Student Visa for France: Essential Requirements for Indian Students
- 17min Read
Blog Outline
30sec Snapshot
The documents required for France student visa are as follows:
- A copy of the French visa application form and two recent passport-size photos
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas, if any
- An official letter of acceptance from the French university you have applied to
- Financial proof
- Copy of your ticket from India to France (and back if you’re going on a short-term visa)
- Documents that detail where you will be staying in France (hostel, personal accommodation, etc.)
- Proof of medical insurance
- French language proficiency certificate (if required)
- Transcripts of your previous educational qualifications such as Grades 10, 12, undergraduate and diplomas and a no-objection certificate from school or university
- Proof of payment of French visa fees
- A copy of your resume
The opportunities in France are endless – there’s the Paris Fashion Week, iconic architectural sites such as Notre-Dame de Paris and the Palace of Versailles and some of the world’s best art at the Louvre Museum. With a student visa for France, you can pursue a full-time course in France and have the time of your life in the country that is home to some of the best food, architecture and footballers.
It’s the perfect time to apply for student visa for France because the Indian and French governments have recently entered a partnership that aims to have 30,000 Indian students by 2030! France is also offering a five-year Schengen visa to Indian students with a master’s degree who have studied in France for at least one semester. This visa will allow Indian students to travel freely in the Schengen area.
How do we get there? We start by choosing a French university to study in, meet the France student visa requirements, grab a student visa for France and march forth!
France Student Visa for Indians: Understanding the Visa Process
A. Types of France Visas for Students>
France, the home of art, fashion and fine culinary experiences, welcomes students with open arms. The correct student visa for France can help you pursue an undergraduate, post-graduate, or diploma course.
- Short-Stay Visa
Purpose: Enrolment in short training programs, conferences, and corporate meetings.
Duration: Maximum of 90 days.
Also known as the Student Schengen visa
Travel Scope: Allows travel within Schengen nations during the visa validity.
Geographical Coverage: Covers 26 countries in Europe, including France, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and more.
Limitations: Prohibits work under the Student Schengen visa.
- Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
B. Duration and Validity
| Type of Card | Cost | Validity |
| Short-stay visa | EUR 50 (INR 4,000 approximately)* | 90 days |
| Long-stay visa | EUR 50 (INR 4,000 approximately)* | Up to 6 months |
| Temporary Student Residence Card | EUR 75 (INR 6,500 approximately)* | 1 year |
| Multi-Annual student card | EUR 75 (INR 6,500 approximately)* | 2-4 years |
- EUR 32.30 (approximately INR 2,973) is a service fee that is to be paid to VFS Global service
- VFS also charges an additional INR 165 as a convenience fee
In a Nutshell
There are 2 types of student visas for France:
- Short stay visa
- Long stay visa
You can apply for 2 types of student residence permits.
- Temporary student residence card
- Multi-annual student card
France Student Visa Requirements
A. Valid Passport and Application Form for Student Visa for France
- The most important requirement for a French student visa for Indians is a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your stay in France and copies of previous visas, if any.
- Copy of the French visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photos
B. Academic Requirements for Student Visa for France
- Students require an official letter of acceptance from the French university you have applied to.
- Transcripts of your previous educational qualifications such as Grades 10 and 12, undergraduate and diplomas./li>
- French language proficiency certificate, if you’ve opted for a course that is taught in French.
- No-objection certificate from school or university, irrespective of the type of visa in France you choose.
C. Financial Requirements for France Student Visa
- Show financial proof which suggests that you will be able to meet your tuition and accommodation expenses during the course of your degree (EUR 615 per month, approximately INR 56,528). This is important to meet the France student visa financial requirements. The following documents are acceptable as proof:
- Bank statements
- Guarantors Letter
- Invoice of Funding from a bank
- Scholarship letter
- Grant statement from sponsoring body
- Proof of payment of French visa fees.
D. Medical and Health Insurance for Student Visa for France
- Proof of medical insurance. All students studying in France must have public or private medical insurance. International students may be eligible to take part in France’s universal health care coverage. This may depend on factors such as country of origin and age.
| Type of Visa | Age | Health Insurance |
| Short-stay visa | All ages | Insurance coverage of at least EUR 37,500 (32 lakhs INR approximately) |
| Long-stay visa | Over 28 years | Proof of private health insurance |
| Long-stay Visa | Under 28 years | Eligible for the social health care system, depending on the school they attend. If eligible, 70% of healthcare costs will be covered |
E. Other Documents for Student Visa for France
- Copy of your ticket from India to France (and back if you’re going on a short-term visa)
- Documents that detail where you will be staying in France (hostel, personal accommodation, etc.)
- A copy of your resume
In a Nutshell
The requirements for a student visa for France are:
- A copy of the French visa application form and two recent passport-size photos
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas, if any
- An official letter of acceptance from the French university you have applied to
- Financial proof
- Copy of your ticket from India to France (and back if you’re going on a short-term visa)
- Documents that detail where you will be staying in France (hostel, personal accommodation, etc.)
- Proof of medical insurance
- French language proficiency certificate, (if required)
- Transcripts of your previous educational qualifications such as Grades 10, 12, undergraduate and diplomas and a no-objection certificate from school or university
- Proof of payment of French visa fees
- A copy of your resume
France Student Visa Process for Application
- A copy of the French visa application form and two recent passport-size photos
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas, if any
- An official letter of acceptance from the French university you have applied to
- Financial proof
- Copy of your ticket from India to France (and back if you’re going on a short-term visa)
- Documents that detail where you will be staying in France (hostel, personal accommodation, etc.)
- Proof of medical insurance
- French language proficiency certificate (if required)
- Transcripts of your previous educational qualifications such as Grades 10, 12, undergraduate and diplomas and a no-objection certificate from school or university
- Proof of payment of French visa fees
- A copy of your resume
Step 4: Make an account on Campus France, pay the fee, submit your visa application and upload all the necessary documents onto the platform. Campus France will then give you an appointment date and time
Bonjour, future French student! Our Student Forex Card is your financial companion for la vie étudiante. Manage euros effortlessly!
Now that you know what are the visa requirements for France, let’s look at the France student visa processing time in India.
France Student Visa Processing Time in India
The France student visa processing time in India for both types of visa in France could take anywhere between 15 to 20 working days from the day you applied to the VFS Global Centre. However, this may not always be the case.
The France student visa processing time in India could increase to even a few months depending on the time of the year and the volume of applications the consulate receives. France student visa for Indians is bound to be delayed by a few weeks if you apply during the peak period – between April and July – solely due to the volume of applications. It is recommended to apply for your short-term or long-stay student visa in France at least 3-4 months before your intended date of travel to avoid any last-minute stress and running around.
In a Nutshell
The step-by-step process of a student visa application for France is:
- Get an acceptance letter from a French university
- Ensure your passport is valid
- Keep all the required documents
- Make an account on Campus France
- Attend the interview by the embassy
- Track your application
- A sticker on your passport indicates a successful application
- If you wish to extend your visa, apply for a student resident permit
Additional Tips: Cost of Studying in France & Top Universities
A. Academic Costs
- Tuition ranges from EUR 5000 (INR 4 lakh approximately) to over EUR 35000 (30 lakh INR approximately) per year
- 18% of students attend private institutions as Campus France
- Not government-funded
- More affordable with government subsidies.
- For non-EU students like Indians, the government covers two-thirds of the course cost.
- Registration fees: EUR 2,770 (approximately INR 2,55,000) for bachelor’s, EUR 3,770 (approximately INR 3,55,000) for master’s.
- Bachelor’s typically 3 years, some exceptions like architecture or engineering may take 4 years.
- Master’s usually 2 years, with exceptions like post-graduate diplomas lasting a year.
- Bank loans are available for those falling short on funds.
- Check the university website for specific tuition fees.
- Student visa covers two-thirds of the course cost for non-EU students.
- Registration fees for bachelor’s and master’s programs are outlined.
- mportant to plan ahead for a post-study future.
- Consider securing funds through bank loans if needed.
A. Top Universities
- Normal Superior School Ile-de-France
- ParisTech
- Institut Français de la Mode
- International Fashion Academy
- Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS)
- Sorbonne Universite
- University of Paris
- Sciences Po
In a Nutshell
The cost of private education can vary depending on the course, level of study and university. Public-funded colleges are more affordable. There are several top universities in France that are suitable for students from different streams.
All set to study in France? Enjoy a seamless application process on the Niyo Global app.
Visa Approval and Beyond
A. Work Opportunities
- Engineering: 37,000 Euros (32 lakhs INR approximately)
- Fine art: 30,000 Euros (26 lakhs INR approximately)
- Financial analyst: 36,000 Euros (31 lakhs INR approximately)
- Medical resident: 33,000 Euros (29 lakhs INR approximately)
B.Visa Extension
A study conducted by the Office of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that France is below the OECD average when it comes to hours worked. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? With top companies in France, such as LVMH, L’Oreal, Hermes, Dior and TotalEnegeries, France is a paradise to study and work in.
- Should have lived in France for a minimum duration of five uninterrupted years
- Have a good knowledge of the French language (minimum of B1 level)
- Be aware of French history, culture, and business
- Have a Stable and sufficient income to support yourself and your household
- Have no criminal convictions
In a Nutshell
France has excellent work-life balance and career opportunities with added benefits. You can surrender your student visa for France and apply for French citizenship if you meet the required criteria.
Key Takeaways
- Whether you want to study and pursue a career in arts, fashion, engineering, or design, France has it all.
- The first step towards realising this dream is by applying to colleges in France and getting yourself a France study visa.
- We’ve listed the documents required for a France student visa above, so that should make it easy for you to receive a student visa for France and move to this beautiful country.
- There are no specific France study visa IELTS requirements, which saves you the trouble of taking one more test. However, make sure to check with your university because some courses may require you to take certain tests.
- Among the biggest advantages of a student visa for France from India is that the tuition fee is not exorbitant and fairly easy on the pocket. Plus, you can stay back for two years if you have a long-stay student visa in France and find yourself the perfect job.
- What makes studying and working in France even more life-changing is that you even have the option of applying for French citizenship and building your base in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for a student visa for France from India is no tough task. You can get a France student visa by meeting the France study visa requirements. The process begins with getting admission to a French university and is followed by applying for a visa on Campus France. Once you’ve got the clearance from there, you have to submit all the necessary documents required for France student visa at a VFS Global Centre to obtain a visa
The France student visa cost is fairly nominal. The France study visa costs a total of INR 12,243. Here’s the breakdown of that – INR 9,113 (€99) is the visa application fee, while the balance INR 2,973 (€32.30) is a service fee that is to be paid to VFS Global service. VFS also charges an additional INR 165 as a convenience fee.
The documents required for France student visa are as follows:
- A copy of the French visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas, if any
- An official letter of acceptance from the French university you have applied to
- Financial proof which suggests you will be able to meet your tuition and accommodation expenses during the course of your degree (Rs 56,528/€615 per month)
- Copy of your ticket from India to France (and back if you’re going on a short-term visa)
- Documents that detail where you will be staying in France (hostel, personal accommodation, etc.)
- Proof of medical insurance
- French language proficiency certificate, if you’ve opted for a course that is taught in French
- Transcripts of your previous educational qualifications such as Grades 10, 12, undergraduate and diplomas
- No-objection certificate from school or university
- Proof of payment of French visa fees
- A copy of your resume
The average cost of living for Indian students in France will be around 800 if you choose to live in a private apartment. This would include rent, groceries, internet connection, and electricity charges. However, this amount could be substantially reduced if you were to stay in a hostel, dormitory or shared apartment.
A France dependent visa for students is applicable in case of a long-term visa. A dependent of the student receives a visitor’s visa. Dependents cannot take up a job and should be able to support themselves.
