France Student Visa 2027: Requirements and Steps
Study in France in 2027: the student visa types, requirements, application steps and renewal rules, plus who can study in France without a visa.
Charlotte Whitmore
Last updated
A French Student Visa Opens Doors in Europe
France offers respected universities, low fees at public universities, and degrees valued worldwide. With a French Student Visa, you can live in France, work part-time, travel across Europe’s Schengen countries, and stay to find a job after graduation. Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland need no visa, only a valid passport or national identity card. Students from all other countries must apply for a student visa before they travel.
Types of France Student Visas
A short-stay visa covers courses of up to three months, such as a summer language course. A temporary long-stay visa covers courses of four to six months, but it cannot be renewed and does not allow work. For courses longer than six months, you need the long-stay visa that works as a residence permit (VLS-TS), valid for four months to one year, renewable, and with the right to work.
France Student Visa Requirements
You must be over 18 and have an admission letter from a French higher education institution. You also need language skills that match your program: a French test for French-taught programs or an English test for English-taught ones. You must show at least €615 per month for your whole stay to prove you can support yourself. You will also need a valid passport, health insurance and an address for your first three months in France.
Steps to Get a France Student Visa
First, get your admission. In many countries, you then create a file on the Études en France platform and may have a short interview with Campus France, the official agency for international students. Next, complete your application on France-Visas and book an appointment at the visa center. At your appointment, you hand in your documents and give your fingerprints and photo, then wait for your passport. After arriving in France, you must validate your visa online within three months.
Visa Renewal and Work After Graduation
If your studies last longer than your visa, you apply online for a student residence permit two to four months before your visa expires. You still need to be enrolled and show €615 per month. After a master’s degree or professional bachelor’s degree, you can get a one-year permit to look for work or start a business in France. Once you find a job, you can move to a work permit and build your career in France.
Can Students Work in France?
Yes, international students can work up to 964 hours per year, about 60% of normal full-time hours. Algerian citizens are limited to 50% under their own rules. Part-time work should support your studies, not replace your proof of funds. Check the conditions on your residence permit before you start any job.
How Much Does a France Student Visa Cost, and How Long Does It Take?
The visa fee is usually €50 in countries that use the Études en France platform and €99 elsewhere. You may also pay a Campus France fee and a small fee when you validate your visa in France. Processing often takes a few weeks but can be longer in summer, so apply as soon as you have your admission.
Can My Family Come With Me, and Can My Spouse Work?
Yes, your spouse and children under 18 can join you, but they apply for their own long-stay visitor visa. They must show enough money, suitable housing and health insurance. The visitor visa does not allow your spouse to work in France.
Check if you qualify for studying in France →
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