How to Apply for a France Student Visa (Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS))

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Études en France (EEF) Procedure: If you reside in one of the 67 countries mandated by Campus France, you must first create an account on the "Études en France" platform, submit your documents, and attend a mandatory academic interview.
2. University Acceptance: Once Campus France approves your file (or if you apply directly from a non-EEF country), you will receive your official enrollment certificate.
3. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the official visa application form on the France-Visas portal.
4. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the French Consulate or designated visa center (e.g., VFS Global, TLScontact).
5. Submit Biometrics and File: Attend your appointment to submit your passport, physical documents, biometrics, and pay the visa fee (approx. €50 - €99).
6. Validation in France: Crucially, within 3 months of arriving in France, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online via the ANEF portal and pay a €50 tax. If you fail to do this, you will no longer be legally resident in France.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid Passport (must have blank pages and be valid for the duration of your stay).
• Campus France EEF Certificate (if applicable).
• Official Acceptance Letter from a French higher education institution.
• Proof of Accommodation for at least the first 3 months (lease, university housing, or a sworn statement from a host).
• Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, scholarship).
• Medical Insurance (Coverage for the entire duration of stay).
• Visa Application Form & Receipt generated from the France-Visas website.

Financial Requirements (2024/2026 Guidelines)

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support your stay in France without relying on public funds.

• Required Amount: The official minimum is €615 per month.
• Total Requirement: For a standard academic year (10 months), you must prove you have at least €6,150.
• Accepted Evidence:
  • Personal bank statements.
  • A recognized scholarship or grant.
  • A sworn affidavit of financial support (attestation de prise en charge) from a sponsor/guarantor, accompanied by their bank statements, ID, and recent payslips.

Sponsorship Guidelines

• If a third party (like a parent) is sponsoring you, they must provide a formal affidavit of support.
• The sponsor must provide substantial proof of reliable income (e.g., three months of recent payslips) and their most recent tax return to prove they can afford the €615/month commitment on top of their own living expenses.

Accompanying Family Members

• No Automatic Right: Holding a student VLS-TS visa does not automatically grant your spouse or children the right to accompany you to France.
• Separate Visas: Family members must apply for their own separate visas (typically a "Visitor" visa).
• Complexity: This process requires you to prove that you have adequate housing (square footage requirements apply) and significantly higher financial resources to support the entire family. It is a highly complex process and approval is not guaranteed.

Working While Studying

• Work Limits: The VLS-TS allows you to work up to 964 hours per year (which is approximately 60% of the legal annual working time in France, or roughly 20 hours per week).
• No Separate Work Permit: You do not need a separate work permit to work these hours.
• Minimum Wage: You are guaranteed the French minimum wage (SMIC), which is approximately €11.65 gross per hour (as of 2024).