment procedures vary by nationality, course and level of study.
If your country or territory is covered by Études en France, you may need to complete that process before the visa application. The official list includes countries such as Pakistan, India, Japan, Nigeria and the United States, among others. Check the procedure for the country where you live rather than assuming it is the same everywhere.
Students considering another European destination can compare the process in our Italy Student Visa Guide. Italy has different pre-enrolment and residence procedures.
France Student Visa Financial Requirements
Campus France announced that the minimum financial resources required for a long-stay student visa increased to €877.50 per month from 1 August 2026. The previous €615 monthly figure is outdated for applications assessed under the new requirement.
At €877.50 per month, 12 months equals €10,530. This calculation illustrates the monthly threshold over a year; the documents you need and period you must demonstrate depend on your application and the instructions from the responsible visa authority.
Prepare evidence that clearly shows how your studies and stay will be supported. A scholarship, family support or personal funds may be relevant depending on your circumstances. Check the France-Visas visa wizard and your local application instructions for acceptable documents.
Our Germany Student Visa guide explains a different approach to financial proof for students comparing France and Germany.
Required Documents
Your exact France Student Visa checklist comes from the France-Visas visa wizard and the visa office handling your application. Prepare the documents it requests, which may include:
- A valid passport and completed visa application
- A recent photograph meeting the stated requirements
- Proof of acceptance or enrolment from your education provider
- Evidence that the Études en France procedure has been completed, if it applies
- Financial evidence meeting the current requirement
- Details of accommodation or an address for the beginning of your stay
- Any other documents requested for your nationality and course
France-Visas says applicants should provide a temporary address for the first three months of their stay or their permanent address if they already have accommodation. Local document requirements may differ, so use your personalised checklist when preparing the file.
How to Apply for a France Student Visa
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Research French universities and other eligible providers. Check academic entry requirements, tuition fees, language requirements and course dates.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Follow the admissions process for your chosen institution and programme. Keep your acceptance or enrolment document, as it is central to the visa application.
Step 3: Check Études en France
Find out whether the Études en France procedure applies in your country or territory of residence. If it does, complete the required process before moving to the visa stage. Follow the instructions of the relevant Campus France office.
Step 4: Check Your Visa Type and Document List
Use the France-Visas visa wizard to identify the appropriate visa and receive a list of supporting documents. A course lasting more than three months generally calls for a long-stay visa.
Step 5: Prepare Financial and Accommodation Evidence
Check that your financial documents meet the current €877.50 monthly threshold where it applies to your application. Prepare the accommodation information and other evidence listed by France-Visas.
Step 6: Complete the France-Visas Application
Enter your details through the official France-Visas portal. Review your passport, course and contact information before submitting the form.
Step 7: Attend the Required Appointment
Follow the instructions for the French consulate or approved visa application centre handling your case. Bring the required documents, provide biometrics if requested and pay the applicable charges.
Step 8: Check the Decision and Arrival Formalities
If your visa is approved, check its dates and conditions before travelling. After arriving in France, complete any visa validation or residence formalities required for the specific visa you received.
For another popular study destination, our UK Student Visa guide covers the separate UK requirements and application steps.
France Student Visa Fees and Deadline
France-Visas lists an indicative visa fee of €50 for applicants in countries or territories using the Études en France procedure and €99 for applicants in other countries. Special cases may have different rates, and a visa application centre or local procedure may involve additional charges. Check the amount shown for your application before paying.
There is no single annual France Student Visa deadline. Your university’s admission schedule, any Études en France timetable and local visa appointment availability determine when you should begin. Leave time to complete each stage before your course starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Études en France before applying for a visa?
That depends on the procedure applicable to your country or territory and your course. Check the official Études en France and local Campus France instructions before starting the visa form.
How much financial support must I show?
Campus France states that the minimum for long-stay student visa applications increased to €877.50 per month from 1 August 2026. Check your personal document checklist for how to demonstrate the funds.
Is the France Student Visa fee always €50?
No. France-Visas gives €50 as the indicative fee for countries or territories using Études en France and €99 for other countries, with some special cases charged differently.
Can I work while studying in France?
Work may be permitted under the conditions that apply to your status. France-Visas states a general limit of 964 hours per year for foreign students and notes a different limit for Algerian nationals.
Do I need accommodation before applying?
France-Visas says you must give a temporary address for the first three months or a permanent address if you have one. Check your local visa checklist for the evidence required.
Is university admission enough to receive a visa?
No. Admission is an important step, but the visa authority also assesses the application and its supporting documents.
Final Thoughts
A successful France Student Visa application starts with admission to an eligible course and, where required, completion of Études en France. Use France-Visas to identify your visa type and documents, prepare current financial evidence, and follow the instructions for your local appointment.
Financial thresholds, fees and procedures can change. Check the official pages before submitting your application, even if you began preparing earlier.
