France is the leading European nation having a world-class education system and modern infrastructure that not only cater for the needs of a student but also polish their skills up to the mark so that they can engage their learning in solving real-world problems.
International students hoping to study in French institutes need to obtain a study Visa for France.
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Why Study in France?
While being puzzled in searching for the best educational destination after completing your post-secondary or undergraduate studies, you can go for Europe’s most vibrant and diverse country France.
France is one of the most popular harbours for higher education universities since it has more than 3,500 education institutes in various disciplines and 4 French colleges fall under the top 100 and 12 in the top 500 list of the QS World University Ranking 2024. France promotes research and innovation in STEM fields.
Along with that, you will also get the opportunity to learn the French language which is very useful in day-to-day life in France.
Let’s explore the process of getting a student visa for France including the process of application, eligibility, documentation and much more.
Types of Student Visa for France 2024
Depending upon the nationality, situation and length of stay, France grants visas to Indian students for study and research purposes.
There are 3 types of student Visas available for Indian students seeking admission to undergraduate, postgraduate and any other course in France.
Short Stay Student Visa (Less Than 90 Days)
This type of Visa is granted to those students who want to pursue internships or short-term courses like language or tourism in France or Schengen countries.
Its validity is fixed up to 3 months or 90 days.
This Visa can be renewed once expires after six months. This visa is granted by the French consular authorities.
Long Stay Visa
In case an Indian student wants to pursue long-term courses whose duration is more than a year, they can apply for this Visa which grants a stay in France depending upon the course duration.
For example, for bachelor’s degree students it will be valid for 3 years and 2 years for bachelor’s degree and master’s degree students respectively. For PhD program pursuers, it will be valid for 4 years.
Process of Student Visa for France
Obtaining a study visa for France may appear difficult, but with careful planning and preparation, it is manageable. Except for short-stay and temporary long-stay visas, the application process for long-stay visas can be made on the official website of Campus France.
Following is the application process for a long-stay visa for Indian students to study in France.
Application Procedures
Online Registration
- Create your account on the CampusFrance website here
- Fill academic records and other information
- Submit your file
- After review, you will be given a date to appear in person
- Make payment (for payment-related details, click here)
Interview
After successful payment, you need to appear in person for the academic interview with the Campus France Advisor. Take all the necessary documents (original+1 set of photocopies)
In an interview, you will be questioned about your decision to choose France and the academic institution where you have been granted admission.
Online Visa Application
After the academic interview, you will be asked to generate a France-Visas account on the online portal here
Fill in all details step by step on this portal
Appointment will be scheduled with VFS France to submit documents, passports and biometric data at VFS centre
Validation of Long Stay Visa
Following your arrival, you need to validate your long-stay visa here within 3 months to ensure that you are a legal resident of France.
To validate the visa, you need the following details to submit
- a valid email address,
- information on your visa,
- your date of arrival in France,
- your home address in France,
- a bank card to pay online the fee for issuing the residence permit
Documents Required
Two sets of photocopies of France student Visa documents will be required.
- Copies of academic transcripts
- Long stay application form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Copy of Passport
- Print out of CampusFrance NOC
- Offer letter from the university
- Cover letter
- CV/Resume
- Proof of Funding
- Proof of medical insurance
- OFII form (Office Francais de Immigration et de Integration)
- Copy of round-trip air ticket
Eligibility
- Applicants should be natives of India
- The minimum age must be 18 years or more
- The offer letter of the university in which you are seeking admission must be in your hand.
Visa Fee
Getting your student visa for France can take up to 90 days and costs around 99 Euros, which equals 9,130 INR.
Visa Application Tracking
Your visa application is monitored by the visa centre where you submitted your application. You can check the status of your visa application under the ‘My Application’ tab on the France-Visas.
| Visa Application Centre | Reference credentials to find the status |
|---|---|
| CAPAGO Online application | File reference and email address |
| TFL Online application | Login to your TLS account |
| VFS Online application | Reference number and last name |
SOP Sample for Student Visa in France
Subject: Statement of Purpose for France Student Visa Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to apply for a France Student Visa to pursue my [Degree Level] in [Your Intended Major] at [Name of France University], starting in the [Month, Year] semester. This choice aligns with my long-standing academic and career goals.
I believe that France offers some of the world’s finest educational opportunities, and my research has led me to [University Name], a prestigious institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge research in [Your Field of Study]. The rigorous curriculum, access to top faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities at [University Name] present an ideal environment to expand my knowledge in [Your Field of Study].
My decision to study in France is rooted in a desire for intellectual growth and pursuing a career in [Your Career Aspiration], which requires advanced training and expertise in my chosen field. The education I receive at [University Name] will not only empower me to achieve my career goals but will also enable me to contribute meaningfully to my home country’s development.
I am fully committed to returning to [Your Home Country] upon completion of my studies. My strong family ties, including my parents and siblings residing in [Your Home City], provide a compelling reason for me to return home. Additionally, I am dedicated to utilizing the knowledge and skills I acquire in France to benefit [Your Home Country] by [Your Future Plans, e.g., teaching, research, contributing to a specific industry].
I have attached the necessary financial documents to demonstrate my ability to cover the cost of my education, including tuition, living expenses, and insurance. I am also grateful for the financial support I have received from [Name of Scholarship or Sponsor], which has allowed me to pursue my educational dreams in France.
I understand the responsibilities and obligations of a student visa, and I am committed to complying with all laws and regulations throughout my stay. I genuinely look forward to the challenges and opportunities that studying in France will bring and am enthusiastic about becoming part of the diverse academic community at [University Name].
I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for a France student visa and kindly request your favourable consideration of my application. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Post-Study Visa for France
A student upon the completion of his study can apply for a resident permit if he/she has employment and stays there for 2 years or 24 months.
Recently, the government of India and the Government of France declared that Indian students will get resident permits for up to 5 years after completing the master’s degree program in France. However, the implementation dates have not yet been announced.
Conclusion
The visa for France guarantees adherence to immigration laws by verifying that applicants are eligible to study and enter the country. Apart from its legal importance, a student visa is necessary to obtain several student-focused advantages, such as working full-time during breaks and part-time on campus throughout the school year.
Furthermore, it makes it easier for students to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, which give them invaluable practical job experience in their field of study.
Also read- Did your visa application get rejected?
FAQs
Is French language necessary for getting study visa for France?
Can I work on study visa in France?
How long does it takes to get a student visa in France?
Also read- How to get USA study Visa?
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
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