Introduction

If you are planning to study in France, then it’s time to immerse yourself in a country known for world-class education, rich culture, and historical landmarks. The country has places like the Eiffel Tower and the lecture halls of the Sorbonne, where students can blend academic excellence and cultural adventure.

Thousands of students from all over the world go to France for higher studies. Whatever your interest area—fashion, business, or science—France Universities and Grandes Écoles offer top-tier programs that are recognised worldwide. But before you start your academic journey, you will need to obtain a France study visa. You need to plan well for this.

You will need to understand the France study visa requirements and France study visa cost to make your dream a reality. There are different visas offered by the France Government depending on your duration and type of course.

In this blog, we will study in detail the France Study visa, its requirements, and visa cost. Let’s study in detail about France study visa.

What is a France study visa?

A France study visa is an official authorization which will allow international students to enter and stay in France for a specific period. It is a legal requirement for non-EU/EEA students who have plans to study academics in France.

Short-Stay Student Visa (Visa de court séjour)

- This is for courses lasting to 90 days.
- Suited for short-term language courses, training sessions or exchange programs.
- This visa is non-renewable and is preferred for short visits only.

Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)

- Programs lasting more than ninety days are better suited for this visa.
- It serves as a residency permit in addition to a visa.
- It is valid for one year and can be renewed within France.

France study visa requirements for Indian Students

France is a top destination for Indian students who want quality education, international exposure and rich cultural experiences. Whatever education or degree you want to pursue, a France study visa is the first step. Here are the France study visa requirements for Indian students: -

Letter from a Recognised Institution

The first and basic requirement for France study visa for Indian students is that they need to get an official admission or acceptance letter from a recognised French educational institution. The letter shall mention the course details, duration and start date.

Etudes en France Portal Registration

All Indian students must register on the Etudes en France platform (run by Campus France). This is a mandatory step. After this, you will have to attend the interview conducted by France officials.

Completed Visa Application Form

After registration with Etudes en France, students need to fill out the France long stay visa application form (VLS-TS) online. After submitting it download it for a visa appointment.

Valid Passport

A valid Indian passport with at least two blank pages is required. After the planned stay in France, it will still be valid for at least three months.

Proof Of Financial Source

Indian students have to show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. At present students have to demonstrate a minimum of €7,380 (Approx ₹6.5 lakhs) through documents like bank statements, scholarship letters, or an affidavit of supporting sponsor.

Proof of Accommodation

You will need to provide documents that confirm your accommodation in France. This can be: -

- Rental Agreement
- Hostel or University Booking Confirmation
- Attestation from Local Host

Health and Travel Insurance

Indian students must have valid health insurance which covers up to €30,000 which includes hospitalisation and repartition.

Visa Application Submission

After Campus France's approval, you will need to book an appointment with VFS France for biometric data submission and visa application. You will need to carry original documents as well as photocopies.

France's study visa cost

Understanding the France study visa cost is essential for Indian students who intend to study in France in order to effectively arrange their finances. Here is a breakdown of the expenses involved in getting a France Study Visa

Visa Application Fee

For long stay visa (VLS-TS) the application fees come to €99 which is around ₹8700. This fee is payable for a France Visa application.

Campus France Fee

Indian students need to register for campus France before they proved to apply for study abroad visa france. They need to pay campus France fee of ₹14500. This payment has to be made online after submission of the application.

VFS Service Charges

VFS Global, the authorized visa application centre charges a service fee of around ₹1511 with a convenience fee of ₹150. In addition to this optional courier services are also available for ₹450.

OFII Validation Fee

On arrival in France, students have to validate their long-stay visa with French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) which incurs a fee of €60 which is approx. ₹5400.

Health Insurance

The cost of health insurance for international students is at least €30,000. Students under 28 can also register for the French Social Security system upon arrival.

Proof of Funds

Applicants also need to show that they can cover their financial expenses in France. They should be able to bear €615 per month. Acceptable proofs needed to be present for the same.

Conclusion

If you are planning to study in France then getting a France study Visa would be the first step towards your dream. From knowing the eligibility criteria to preparing documents, the entire process is very detailed and complex. But if done with the right planning and timely execution then its manageable. Indian students experience cultural diversity and get various career options while studying in France. Your aim can be a degree in engineering, fashion, business, arts or any other field. French universities offer all types of programs. The country also offers generous post-study work options which allows students to gain international experience after graduation. If you want to increase the chances of success in France visa application then start application as early as possible. Studying in France is not just limited to academics but its more than that. It provides you with a chance to develop both professionally and personally. With a rich history and multicultural environment France welcomes Indian students with open arms.