Feb 27, 2024
The world's sixth most sought-after destination, France has long been a top choice for students worldwide. This leading European country offers countless benefits and perks, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking quality education and a vibrant lifestyle. As per the recent research conducted by Study.eu, a massive figure of 79% of students preferred to study in France due to its high-quality education.
To begin this exciting academic journey, you will have to understand the details of the student visa application process. In this comprehensive article, we'll take you through the entire application process so that you have a smooth and well-planned visa application experience.
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The short-stay visa, also known as the Schengen visa, is suitable for students intending to pursue short-term academic programs, language courses, or internships in France lasting less than 90 days. This visa allows holders to travel freely within the 26 European countries in the Schengen Area, which comprises France. Students opting for short-term educational experiences can apply for this visa.
For individuals planning to undertake degree programs like bachelors or masters in France, extended courses, or research projects lasting more than 90 days, a long-stay visa is required. This visa permits students to reside in France for the duration of their studies and is essential for those seeking a comprehensive academic experience in the country.
Let’s discuss more about the long-stay visa to study in France ahead of the article.
To be eligible for a student visa, applicants must meet certain criteria and adhere to specific conditions set by French immigration authorities. These eligibility requirements generally include the following.
The cost of applying for a student visa in France varies depending on the type and duration of the visa, as well as the applicant's nationality. As of this year, the fee for a long-stay student visa is 50 € for citizens of countries or territories with EEF procedure and it is 99 € for citizens of other countries.
It's important to note that visa fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify the latest fee information on the official website of the French consulate or embassy in their country. Furthermore, let’s check the documents required for visa application.
When applying for a student visa study in France for international students, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their visa application. These documents are enlisted below.
In addition to the essential documents mentioned above, applicants may be required to submit additional supporting documents, such as letters of recommendation, or proof of previous academic or professional experience. Considering that now you have all your documents in hand, let’s proceed to understand the visa application process.
The long-stay student visa application process to study in France involves a number of steps, each of which requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand the visa application procedure.
The visa application registration is online. So, you will have to create an account on the Campus France website and proceed to the next step.
Gather all necessary documents required for the visa application as specified above.
Fill out the visa application form accurately by providing all required information and supporting documentation.
Submit the visa form, pay the application fees, and wait for Campus France to give you an appointment date.
On the day of your visa appointment at Campus France, bring along all required documents and be prepared to answer questions related to your study plans, financial means, and other relevant details. In this interview, a NOC is issued to the student based on which the student can book a VFS appointment for biometrics and document submission.
Book an appointment at any of the listed VFS centres with the NOC from Campus France for your biometric and document submission. For some cases, the high commission might connect with you on a call to check the intent and financial details.
After submitting your visa application and attending the interview, await the decision on your visa application. This process may take several weeks, so it's essential to plan accordingly and avoid making travel arrangements until you receive your visa.
Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa from the consulate or embassy and prepare for your journey to France. Ensure that you comply with all visa conditions and travel regulations.
After you reach France, make sure that you validate your visa within the first three months of your arrival and register for your residence permit. Summing up, this is everything that you need to know about the long-stay visa process for France. We understand that the student visa application process can be a complex and challenging endeavour, but with proper guidance and preparation, it's entirely manageable.
If all this still feels overwhelming or you require personalized assistance, then reach out to us at KC Overseas Education for end-to-end support and guidance throughout the application process. Be it for university applications or the entire visa application process or queries related to the 5 years Schengen visa for students, our experts will make sure that you have a smooth and hassle-free application experience. So, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience studying in one of the world's most prestigious educational destinations as France awaits your arrival!