France Student Visa Types, Costs & Eligibility Criteria
France is a top destination for international students, offering excellent education, diverse culture, and strong career opportunities. If you’re planning to study in France, choosing the right student visa is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about France student visas, including types, eligibility, costs, and renewal details.Types of France Student Visas & Eligibility Criteria
1. Short-Stay Visa for Studies (Visa de Court Séjour pour Études)
Duration: Up to 90 days (3 months)
Purpose: This visa is ideal for short-term courses, language programs, summer schools, or exchange programs that last less than three months.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Admission letter from a recognized French institution.
- Proof of financial means to cover stay and tuition fees (~€32 per day).
- Proof of accommodation in France.
- Travel health insurance covering the entire stay (minimum €30,000 coverage).
Cost: €80
Renewal:
Not renewable. A new visa application is required for extended studies.
Processing Time:
15 to 30 days
2. Temporary Long-Stay Visa for Studies (Visa de Long Séjour Temporaire pour Études)
Duration: 3 to 12 months
Purpose: Suitable for students enrolled in courses that last more than three months but less than a year.
Eligibility:
- Enrollment in a French institution.
- Proof of financial resources (approximately €615 per month).
- Proof of accommodation in France.
- Health insurance coverage.
- No requirement to apply for a residence permit; the visa itself serves as a residence permit for its duration.
3. Long-Stay Student Visa (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour – VLS-TS)
Duration: More than 12 months (renewable)
Purpose: Designed for students pursuing a degree program (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) in France.
Eligibility:
- Admission into a degree program at a recognized institution.
- Proof of financial means (€615 per month).
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance for the first year of stay.
- Students must validate the visa within 3 months of arrival at the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).
4. Student Intern Visa (Visa Stagiaire)
Duration: Based on internship length (up to 12 months, renewable once)
Purpose: For students who need to complete an internship as part of their academic program.
Eligibility:
- Internship agreement signed between the student, employer, and educational institution.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance coverage.
Cost: €99
Renewal: Renewable for another year if the internship extends.
Processing Time: 3 to 8 weeks
5. Talent Passport – Researcher Visa (Passeport Talent - Chercheur)
Duration: Up to 4 years (renewable)
Purpose: For students pursuing doctoral studies, postdoctoral research, or a scientific research program in France.
Eligibility:
- Hosting agreement from a French research institution.
- Sufficient funds to support living expenses.
- Health insurance coverage.
General Requirements for a France Student Visa
While eligibility criteria vary by visa type, common requirements include:
- A valid passport (valid for at least three months beyond your stay)
- Letter of acceptance from a French institution
- Proof of sufficient financial means (€615/month minimum)
- Accommodation proof
- Health insurance coverage
- Visa application form and supporting documents
France Student Visa Renewal & Extension
If your studies extend beyond your visa duration, you must apply for a residence permit (titre de séjour étudiant) before your visa expires. Renewal Fee: €75 When to Apply: At least 2 months before visa expiry Where to Apply: Local prefecture in FranceFrance Student Visa Processing Time
Short-Stay Visa: 15–30 days Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): 3–8 weeks Talent Passport Visa: 3–8 weeksNeed Help with Your France Student Visa?
At ParisMitra, we guide students through the visa process, from eligibility checks to document submission. For expert assistance, email us at hello.parismitra@gmail.com to book a 15-minute consultation, and we’ll call you back!
Ron di-sosa
business advisor
Ron di-sosa
business advisor
ParisMitra made my visa extension stress-free! Their team guided me every step of the way. Highly recommend for all international students!
Albert D rosa
business advisor
Albert D rosa
business advisor
Thanks to ParisMitra, I smoothly transitioned from a student visa to a work visa. Their expertise is unmatched!
Kaili Trubo
business advisor
Kaili Trubo
business advisor
Finding accommodation was so easy with ParisMitra's support. The student community they created is a lifesaver!
