France Student Visa Highlights

Visa types
  • Long-stay student visa/VLS-TS (Over 90 days) – Most common option among Indian students
  • Short-stay student visa (Less than 90 days)
Total visa cost Approx. EUR 287 (INR 32,000)
Financial proof required Minimum EUR 615/month for living expenses
EEF procedure Mandatory for Indian students
Processing time Typically 2–4 weeks after submission
Post-study work option 1-year APS

France has a well structured and straightforward student visa process for Indian applicants. The main things to note are:

  • You need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) to study in France
  • You need to apply via Campus France and complete the EEF procedure to get your visa

This blog walks you through the entire France student visa process, from application to your arrival in France.

Why Study in France?

Types of Visas in France for Indian Students

The most common student visa for Indian students in France is the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), but the right visa for you depends primarily on how long your course lasts.

  • Long-stay student visa / VLS-TS (more than 90 days)The standard visa for Indian students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, master’s programmes, MBAs, PhDs, or any full-time course lasting more than 90 days. The Campus France EEF procedure is compulsory before you can apply for this visa as an Indian passport holder.
  • Short-stay student visa (Less than 90 days)This visa is for short academic visits — exchange programmes, summer schools, intensive language courses, or research trips of fewer than 90 days. It doesn’t require the Campus France EEF procedure.
💬 Can Indian students study in France with a Schengen Visa?

No, a Schengen Visa doesn’t allow you to study full-time in France. It’s a short-stay tourist or business visa valid for up to 90 days across 27 Schengen-area countries.

Is the Campus France / EEF Procedure Mandatory for Indian Students?

Yes, India is included in the list of EEF (Études en France) procedure countries, which means Campus France clearance is mandatory for any VLS-TS student visa application. It helps verify your admission, assess your study plans, and prepare you for living and studying in France.

You’ll be interacting with the following entities when applying for your student visa in France.

  • Campus France India → Manages the EEF procedure
  • France-Visas → Official government portal for French visa applications
  • VFS Global → Manages document submission and appointment booking in India on behalf of the French consulate

To get your visa, you’ll first need to complete the Études en France (EEF) procedure via Campus France. Then you can apply for the student visa through France-Visas, France’s official government portal for visa applications.

💡 Get help from a study-abroad expert to complete your visa application without hassle. Contact us today.

Eligibility Criteria for France Student Visa for Indian Students

Here are the eligibility requirements for your long-stay student visa in France.

Click each section below for more information.

Accommodation proof
You can show proof of accommodation for the duration of your studies in France through:

  • Sworn statement from the host (establishment/institution or private individual)
  • Rental agreement
  • Hotel reservation
  • Explanatory letter from the student detailing how the accommodation is planned
Admission to a recognised French institution
As an Indian applicant, proof of admission is verified through your EEF pre-registration certificate.

This certificate is generated after completing your EEF application, and you’ll find your EEF ID number in the certificate. This number is required for your visa application on the France-Visas website.

Language requirement
The visa application doesn’t require a separate language certificate beyond what your institution has already accepted.

Here are the typical language requirements for Indian students in France. The exact requirements depend on your programme choice.

  • English-taught programmes → IELTS (6.0–7.0), TOEFL iBT (80–100), PTE (68–65)
  • French-taught programmes → DELF (B2), DALF (C1), TCF (B2+)

Proof of funds
You’ll need to show proof of a minimum monthly income of EUR 615. Acceptable proof includes:

  • Bank statement showing a deposit in a French bank account
  • Bank statement showing a permanent fund transfer in a blocked account
  • Scholarship certificate covering living expenses
  • Financial sponsor/guarantor letter, confirming financial support along with proof of their income and a copy of their ID
Valid passport
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years ago, contain at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of the visa you are applying for.
Additional documents for medical students
Medical students (médecine, pharmacie, odontologie, maïeutique) may be required to provide proof of registration with the relevant professional body and a certificate from the institution confirming the nature of training.

It’s best to check with your institution for specific requirements.

Required documents for French student visa application

Here’s a complete list of documents you need when applying for the long-stay student visa in France.

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (apostilled)
  • Campus France interview completion proof
  • Completed visa application form (via France-Visas)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Proof of accommodation in France
  • Proof of finances
  • University offer/admission letter or EEF pre-registration certificate
  • Valid health insurance
  • Valid passport
  • Visa fee payment receipt

💡 Need help with your France student visa application? Get help from our study-abroad experts. Get in touch today.

Insurance Requirements for the France Student Visa

While insurance is not mandatory for the France student visa, it’s an important part of preparing for your stay in France. You may find different types of insurance useful at different stages of your journey.

Type What it covers When to get it
Travel insurance Medical emergencies during travel to France Before departure
Mutuelle (student health insurance) Healthcare costs in France, including doctor visits and hospital treatment After arrival in France
Home/contents insurance Damage to rented accommodation and personal belongings Before moving into accommodation

🧠 All students enrolled at a French public university are automatically affiliated with the Sécurité Sociale étudiant, France’s public student health insurance system. Registration is free, and the system covers approximately 60% of standard medical costs.

Mutuelle: what it covers and how to get it
A mutuelle is an optional supplementary health insurance that covers some or all of the healthcare costs not reimbursed by the public student health insurance system. While it is not mandatory, Campus France strongly recommends obtaining one to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.

A mutuelle can cover:

  • Remaining medical costs not reimbursed by the public system
  • Hospitalisation expenses
  • Dental treatment
  • Optical care (glasses and contact lenses)
  • Specialist consultations

This insurance is offered by student mutual organisations, insurance companies, and banks. Compare plans offered by each to find coverage that matches your needs and budget.

💭 Consider a policy that includes civil liability insurance, as this is often required for university activities, internships, and accommodation arrangements.

France Student Visa Costs for Indian Students

Here are the primary costs you should account for in the France student visa application process.

Total cost of France student visa for Indian students → EUR 287 (INR 32k)

Cost of Studying in France Guide

How to Apply for a France Student Visa: Step-by-Step Process

You should start your France student visa application process 3–6 months before your intended departure date. The full process from EEF registration to receiving your visa can take 10–14 weeks, assuming no delays occur.

Here’s what your visa application process will look like, step-by-step.

  1. Complete the EEF procedure
  2. Receive and accept your university admission letter
  3. Fill in your application at France-Visas
  4. Book and attend your VFS appointment
  5. Collect your visa from VFS (processing typically takes 2–4 weeks)
  6. After arriving in France, validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months at Etrangers en France

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for your student visa

Here are some common issues you can watch out for when applying for your student visa in France.

  • Starting the EEF procedure late. Campus France interview slots can fill up quickly during peak application periods.
  • Limited financial proof. You’ll need to show France-Visas EUR 615/month of income for living expenses.
  • No confirmed accommodation. Proof of accommodation is required before your visa is issued. You can show this via CROUS booking, signed lease, or institution letter.
  • Overlooking passport validity. Your passport should remain valid for the full duration of your course.
  • Missing apostille requirements. Some consulates may require apostilled academic documents.

💡 Get help from a study-abroad expert to complete your visa application without hassle. Contact us today.

Have Questions about French Study? Ask Our Team

How Long Does it Take to Get Your Student Visa in France?

Once you have submitted your application at VFS, the standard processing time is 2–4 weeks. Most applications are processed within 3–4 weeks during non-peak periods.

Here’s a rough timeline of applications for each intake:

  • September intake Start EEF in April → complete EEF by May → submit VFS by early June → receive visa by late July or early August
  • February intake Start EEF in September → complete EEF by October → submit VFS by November → receive visa by December or January

Always build in 2–3 weeks of buffer when applying for your visa. Delays can happen at any point of the application process, and having a buffer can help you avoid last-minute travel disruptions or missed enrolment deadlines.

Check factors that may affect the visa timeline
  • If your EEF application takes longer than expected, your visa application will be delayed too.
  • Peak application periods like June and July are busy months for September intake applicants, so processing may take longer.
  • If there are missing or incomplete documents in your application, processing pauses until they are submitted.
  • Some applications may require additional verification, which can extend processing times.

What to Do After You Land in France

Within the first few weeks of arriving in France, you need to complete several mandatory administrative steps.

  • Validate your VLS-TS online at Etrangers en France within 3 months of arriving in France.
  • Attend your OFII medical visit if requested. Bring your passport, VLS-TS, and vaccination records.
  • Keep your CVEC payment certificate safe, as you will need it for university enrolment and student housing applications.
  • Register your French address to access services such as banking, healthcare, housing benefits (CAF), and official correspondence.
  • Open a French bank account to manage rent payments, utilities, scholarships, and everyday expenses.

Part-Time Work on a France Student Visa

With a VLT-TS, you are allowed to work 964 hours/year (approx. 19 hours/week) during your studies in France.

The minimum wage in France is approximately EUR 11.65/hour. After social security deductions, you can expect to earn around EUR 9.22/hour.

Approximate monthly earnings → EUR 700 (EUR 9.22/hour x 19 hours/week x 4)

Common part-time jobs for Indian students in France include:

  • Restaurant and café work
  • Retail and supermarkets
  • University campus roles (library, admin support)
  • Delivery services (flexible hours)

🎯 After completing a master’s degree or higher in France, you can apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), a temporary post-study residence permit. It allows you to stay and work full-time in France for one year.

Need help with your student visa application to France?

The France student visa process is relatively straightforward for Indian students, but it involves several steps, including the mandatory Campus France EEF procedure, visa application, financial documentation, and post-arrival formalities.

Starting early, preparing your documents carefully, and understanding the requirements can help you avoid delays and make your transition to France much smoother.

If you’re planning to study in France, StudyIn can support you through every stage of the journey, from choosing the right university and completing your EEF procedure to preparing your visa application.

Book a counselling session with our experts and explore your study opportunities in France today.

Book a Counselling Session

FAQs

How do I get a long-stay visa to study in France?

You must first complete the Campus France EEF procedure, receive admission to a recognised French institution, and then apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) through France-Visas, and attend a VFS appointment.

How much does a student visa for France cost?

Indian students applying for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) should budget approximately EUR 287 (approx. INR 32,000) for the visa process. This includes:

How do I apply for a student visa for France?

Step-by-step France student visa application process:

  1. Complete the EEF procedure
  2. Accept your admission offer
  3. Submit your application through France-Visas
  4. Attend a VFS appointment
  5. Collect your visa once approved

Is ₹2 lakh enough for a Schengen visa and is that the same as a student visa in France?

Yes, ₹2 lakh is generally enough for a short Schengen trip (up to 10–14 days), provided you have already pre-booked your flights and hotels.

However, a Schengen visa is not the same as a France student visa. A Schengen visa is intended for short stays of up to 90 days and does not permit full-time study in France. For longer study programmes, Indian students need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS).

Is the Campus France EEF procedure mandatory for Indian students?

Yes. India is an EEF procedure country, which means completing the Campus France EEF process is mandatory before applying for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS).

What is the exact bank balance I need to show for the France student visa?

You must show proof of a minimum monthly income of EUR 615 to cover your living expenses in France. This can be demonstrated through personal funds, a blocked account, a scholarship, or financial sponsorship.

Is health insurance mandatory for the France student visa?

Health insurance is not mandatory for the visa application itself. All students at French public universities are automatically enrolled in France’s public student healthcare system after arrival, and obtaining additional health insurance (mutuelle) is strongly recommended by Campus France.

Can I work part-time in France on a student visa?

Yes. Students holding a VLS-TS can work up to 964 hours/year (approximately 19 hours/week) during their studies.

Can I stay in France with a student visa after completing my studies?

Yes. Graduates who complete a master’s degree or higher may be eligible to apply for the APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), which allows them to stay and work full-time in France for one year after graduation.