France Student Visa Requirements
To study in France for more than 3 months you need a long-stay visa that works as a residence permit (VLS-TS), student type. Students from India and Pakistan first finish Études en France, the French online system for your student file, with Campus France.
Who Can Get a France Student Visa
The main rules come from French law and apply to students from India and Pakistan alike.
- You have a place, or an accepted place, at a public or private higher education school in France.
- Your course must last more than 3 months.
- At least EUR 877.50 a month.
- Pakistan: your bank statement for the last 6 months, or papers from a guarantor (a person who promises to pay for you).
After you enrol, sign up for French health insurance (called social security) on etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr, the state health insurance website. It is free.
Extra health insurance (called mutuelle) is not required, but it is strongly advised.
Immigration Status
- Campus France Pakistan takes only people who live in Pakistan.
Special Cases
- You must apply in the country where you live.
- Pakistan: you cannot reapply for the same course in the same year after a visa refusal.
Required Documents for a France Student Visa
France-Visas shows your exact list at the end of the form. Below are the papers named for Pakistan, and the rules for everyone.
Use the same details on every paper and form.
Keep your Campus France number on every email.
Scan your papers and save them online too.
- Straight-facing, with a white background.
- Pakistan: 3 recent passport-size photos for the visa.
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa form from France-Visas | Fill it in online and print it. | Required |
| Passport | Pakistan: valid at least 15 months from the start of the course, with a copy of all pages. | Required |
| Admission letter | From your French school. Pakistan: needed if you were admitted directly. | Required |
| Money proof | At least EUR 877.50 a month. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bank statement | Your own statement for the last 6 months. Or a signed letter from a person who promises to pay for you (a guarantor), with their statement and ID. | Required |
| Family Registration Certificate | From NADRA (Pakistan's ID office). | Required |
| Original transcripts and copies | School and college certificates (SSC, HSSC) and any degrees. | Required |
| CV and cover letter | With exact dates for all study and work. | Required |
| French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) form | Top half filled in. | Required |
| Housing certificate | Only if you have one. It must show your name, address and dates. | Optional |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CV and statement of purpose | Filled in on the Études en France website. | Required |
| Passport, photo and academic records | Upload marksheets and certificates. | Required |
Important Document Guidelines
France Student Visa Types
Which visa you need depends on how long you study and your level.
Key Features
For bachelor's and master's study.
Works as your residence permit for the first year.
You may work up to 964 hours a year.
Eligibility Requirements
- You have a place, or an accepted place, at a higher education school in France.
- At least EUR 877.50 a month.
- Études en France procedure done.
Restrictions
- Confirm (validate) it online within 3 months of arriving, or you are not legally living in France.
- Work is limited to 964 hours a year.
| Feature | Student VLS-TS | Talent passport | Short-stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Bachelor's and master's students | PhD with fellowship, researchers | Courses of 3 months or less |
| Length | 4 months to 1 year | For the doctorate | Up to 3 months |
| Études en France | Yes | Pakistan: not needed | Not needed |
| Validate after arrival | Yes, within 3 months | - | - |
Bachelor's and master's students staying more than 3 months need the student VLS-TS. A PhD with a paid scholarship needs the talent passport visa. A course of 3 months or less needs a short-stay visa.
Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
Useful links and short answers.
Campus France India
Campus France Pakistan
France-Visas
Get admission and finish your Études en France file
Pay the Études en France fee and attend the Campus France interview
Fill in the visa form on France-Visas
India: give papers and fingerprints at VFS Global. Pakistan: interview at the Embassy of France in Islamabad
In France: validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months
Need More Help?
Campus France is the French office that holds your interview. Questions about your Études en France file go to it. Visa questions go to France-Visas, VFS Global (India visa papers) or AEG (Pakistan visa appointments).
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