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A Comprehensive Guide to France Study Visa
France is one of the most popular study destinations for international students looking for world-class education and exciting study abroad experiences. With its prestigious universities, rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and innovative economy, France offers international students an unforgettable opportunity to live and study in Europe. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about studying in France as an international student.
Quick Facts About Country
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Primarily in Western Europe |
| Capital | Paris |
| Major Cities | Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Nice |
| Official Language | French |
| Climate | Mostly temperate with mild winters and warm summers. Overall, mainland France enjoys a temperate climate. However, regions experience climates that vary according to their latitude, altitude, and their proximity to the sea and to the three major mountain ranges (Pyrenees, Massif Central, Alps). |
| Economy GDP per capita | $58,765 |
| Population | 67.39 million |
| Government | Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic |
| Currency | Euro |
| Area | 643,801 km2 (248,573 sq mi) |
| Distance from India | |
| Population (January 2023) | 68,042,591 |
| Time Zone | UTC+1 (Central European Time) |
| - Summer (DST) UTC+2 (Central European Summer Time) |
Navigating the France Study Visa
The key steps involved in obtaining the France study visa are:
- Step 1. Research programs and shortlist universities as per interests and eligibility criteria.
- Step 2. Verify that the selected university and program are recognized by French authorities.
- Step 3. Prepare application for the program as per university's requirements and deadlines.
- Step 4. Obtain an unconditional acceptance letter from the university.
- Step 5. Submit visa application at the French consulate with required documents.
- Step 6. Provide biometrics and attend interviews if required.
- Step 7. Obtain health insurance valid in France.
- Step 8. Pick up your visa once approved and make travel arrangements.
Key Facts as to Why Study in France
- There are over 3,500 institutions for higher education in France, including universities, grandes écoles, colleges, and other institutes.
- International students make up around 12% of the total higher education population in France.
- STEM subjects like Engineering, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences are among the most popular fields of study.
- Medicine, Economics, Social Sciences, and Business are also major study areas in France.
- French, English, and bilingual degree options are available for international students.
- Both autumn and spring intakes are available for international students in France.
- Average undergraduate tuition fees range from EUR 150 to 3000 per year at public universities.
- Postgraduate tuition can range from EUR 2000 to 15000 per year depending on the program and institution.
Key Benefits to Study in France
There are many unique advantages to studying in France as an international student:
- World-class Universities - France is home to some of the highest-ranking universities in the world like Sorbonne University and Ecole Polytechnique.
- Affordable Education - Tuition fees at public universities in France are highly subsidized by the government, making quality education very affordable.
- Innovative Programs - French institutions are known for their innovative academic programs in fields like fashion, hospitality, artificial intelligence, and more.
- Exciting Student Life - France offers vibrant student cities with rich cultural experiences through food, museums, festivals and more.
- High Employability - French degrees are valued worldwide which leads to good job prospects after graduation.
- Opportunity to Learn French - France is an ideal place to learn French, one of the most useful global languages.
- Gateway to Europe - France's central location allows for exploring other parts of Europe easily during studies.
Eligibility Criteria for France Study Visa
The key requirements to be eligible for a French student visa are:
- Completed secondary education or equivalent academic qualification.
- Unconditional acceptance letter from a recognized French institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs.
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity.
- Health insurance coverage for the first 3 months.
- Accommodation proof like university housing confirmation.
- Purpose statement and educational background documents.
- Additional requirements may apply for specific countries.
Top Univeristes to Study in France for International Students
Some of the best universities in France for international students include:
| University | Description |
| Sorbonne University | One of the oldest universities renowned for arts, languages, law, and sciences. |
| University of Paris-Saclay | A research-intensive university ranked highly in mathematics and statistics. |
| PSL University | Delivers programs in physical sciences, engineering, humanities, and more across top grandes écoles. |
| University of Strasbourg | Among the largest universities in France with a global outlook and vibrant student culture. |
| University of Grenoble Alpes | Offers innovative programs in computer science, physics, economics, and applied languages. |
| University of Montpellier | Multidisciplinary university with strengths in sciences, law, business, and sports. |
| Ecole Polytechnique | A leading French grande école focused on engineering, technology, and scientific research. |
Intakes to Study in France for International Students
The major intakes to begin studies in France are:
| Intake | Description |
| September Intake | Main intake for most programs, starting in September/October. |
| January Intake | Some institutions offer a Winter intake in January, especially for shorter exchange and language programs. |
| April/May Intake | Very few universities have a Spring intake for select master's and doctoral level programs. |
| Rolling Intake | Certain online programs and short-term diploma courses have flexible rolling intake dates. |
Specific intake dates may vary across universities - students must verify the deadlines for their chosen program well in advance.
Intakes to Study in France for International Students
The step-by-step process to apply for a French student visa is:
- Step 1. Find a suitable program and check entry requirements set by the university.
- Step 2. Submit a complete application to the university before their specified deadline.
- Step 3. Provide necessary academic documents like transcripts, letters, standardized test scores, etc.
- Step 4. Obtain the Acceptance Letter from the university once admitted to the program.
- Step 5. Prepare a complete France visa application dossier as per requirements.
- Step 6. Schedule an appointment and submit the application at the appropriate VFS Global visa application center.
- Step 7. Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photographs.
- Step 8. Wait for processing and attend an interview if requested by the consulate.
- Step 9. Collect passport with visa affixed once approved.
Types of Visas in France
Some common visas offered by France are:
| Short Stay Schengen Visa | Tourism, business, medical treatment, etc. | Under 90 days |
| Long Stay Student Visa | Long-term degree and exchange programs | Over 90 days |
| Visitor Visa | Academics, researchers, professors visiting France | Varies |
| Work Visa | Skilled professionals transferring to France on a work permit | Varies |
| Business Visa | Investors, entrepreneurs, and talent establishing business | Varies |
| Family Reunion Visa | Family members of citizens or long-term residents in France | Varies |
| Au Pair Visa | Young adults interested in working as au pairs in France | Varies |
Requirements Of France Study Visa
The key France student visa requirements are:
- Completely filled and signed visa application form
- Valid passport with minimum 1 year validity
- Recent passport-size photos as per specifications
- University acceptance letter
- Proof of tuition fee payment
- Parents' bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Accommodation details in France
- France travel medical insurance coverage
- Any other documents required by the consulate
Transitioning to Permanent Residence in France
International students can transition from a study visa to permanent residence in France through:
- Obtaining the post-study work visa first and working for 1-3 years after graduation.
- Finding employment in France and getting sponsored by an employer for a skilled worker residence permit.
- 5 years of regular long-term residence permits allows applying for permanent residence.
- Being in a civil partnership with a French citizen for a minimum period.
- Showing sufficient integration into French life through language skills and cultural awareness.
- Meeting age, income, health insurance, and character requirements.
Pathways to Permanent Residence in France
The main pathways for international students to secure French permanent residence are:
- Post-study work visa to skilled worker permit to permanent residence
- Enrollment in PhD program after studies to transition to permanent residence
- Marriage to a French citizen and applying after a certain period
- Continuously holding long-term French residence permits for 5 years
- Making significant economic contributions and investments in France
- Demonstrating exceptional artistic or athletic talents valuable for France
Applying for an France Work Permit
Types of Work Permits in France
- Temporary Worker Permit - Issued for specific employer and job for up to 12 months.
- EU Blue Card - For highly skilled professionals with minimum salary requirements. Valid for up to 3 years.
- Talent Passport - For innovators, investors, entrepreneurs etc. Provides faster-track options.
- Skills and Talents Permit - For qualified foreigners hired by French employers. Valid for up to 4 years.
- ICT Permit - For inter-company transfers for managerial and specialized roles. Valid up to 3 years.
- Seasonal Worker Permit - Short-term permit for specific industries like hospitality, agriculture etc.
Applying for a France Work Permit
To obtain a work permit, international students must follow these steps:
- Find a job in France within 1 year of graduation and get proof of employment.
- Employers should sponsor the work permit and submit necessary documentation.
- Meet the eligibility criteria like qualifications, salary threshold, language skills etc.
- Submit the relevant permit application with supporting documents to appropriate authorities.
- Attend biometrics appointment and in-person interview if required.
- Obtain visa approval and start employment after receiving a residence permit card.
Understanding Work Permit Restrictions and Conditions
These are some key conditions and restrictions for French work permits:
- The permit ties the holder to one employer and occupation only.
- Applying for permit renewal or change of employers involves administrative procedures.
- Meeting ongoing eligibility through salary levels and language skills is required.
- Accommodation and health insurance must be maintained as per standards.
- There are annual quotas and caps on certain types of work permits issued.
- Permits for freelancing or self-employment are restricted.
- Spouses may require separate permits for working in France.
- Respecting French labour laws and immigration regulations is mandatory.
Cost of Studying in France
France is an affordable study destination, especially for EU students. Some average costs are:
| Cost Category | Average Costs |
| Tuition Fees | - Bachelor's: EUR 150 to 3000 per year |
| - Masters: EUR 2000 to 15000 per year | |
| Cost of Living | - EUR 800 to 1200 per month for accommodation, food, transport, etc. |
| Health Insurance | - EUR 20 to 100 monthly premium for student health coverage. |
| Additional Expenses | - Books, supplies, leisure, etc.: EUR 150 to 300 per month. |
| Bachelors Overall | - EUR 10000 to 15000 per year. |
| Masters Overall | - EUR 15000 to 25000 per year in total. |
| PhD | - Extremely affordable with low tuition and generous funding options. |
Cost of Studying in France
France offers excellent post-study work opportunities through:
- One year OPT-equivalent visa for Bachelor's or Master's graduates to find jobs.
- Two to three year extended stayback visa for PhD and other higher degree graduates.
- Employer-sponsored skilled worker permit for international students finding relevant jobs.
- Certain programs like French Tech Visa that facilitate PR for tech professionals and startup founders.
- Streamlined pathways to permanent residence after accumulating years of professional experience.
- Additional benefits for graduates from designated French universities and programs
Frequently asked questions
What are the language requirements for studying in France?
B2 level French is required for most undergraduate programs while B1 or no
requirement for English-taught Master's degrees.
Can international students work part-time in France?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week with the student long-stay
visa.
What is the cost of living and studying in France?
Living expenses are about 800 to 1000 EUR per month. Bachelors can cost 10000
to 15000 EUR per year while Masters 15000 to 25000 EUR annually.
How much bank balance is required for a French student visa?
You need to show at least 615 EUR per month for living costs for the first
year of studies in France.
What documents are required for a French student visa?
Documents like acceptance letter, passport, financial proof, health
certificate, accommodation details, proof of tuition fees payment etc. need to
be submitted.
How long is the France study visa valid for?
The French student visa is valid for the entire duration of the academic
program plus 3 months before and after the course.