There are different types of student visas for France:

Visa de court séjour pour etudes (‘Schengen’ short-stay student visa): Without a separate resident visa, you are able to travel to France and study there for up to three months using this visa. This is appropriate for those enrolling in short-term or language programs.

Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes (temporary long-stay visa): This visa allows you to study for three to six months in France without requiring a resident permit. It cannot be renewed.

Visa de long séjour etudes (long-stay visa): You must apply for this visa if you plan to study for a period longer than six months. This form of study visa is valid for the duration of your program in France, which is three years for bachelor’s degrees, two years for master’s degrees, and four years for PhD. Long-stay visas, also known as VLT-TSs, serve as residence permits.

Only the applicant themselves or a travel agent approved by the French Embassy in New Delhi can submit a visa application and collect passports. There are two main stages to applying for a French student visa. One is at the embassy, the other is at the Campus France. For both of them, the collection of documents may differ. You would be required to submit original documents at Campus France and photocopies to embassy, consulate, and centres for visa applications.

Cost of Visa

The long Stay Visa Fee:

Students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs must pay €99 for a national visa for study-related purposes. The fee is the same for candidates for dual courses and exchange students. You must pay this amount at the BNP Paribas branch that is nearest to you. With the help of this web tool, you can find the branch. You would need to bring your IN Number once you arrive at the branch. You can make the payment in cash to INSTITUT FRANCAIS EN INDE at account number 0906506003400137. Before you visit the local branch to make the payment, we advise you to call it first.
In addition to this fee, you would also need to pay the €50 Visa Processing Charge, VFS Service Fees and Handling Costs (inclusive of taxes). Please be aware that the visa cost must be paid by bank draft if you submit your application to the French Visa Application Centre in New Delhi or Kolkata. Only cash is accepted as payment for the visa fee for candidates submitting applications to the French Visa Application Centre in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Chennai, and Puducherry. Moreover, a courier service is offered and costs Rs 300 each application (including service tax).

Note: It is always advisable to check with the embassy/ consulate before you submit your application about the Visa Fee as exchange rates are subject to change. 

Documents

You should provide two sets of application photocopies containing the following documents:

  • Long stay application form for the duration of more than 90 days
  • Two passport size photographs 
  • A copy of Passport 
  • A print out of your Campus France NOC
  • Letter of registration from the academic Institution
  • Cover letter explaining the study project and a CV/Resume
  • Proof of funds – tuition fees + a minimum of 615 Euros/month, for the complete academic term
  • Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France
  • Copy of your round-trip airline ticket (if you are studying for six months or less) or a one-way ticket if you are studying in France for more than six months)
  • OFII form (Office Francais de Immigration et de Integration)
  • Proof of residency in France such as a lease, electricity bill, title of property, etc. for a minimum of three months or a hotel reservation
  • Copy of the CV
  • Copies of the degree and academic diplomas, certificates

How to apply

The process of applying for a visa involves several steps. You must first attend for an interview with Campus France then you need to submit your documents with VFS

  • Log on to india.campusfrance.org. At the “Register online” box click on Create Your Account.
  • Complete the sections for academic history, language skills, and CV+SOP. Add your resume, a photo, and academic records. Make sure that “Complete” is displayed in every field on the Validation tab.
  • Send your file number to the assigned Campus France office to get your file reviewed, and to request an appointment.
  • During the academic interview with the Campus France adviser, you must be present in person. You must also bring the Campus France fee payment receipt, any required documentation, and one set of photocopies.
  • At the conclusion of the interview, you will be given a certificate.
  • Make an appointment with VFS-France to submit your documents, photocopies, receipts, and passport after the academic interview.

Changes have been made to the arrangements for collecting the processed passport from visa application centres, according to the French Embassy in New Delhi. Beginning on December 8th, 2014, it will no longer be possible for third parties to collect the documents on behalf of an applicant, except in the following cases:

  • Immediate family members (Parent, Child or sibling)
  • One member of a group collecting for the entire group
  • A person collecting on behalf of Govt. officials if authorized on the Govt. letterhead or department
  • A representative of a company – Authorization letter on the letterhead of the company and the official ID card of the representative.

While you study in France, your spouse and kids may live with you, but only under specific conditions. These requirements include having enough cash and living space. The French embassy analyses cases on an individual basis, so if you can adequately explain your situation to the consulate, they can give your case particular consideration. If you were granted admission to a French university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree (which is called a “Licence”), your spouse would not be granted a visa to travel with you or permission to work in France unless they are a European citizen. For PhD or research students, the situation can be different. Depending on a number of conditions and regulations, they could be able to bring their partner or children.

According to French law, students are permitted to work 964 hours each year in part-time jobs. University jobs for students are open to both domestic and international students. Students are hired to work in the career centre, instruct incoming students, assist students with disabilities, support IT users, and more.

Student employees are supposed to follow a work schedule that will not interfere with their studies. Each student’s program requirements are taken into account when determining the terms and conditions of employment, ensuring both academic success and job experience.

Work visa

Students may apply for an APS (authorization Provisoire de séjour)—a one-time, non-renewable temporary residency authorization—if they hold at least a master’s degree or the equivalent. It has a 24-month expiration date. By include a request for a change of status (from student to employee) in their application, students who obtain a position that is relevant to their academic degree may move into full-time employment.

Scholarships for studying in France

International students frequently choose France as their location of choice for higher education. Also, people choose this global hub of education for individuals who want to learn new things and develop their talents. Although living and studying in France can be expensive, there are a number of scholarships available to help the students in finishing their education. We’ve prepared a list of the best scholarships for studying in France.

  • Inlaks Scholarships (University Courses)
  • Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates
  • Go Clean Scholarship
  • BrokerFish International student scholarship
  • Global Study Awards