France Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to France for your studies.
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An example plan for before you leave
Getting Ready to Study in France
Before you fly, finish Études en France (the French online application system). Get your VLS-TS (the long-stay visa that works as a residence permit), book housing, pay the CVEC (campus fee) and pack your papers. Money is the euro (EUR).
Money rule from 1 August 2026
What to Prepare
- Visa: Études en France with Campus France (the French office that runs it and holds your interview), then the VLS-TS on France-Visas (the French visa website).
- Enrolment: Pay the CVEC online and keep the proof for enrolment.
- Housing: Look early. Find a guarantor (a person or service that promises to pay your rent if you cannot) if the landlord asks.
- Money: At least EUR 877.50 a month.
Before You Leave
Pakistan, for courses starting in 2027: the Études en France application is open from 1 October to 18 November 2026
Through Études en France or directly to the school. India: apply after a school gives you an offer with no conditions left.
After your online application is validated
Bring originals and your fee receipt.
At least 3 months before the course
Apply on France-Visas. India: VFS Global (the company that takes visa papers). Pakistan: AEG (the company that books appointments) and the French embassy.
Before you fly
Book housing and pay the CVEC (EUR 105 a year).
School steps
Each school has its own enrolment steps. Read your school's emails and website.
Private schools send their own registration steps before the year starts.
Pre-Departure Checklist for France
The main things to finish before you fly.
Documentation
Passport
Pakistan: valid at least 15 months from the course start for the visa.
VLS-TS visa
Check the dates and your name.
Birth certificate
A translated and certified copy.
Financial & Insurance
Money proof
At least EUR 877.50 a month.
CVEC proof
EUR 105 a year, paid online.
Practical Arrangements
Housing booking
Printed, with the papers your landlord asked for.
Travel plan
Tickets and your route from the airport.
Important
Staying Connected
Keep key contacts and the emergency number ready.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in France
112 is the European emergency number. It is free at any time.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
Your embassy in France
Keep the contact details of your country's embassy and consulates in France at hand.
Your Campus France office
India: Campus France India. Pakistan: email [email protected].
Key Tips Before You Leave
Apply for the visa at least three months before your course starts.
Pay the Études en France fee only through its own payment link, never a link sent by a third party or agency.
Start your housing search as early as you can.
Pay the CVEC before enrolment and keep the proof.
Carry copies of your degrees with certified translations (translations stamped as correct by an approved translator).
Scan all papers and save them online.
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Questions Before You Leave for France
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