Preparing your student visa application for France? One of the key steps is gathering all the required documents.
Before diving in, we recommend reviewing our guide on documents required for your French student visa: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/student-visa-supporting-documents/
In this article, we’ll focus specifically on proof of income: What documents are accepted? What information must be included? What amount of resources should you justify?
Why is proof of income required?
Proof of income is mandatory for all international students applying for a French student visa. The French government requires this documentation to ensure that students have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay—covering tuition, housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses.
Insufficient financial resources are among the most common reasons for student visa refusals. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure you not only meet the minimum requirements but also provide accurate and complete documentation to avoid delays or rejections.
What amount of resources should you justify?
The minimum required amount depends on the type of visa you’re applying for:
- Short-stay visa: You must provide an insurance certificate with a coverage of at least €30,000 and proof of income. The required amount is 65 €/day if you have a hotel booking, or 120 €/day if you do not have a hotel booking.
- Long-stay visa: The minimum requirement is €615 per month. For example, if you are applying for a 6-month language course in France, you should have a minimum of €3,690.
Some students may choose a Working Holiday Visa to study and travel 1 year in France. In this case, you generally need to show a bank statement with at least €2,500. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your local French embassy or consulate to confirm the exact amount.
What is accepted as valid proof of income?
Typically, one of the following documents is required:
- Personal bank statement (if self-financing)
- Certificate of scholarship (if awarded a scholarship)
Personal bank statement
If you’re funding your studies yourself, your personal bank statement is the primary way to prove your financial means.
Your bank statement should:
- Clearly show your name as the account holder
- Show available account balance*
- Be dated within the last 3 months
- Be printed on official bank letterhead
- Be signed/stamped by your bank
Screenshots or printouts from a bank website or app are not considered official documents. Ensure your document is formally verified by your bank.
*Note: Bank accounts with funds that are not immediately accessible (e.g., blocked accounts, investments, cryptocurrencies) may not be accepted. The money should be immediately available.
Certificate of scholarship
If you’ve been awarded a scholarship, an official scholarship certificate or award letter can serve as your proof of income.
The document must:
- Include your name and the awarding institution’s details
- State the exact amount awarded
- State the duration of the scholarship (start and end dates)
- Be printed on official letterhead
- Be signed/stamped from the organization
Other proof of income
Other forms of financial proof may be accepted depending on your situation.
If you’ve taken a student loan to finance your studies, submit the loan approval letter from your bank.
If you are financially supported by a guarantor, such as one of your parents, you may provide a financial liability undertaking from your guarantor along with a copy of their bank statement and ID.
Make it simple with Go! Go! France
Unsure which documents best suit your situation? We’re here to help.
Contact us for personalized guidance—we’ll review your financial documents and ensure they meet all visa requirements.
