FRANCE: STUDENT VISA

FRANCE: CONDITIONS

If you plan to study in France, you may require to obtain a French visa or permit depending on your nationality and country of residence. Different application procedures apply based on the subject and diploma you wish to pursue, and the length of the stay that is necessary to complete your studies in France. This applies to any student wishing to pursue a degree, take a short course, or learn French.

The main requirements for a student visa application are the following: 

1. 1. 1. Be admitted to a French university, postgraduate school or professional training school and;
      2. Demonstrate sufficient resources to cover living expenses, tuition fees, health care, etc.

For a training course of a duration less than three (3) months, you will be issued a short-stay visa (“étudiant/étudiant-concours” visa authorizing you for 90 days maximum in a 180-day period). If you pass the entrance examination, this visa will enable you to convert it into a long-term student status without having to return to your country of origin to apply for a long-stay visa.

For a training course of a duration between three (3) and six (6) months, you will be issued a temporary long-stay visa, which will require no further action upon your arrival in France. For training or a course exceeding six (6) months, you will be issued a long-stay visa, equivalent to a residence permit, which will be subject to further formalities upon your arrival in France.

International students in medicine: 

If you wish to come to France and work as a medical intern during the course of your studies, you must be selected to follow a training course in order to obtain a diploma in specialized medical training (DFMS) for a duration of one to three years. Or, you must be enrolled in an advanced diploma in specialized medical training (DFMSA) for a duration of six months to one year. The selection process is arranged by the cultural services of the French Embassy during the first quarter of the year. Some countries may have certain facilities that can also provide selection, we kindly invite you to consult your country’s “dispositions particulières”.

FRANCE: DOCUMENTS

All documents must be translated to french and legalised. Some of them will need to be apostilled.

The following documents are required to apply for a French student visa:

1. 1. 1. Acceptance or admission letter from a French Academic Institution, or;
      2. Confirmation letter from the institution in your country and France stating that you are part of an exchange programme, or;
      3. Letter from a university/laboratory/organization stating that you are accepted into a short-term internship program, and;
      4. Academic records and degree or diploma certificates;
      5. Language test certifications if required;
      6. A letter of registration from a French Academic Institution or a certificate attesting that you will follow an European Union Training course or proof of scholarship;
      7. Present a cover letter explaining the study project and your motivation;
      8. Curriculum vitae;
      9. Proof of sufficient resources (such as a bank certificate and bank statements, equivalent to 727 euros/month x 12 months);
      10. Passport with two blank pages;
      11. Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France for the duration of the stay;
      12. Proof of accommodation in France.

For Medical Students:
When applying, in addition to providing any supporting documents related to your personal situation you must also enclose the following documents:

1. 1. 1. Medical/pharmacy degree allowing you to practice specialized medical training;
      2. Specialized medical/pharmacy degree allowing you to obtain an advanced diploma in specialized medical training.

FRANCE: PROCESS

You may be required to register with Campus France and the French national agency for higher education and international students in order to obtain a student visa. Otherwise, you should apply for a course directly through the university and obtain a student visa at your local French embassy or consulate.

1. 1. 1. Our team will provide you with a consultation regarding education, medical, administration and all other relevant questions related to the French student visa;
      2. We will guide you with regards to the preparation of all necessary documentation;
      3. Our translator will translate your documents into French;
      4. We will assist your visa application package to apply at the Consulate of France;
      5. The student visa will be delivered by a consular service within a few weeks;
      6. You will be able to come to France within two months and submit a declaration of arrival to the OFII of your city of residence (L’office française de l’immigration et de l’intégration);
      7. You may be subject to pass a medical exam;
      8. To extend your stay in France, it is necessary to apply for renewal at the municipal prefecture of your residence two (2) months before your permit expires.

FRANCE: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Family members: 

A spouse or registered partner and dependent children of an international student may be eligible to apply for a permit to stay in France during the length of studies.

Work while studying: 

You have the possibility to work with your student status, for up to 964 hours a year. The employer should file a declaration of employment to the prefecture, at least two (2) days prior to the beginning of your work contract.

Regulations: 

The following are some regulations that govern the student visa process. If you need more information, please refer to these documents:

1. 1. 1. Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile : article L313-7
         Carte de séjour temporaire étudiant
      2. Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile : articles R313-7 à R313-10
         Carte de séjour temporaire étudiant
      3. Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile : articles L313-17 à L313-19
         Carte de séjour pluriannuelle étudiant
      4. Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile : articles R313-36 à R313-38
         Renouvellement des cartes de séjour temporaires : article R313-36
      5. Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile : articles R311-10 à R311-13
         Refus implicite en cas de silence gardé pendant plus de 4 mois sur une demande de titre de séjour (article R311-12)
      6. Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile : articles D311-18-1 à D311-18-3