Are you planning to study in France in 2025? 🇫🇷 Then getting your student visa is a must! Don’t worry — we’ll guide you step by step through this sometimes lengthy but essential process to ensure a smooth arrival ✨
🛂 What is a student visa for France?
The long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) is intended for international students who want to study at a French institution for more than 90 days.
It allows you to:
- Enter and legally stay in France
- Study at a French university or school
- Work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week)
- Apply for a residence permit to extend your stay after one year
✅ Who needs a student visa?
You need a visa if:
- You are not a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
- You plan to study in France for more than 3 months
- You have already received an admission letter from a French institution
📌 If you are an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa, but you still must prove you have sufficient resources and accommodation.
📋 Types of student visas
There are several visa categories depending on your situation:
| Type of Visa | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| VLS-TS Student Visa | 1 year, renewable | Valid for studying in France. Must be validated upon arrival. |
| Short-Stay Visa (Visa D) | Less than 6 months | Non-renewable. No residence permit required. |
| Competition Visa | 3 months | For taking an entrance exam in France. Can be converted into a VLS after admission. |
| Minor Student Visa | Up to 18 years old | For students under 18 enrolled in a French school. |
📑 Documents Required to Obtain a Student Visa
Here are the documents generally requested by the French consulate or embassy:
- Valid passport
- Admission letter from the French institution
- Proof of financial resources (at least €615/month)
- Proof of accommodation (lease, hosting certificate, student residence…)
- Proof of health insurance
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photo
- Proof of payment of the CVEC fee (or exemption certificate)
- Birth certificate (and sometimes a certified translation)
👉 Do I need a translated birth certificate?
📆 Step-by-Step Procedures for 2025
1️⃣ Register via Campus France (depending on your country)
Mandatory for most countries. Allows you to apply to multiple universities and prepare your visa file.
2️⃣ Obtain an admission letter
From your university or school in France.
3️⃣ Prepare your file
Gather all the required documents (see list above).
4️⃣ Make an appointment at the embassy or visa center (VFS / TLS)
As early as possible, once you have your admission!
5️⃣ Attend the interview
They may ask you about your study project, accommodation, financial resources…
6️⃣ Wait for the response
Processing time usually takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the country and season.
🖥 Validating Your Visa Upon Arrival (OFII)
If you get a VLS-TS visa, you must validate it within 3 months after your arrival.
This is done online via the OFII website:
👉 Validate my visa on the official site
You will need to:
- Pay a fee (about €60)
- Provide your address in France
- Sometimes undergo a medical examination (depending on the case)
⏱️ When to start your procedures for 2025?
As early as possible! Here’s a recommended timeline:
📚 November to January: prepare your application / Parcoursup / DAP
📥 February to April: receive admission letters
📅 May to July: embassy appointment
✈️ August to September: arrive in France and validate your visa
👉 See important application dates for 2025
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
📌 Can I work with a student visa?
Yes, up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week).
📌 Is housing assistance (APL) available with a student visa?
Yes, if your visa is a VLS-TS or a student residence permit. The VLS-T visa does not give access to APL.
👉 Which VISAS do NOT give access to CAF?
📌 My visa was refused: what can I do?
You can file a gracious appeal with the embassy or take the matter to the administrative court if you believe the refusal was unjustified.
📌 Conclusion
Getting your student visa is the first step to living your university adventure in France 🇫🇷
Prepare well, respect deadlines, and anticipate your procedures. You’ll soon be settling in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries!
📚 For more help:
👉 How to validate your visa upon arrival in France: step-by-step guide