Step by Step Process to apply for France Student Visa

If you want to study abroad for your Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate, France could be a good choice. France is well-known for its high quality of education and places a high value on scientific research. It is also after the United States and the United Kingdom, the world's third-largest host country for international students.

Indian students aspiring to go abroad have to do many things to achieve their dream. Getting admission is the first step but getting a visa is one of the most tedious tasks. We at GoFrance will assist you from your application to the visa process. This blog will give you a clear idea about the Step by Step Process of applying for a Student Visa in France.

What type of French student visa will you need?

• Schengen student visa (short-stay)
  If your studies will last less than three months and you are certain you will not be staying in the country any longer, you should apply for a court séjour pour étude, also known as a short-stay or Schengen student visa. The Schengen student visa is free to obtain and cannot be renewed.
• Visa to sit entrance exams
  If you need to visit France to take one or more university admission examinations, you can apply for a visa de court séjour étudiant Concours, which translates to a visa for taking entrance exams. If you pass your exam, you will be allowed to apply for a one-year renewable residence permit.
• Temporary long-stay visa
  The visa de long séjour temporaire pour études is a six-month temporary student visa that allows you to study in France. You do not need to apply for a residence permit separately with this student visa for France.
• Long-stay visa
  The long-stay visa, also known as the visa de long séjour pour études or the extended-stay VLT-TS, is required if you plan to study in France for more than six months. This visa serves as a residence permit and is valid for the duration of your program (often three years for a Bachelors degree, two years for a Masters program, and four years for a Ph.D.).

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France Student Visa Documents Checklist

• Visa application form for France study visa
• Age over 18 years
• Two passport-size photos
• A valid passport and copies of your previous Visas, if any
• Official Letter of Acceptance/Enrolment from the University in France
• Evidence of finances for covering all expenses during the period of study
• Air flight reservation/ticket with the date of departure
• Medical insurance can cost around 30,000 Euros yearly
• Documents that state the arrangement for accommodation during your studies
• If you have enrolled in a course taught in French, you will need a proficiency certificate for the French language
• Evidence of payment of Visa fees
• If applicable, proof of civil status

Documents required for France student visa from India

• An official acceptance letter to a French institution's authorized program. This should be on official letterhead and include your full name, contact information, program specifics, and study start and end dates.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to live in the country. The current monthly need is €615 (US$820), which can be demonstrated with a bank statement, guarantor's letter, or proof of money through a loan, scholarship, or grant.
• Proof of health insurance, with a minimum limit of €30,000 (US$40,150).
• Evidence of accommodation If you're living with friends or family, you can demonstrate this by showing a "attestation d'accueil" or a certificate of board and lodging.
• If you are enrolled in a French-language course, documentation proves your language ability.

Cost of France Student Visa for Indian Students

For students seeking Bachelors or Masters degrees, the visa fee for a long-stay national visa for study reasons is €99. Students must additionally pay the Visa Processing Fee of €50, which is now INR 4338, and the VFS Service Fees and processing taxes, which total INR 1467. Please keep in mind that the visa fee for applicants applying to the France Visa Application Centre in New Delhi and Kolkata must be paid by bank draught. The visa fee is payable in cash exclusively to applicants applying to the France Visa Application Centre in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Chennai, and Puducherry. For each application, a courier service is also available for Rs 300 (including service tax).

France Student Visa Process for Indian Students

The Visa Process consists of the Steps provided below :

Step 1: Prepare Your Files
Preparing your paperwork is a difficult task, and it is crucial to grant your visa. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare your file with the aid of a trained individual.

Step 2: Register online
Open a profile on campus in France. Complete the campus France form (academics plus language proficiency, CV plus SOP, etc.) and submit your submission online.

Step 3: The academic interview
It is also a crucial stage in the application process for student visas to France. You will need to attend a face-to-face interview with all appropriate paperwork. And if you want to receive your student visa for France, you must succeed in this interview.

Step 4: Appointment with VFS- France
Arrange a meeting with VFS-France after the academic interview.

Step 5: Gather your visa and OFII form from VFS
Complete the OFII form within three months to confirm your student status.

Processing time for France Student Visa

The France Schengen Student visa processing time is around 15 working days. And for the National French student visa, it can take up to 30 days. However, these processing times can vary depending on the validity, the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy/consulate, and your previous travel history. As a result, you must apply well in advance.
If you are still confused about the visa process. We can assist you in the visa process.