France Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant): How to Study in France

What Is the France Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)?

The VLS-TS Étudiant, short for Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour, is the main long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to study in France for more than 90 days. Unlike a short-stay Schengen visa, the VLS-TS Étudiant also functions as a temporary residence permit once it is validated upon arrival, so holders do not need to apply for a separate carte de séjour immediately.

The visa is issued for a validity period of between four months and one year, depending on the duration of your academic programme. It is subject to a mandatory online validation process via the ANEF system that must be completed within 3 months of your arrival in France to maintain lawful residence status.

Understanding the difference between the three main visa and permit categories is important before beginning your application. The table below provides a clear comparison.

Once your VLS-TS Étudiant is coming to an end and you wish to continue studying, you need to apply before it expires for a carte de séjour étudiant (student residence permit).

This permit is issued on an annual or multi-year basis and is renewed through the prefecture’s services, most often using the online ANEF platform.

Who Needs a France Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)?

The France student visa is required by non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who intend to pursue a course of study in France lasting more than 90 days. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are exempt from visa requirements and may study in France without obtaining a visa, although they must still comply with any registration and residence formalities that apply to them.

The following categories of students will require a VLS-TS Étudiant:

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss students enrolled in a full-time course at a French higher education institution lasting more than 90 days
• Exchange students participating in international academic partnerships, such as Erasmus+ or other exchange schemes for non-EU participants, where the stay in France exceeds 90 days
• Students under the age of 18, who must additionally provide parental authorisation from the holder(s) of parental responsibility or their legal guardian(s), together with any supporting civil status documents requested
• Scholarship recipients, including those on French government or institutional scholarships, must include proof of their scholarship in their application
• Students already resident in France on a different visa who wish to switch to student status; specific rules on in-country status change apply, and not all visa categories allow a change of status from within France

A key distinction applies to applicants from countries subject to the Études en France procedure. This is a pre-application process administered by Campus France, the French national agency for promoting higher education. Students from these countries, which include many African states as well as certain Asian and American countries, must complete this procedure and obtain the required Campus France approval before they can submit a France visa application at the consulate or an external visa centre.

If you are unsure whether your country is subject to the Études en France procedure, IAS can advise you and help you follow the correct route for your nationality and study plans. Call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.

France Student Visa Requirements

Meeting the France student visa requirements means assembling a thorough, well-organised set of documents before your appointment. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons for a visa refusal, so it is important to follow both the general checklist and any extra instructions from your consulate or visa centre.

The table below sets out the core documentation required for a France student visa:

Documents that are not originally in a language accepted by the French consulate, usually French and sometimes English, must be accompanied by a certified translation that meets local requirements. 

Some consulates may also request apostilles or other forms of legalisation for official documents such as birth certificates or court orders. You should always check the up-to-date document list and language and legalisation rules published by the French consulate or visa application centre responsible for your place of residence.

Step-by-Step France Visa Application Process

The France visa application process varies slightly depending on your country of residence, but the broad steps are similar for most student visa applicants. Below is a guide to the process from your university acceptance through to your visa decision.

Step 1 – Apply Through Campus France (If Required)

If you are from a country subject to the Études en France procedure, you must complete this step before doing anything else. In most cases, the process requires you to:

• Create an account on the Campus France / Études en France portal for your country
• Enter details of your intended programme of study in France
• Upload supporting documents, including your university acceptance letter and academic records
• Attend an interview at your local Campus France office or take part in an online interview, if required in your country

Campus France will review your application and, if satisfied, issue an approval or reference number linked to your file. This number is required when you proceed to the France-Visas portal. Processing times for this step can take several weeks, especially in peak periods, so it is advisable to begin as early as possible.

Step 2 – Complete Your Online Application on France-Visas

Most long-stay visa applications, including student visas, are initiated through the official France-Visas portal. To do this, you will need to:

• Create an account on the France-Visas website
• Select the “Long-Stay Visa” category and then “Student” (or the closest equivalent) as your purpose of visit
• Complete all sections of the online application form carefully and accurately
• Follow the portal’s instructions on providing and, where applicable, uploading scanned copies of your required documents
• Book an appointment at your nearest French consulate or external visa application centre, such as TLScontact or VFS Global, where used

Step 3 – Attend Your Visa Appointment

At your appointment, you will be required to:

• Submit your original documents and photocopies as listed in your France-Visas application and consulate checklist
• Provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph
• Pay the visa application fee, which is currently around €99 for most long-stay student visas, noting that some categories, for example, certain scholarship holders or exchange programmes, may benefit from reduced or waived fees
• Attend a brief interview if requested by the consular officer or visa centre staff

Ensure that all your documents are organised and complete before attending. Missing or incorrect documents may not be accepted at the appointment and can result in your application being postponed for additional evidence or, in some cases, refused.

Step 4 – Processing Times and Tracking

France student visa processing times vary by country, consulate, and season, but in many cases, decisions are made within roughly 15 to 30 working days. During peak periods, particularly between July and September, processing may take longer, so it is advisable to apply at least two months before your intended departure date, or earlier if your consulate recommends it.

You can track the progress of your application through the France-Visas portal and/or the tracking system of the visa application centre, or by consulting the consulate or visa centre where you submitted your documents.

How Much Does the France Student Visa Cost?

The total cost of obtaining a France student visa includes several fees beyond the initial application fee. Budgeting for all of these expenses in advance can help you avoid unexpected shortfalls.

The table below outlines the key costs involved. Amounts are indicative and may change:

The visa application fee you pay, currently often around €50 for many student VLS-TS applicants and up to €99 for other long-stay categories, is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Campus France fees apply only to applicants from Études en France countries and vary by local Campus France office and currency. The ANEF validation tax is paid when you validate your visa online after arriving in France and is currently €50 for student visas. 

Translation and legalisation costs will depend on the number of documents requiring translation, the rates charged by certified translators and notaries in your country, and whether some visa centres also charge separate service fees.

After You Arrive in France – Visa Validation Process

One of the most important steps for VLS-TS Étudiant holders is the mandatory validation of your visa after arriving in France. This step is frequently overlooked, and failure to complete it can have serious consequences for your legal status in the country.

Validation must be completed within three months of your date of entry into France. The process is conducted online through the ANEF (Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France) portal, and the steps are as follows:

• Create an account on the ANEF portal using your passport details and visa information
• Complete the online validation form and, where requested, upload a recent photograph
• Pay the current visa validation tax, which for student visas is currently €50
• Receive a confirmation message or receipt, which you should download and keep as proof that your visa has been validated and your stay in France is regular

If you fail to validate your visa within the three-month window, your VLS-TS will no longer be valid as a residence permit. This means you would be in France without proper authorisation and could face difficulties when trying to renew your status, obtain a carte de séjour, or leave and re-enter the country. In some cases, it could also negatively affect future visa applications.

Can You Work on a France Student Visa?

Yes, holders of a VLS-TS Étudiant are permitted to work in France without a separate work permit, provided they respect the legal limits on working hours. However, there are clear restrictions, and it is important to understand these before accepting any employment.

The key employment rules for France student visa holders are as follows:

• You may work a maximum of 964 hours per year, which corresponds to roughly 60% of the annual full-time working hours in France
• For most standard student jobs, no additional work permit application is required: your VLS-TS Étudiant or carte de séjour étudiant authorises you to work within the permitted annual limit
• Internships (stages) that form part of your academic programme are allowed, but whether they count towards the 964-hour limit depends on several factors, including whether the internship is compulsory and how it is remunerated, so you should follow your university’s and host organisation’s guidance
• In principle, self-employment and running a business are not permitted under standard student status, and you should seek specific legal advice before undertaking any freelance or entrepreneurial activity

If you are offered paid work that would take you beyond the 964-hour annual limit or that does not fit the usual part-time student job framework, your future employer may need to seek a work authorisation before the activity begins, or you may need to consider a change of status after your studies. IAS can advise you on your options based on your individual circumstances. Call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online.

Common Reasons for France Student Visa Refusal

Understanding the most common reasons for refusal can help you avoid making costly mistakes in your France student visa application. The French consular authorities assess every application on its own facts, and any inconsistencies or gaps can result in a refusal.

The most frequent reasons for a France student visa refusal include:

• Insufficient proof of financial means: Applicants must show that they have enough funds to support themselves throughout their studies. The minimum threshold is at least around €615 per month, or higher if specified by your consulate, and vague, inconsistent, or poorly evidenced finances are a common cause of refusal
• Inconsistent or unconvincing study plan: If the consular officer is not satisfied that your intended course of study is genuine, coherent, or appropriate in light of your academic and professional background, your application may be refused
• Missing or incomplete documentation: Missing documents or documents that do not meet the required format can lead to your application being postponed for additional evidence or, in some cases, refused if you do not provide the requested evidence
• Doubts about intention to return: Consular officers must be satisfied that you intend to comply with your visa conditions and, where required, return to your home country after your studies. Applicants who present weak overall ties or unclear future plans may face closer scrutiny and a higher risk of refusal
• Suspected fraud: Submitting false, altered, or misleading documents, or giving inaccurate information, is a serious breach that can lead to immediate refusal and can also result in future bans or severe difficulties obtaining a French visa again

What to Do If Your France Student Visa Is Refused

Receiving a visa refusal can be distressing, particularly if your academic enrolment is time-sensitive. However, there are steps you can take to challenge the decision or to reapply with a stronger file.

If your France student visa application is refused, you may have the following options, depending on your specific situation and the content of the refusal notice:

Recours gracieux (administrative appeal)

This is a written administrative appeal asking the authority that made the decision, or its hierarchical superior, to review and overturn the refusal. In it, you can explain why you believe the decision is incorrect and provide additional evidence or clarification where necessary. This type of appeal must be submitted within a strict 2-month deadline from the date of the refusal notice, but you must always check the exact time limit stated in your decision letter.

Recours contentieux (judicial review)

If an administrative appeal is unsuccessful, or in some situations in parallel with it, you may be able to challenge the refusal before the competent Administrative Court (Tribunal administratif) in France. This is a formal legal process that generally requires the assistance of a qualified lawyer or immigration adviser. Deadlines for judicial review are strict, commonly within two months of the refusal or of the response to your administrative appeal, and missing them can mean losing the right to challenge the decision.

Reapplication

In some cases, the most practical option is to address the specific reasons set out in your refusal notice and submit a fresh application with stronger supporting documentation. A new application is examined on its own merits, but the consular authorities will see that there has been a previous refusal and may take that history into account when they assess your case.

Whichever route you choose, acting quickly and seeking professional advice as soon as possible is essential because appeal deadlines are short and procedural rules are strict.

Renewing Your Student Residence Permit in France

The VLS-TS Étudiant is valid for up to one year. If you wish to continue studying in France beyond this period, you will need to apply for renewal of your student residence permission as a carte de séjour étudiant (student residence permit), through the online system managed by your local prefecture’s services.

The key points to be aware of for renewal are:

• You should apply for renewal several weeks before your current permit expires, often between two and four months in advance, in line with the timeframe indicated on your card and on your prefecture’s website. Leaving this until the last moment increases the risk of a gap in your legal status
• You must show that you are making “real and serious” progress in your studies, which means demonstrating regular attendance and satisfactory academic results, for example, exam passes or ECTS credits gained, taking into account any justified difficulties
• Updated proof of financial means will be required, showing that you still have sufficient resources to support yourself during the new period of study
• You will also need to provide recent proof of enrolment from your university or school for the upcoming academic year or semester

The prefecture will review your application and, if satisfied, issue a new carte de séjour étudiant. If your application is being processed and your current permit expires in the meantime, you should obtain a récépissé or other proof of lawful pending status via the online system or prefecture process, which acts as temporary evidence of your right to remain in France and, in many cases, to continue working within the usual student limits.

Bringing Family Members to France

France student visa holders who are accompanied by, or later joined by, a spouse or partner and dependent children should be aware that dependants are not automatically covered under the student visa. Each eligible family member must apply for their own visa and meet the conditions applicable to their status.

The options and conditions for bringing family members to France include:

• A spouse or partner may, in some situations, be eligible for a long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS Visiteur), which, in principle, does not grant automatic work rights in France
• Financial thresholds apply: you must show that you have sufficient resources to support both yourself and any dependants, and the consulate will expect a higher level of funds than for an individual student application
• Children under 18 may accompany a student visa holder, but they must have their own visa and appropriate documentation, including parental authorisation from the holder(s) of parental authority or their legal guardian(s), along with any required civil-status documents
• Family members who wish to work in France will need to hold a residence status that authorises employment, for example, an appropriate work visa or a later change of status, and they cannot rely on the student’s visa for work rights

The procedures and eligibility rules for bringing family members to France as a student can be complex, and some formal family reunification routes are not open to students at all or involve long processing times. If you plan to bring family members with you when you study in France, it is advisable to seek professional advice well in advance of your intended travel date so you can choose the most suitable route and prepare the necessary documentation.

Staying in France After Graduation

Completing your studies does not necessarily mean you have to leave France immediately. There are several post-study immigration pathways that may allow eligible international graduates to remain in the country, gain work experience, or develop a business project.

Job-search/business-creation residence permit

Non-EU graduates who obtain at least a master’s-level degree, or an equivalent diploma recognised by decree, from a French institution may, in many cases, apply for a temporary residence permit or VLS-TS marked recherche d’emploi ou création d’entreprise. This allows them to stay in France for around 12 months to look for work related to their field of study or to prepare a business creation project. Exact eligibility depends on the diploma obtained, the institution, and sometimes the graduate’s nationality, so you should always check the most recent rules that apply to your situation.

Switching to an employee residence permit

If you secure qualifying employment in France during or after your post-study job-search period, you may be able to apply for a change of status to a salaried employee residence permit, for example, salarié or certain Talent categories. The job has to meet specific conditions on contract type, salary level, and alignment with your qualifications, and your employer must comply with any labour-market requirements that apply.

Talent Passport – entrepreneur/business creation

Graduates who wish to start a business or develop an innovative project in France may, if they meet the criteria, apply for the Passeport Talent category for entrepreneurs or holders of an innovative economic project. This involves demonstrating a credible business plan and sufficient investment or financial resources, and is granted for several years at a time.

EU Blue Card and other highly skilled routes

Highly qualified graduates who obtain a high-salary, skilled position in France may be eligible for an EU Blue Card or a Passeport Talent – salarié qualifié. These permits require a recognised higher-education diploma or equivalent professional experience plus a binding job offer that meets minimum salary thresholds and skills criteria, and they can provide a more direct route to long-term residence.

Each of these pathways has its own detailed eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, and application deadlines, and the rules evolve regularly. Planning your post-graduation immigration route before you finish your degree and checking the latest guidance applicable to your nationality and qualification will give you the best chance of a smooth transition. IAS can advise you on the most appropriate pathway for your profile and support you with the change-of-status process.

How IAS Can Help With Your France Student Visa

Studying in France is an exciting prospect, but the France visa application process involves multiple steps, detailed documentation requirements, and deadlines that can be difficult to manage without the right support. A refused application not only delays your academic plans but can also affect your future visa applications and cost you time and money.

IAS is a team of professional immigration advisers with experience in French student visa applications and a detailed understanding of French immigration and consular procedures. Whether you are applying for the first time or responding to a previous refusal, we can help.

Our services include:

• A thorough review of your documentation to help ensure that it meets French consulate and visa-centre requirements
• Guidance on the Études en France and Campus France procedure for applicants from eligible countries
• Assistance with visa refusal appeals, including drafting and preparing recours gracieux and, where appropriate, recours contentieux with legal partners
• Support with post-arrival steps, including ANEF visa validation and applications to renew your student residence permit
• Tailored advice on switching visa categories and planning your post-graduation immigration pathway
• End-to-end support from your initial consultation through to your arrival in France and the next steps in your stay

You do not have to manage this alone. IAS is here to help you navigate the France student visa process and begin your studies with confidence. Call us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.