The student visa is the best option for those planning to live and study in France long-term. At Go! Go! France, we make it easy to find a school and apply for your student visa.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- Student visa conditions
- Student visa benefits
- Student visa application process and timeline
- Required documents for your application
- Financial requirements
Who qualifies for a student visa?
To qualify for a student visa in France:
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must be accepted by a higher education establishment.
- You must prove you have the financial resources to live and study in France.
In most cases, applicants who receive a long-stay student visa to complete a French language program have at least 20 hours of classes per week. The eligibility for the student visa depends on multiple criteria, including the structure of the program, the volume of course hours, the recognition of the institution, and how the program and resulting certification or diploma fit with your education or career goals.
All our partner schools offer visa-compatible programs, and our team is here to help you choose the right school and program. Contact us today for guidance.
Why is the student visa the best visa for living and studying in France
The student visa allows you to live, study, and work in France for 4 months to 1 year, and can be easily extended if you continue your studies.
It comes with many benefits for students. With this visa, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) to supplement your finances. You can also access free French health insurance that will cover about 60% of your medical expenses. Nationals of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, or those who have been granted a scholarship, may also be eligible for a housing allowance to help them pay their rent.
Application process and timeline
Students who need a visa to study in France should begin the application process about 4 to 6 months before the course start date.
This allows enough time to apply to your chosen school, receive an acceptance letter, secure accommodation, and complete the visa process smoothly. Starting early also ensures you have time to prepare financial documents, schedule and attend your visa appointment, and receive your visa before your planned departure.
Watch this video to see how to apply with Go! Go! France:
Required documents for your student visa application
You will need the following documents for your student visa application:
- Passport ID page
- ALL pages of your passport containing visas, entry and exit stamps
- ID photograph
- Proof of education: Enrollment certificate or acceptance letter from your school in France
- Proof of accommodation: Rental agreement or other proof of accommodation in France
- Proof of income: Recent bank statement, scholarship certificate or other proof of income
All your supporting documents must be written in French or English, or be accompanied by a certified French translation.
What amount of financial resources do you need to justify for a student visa?
To qualify for a student visa, you must show that you have enough money to cover both your education and living expenses for your entire stay in France.
France requires students to provide proof of a minimum monthly income of €615. For example, for a 6-month program, you need to show your have at least €3,690 available. To demonstrate your financial resources, you can provide a personal bank statement, or the bank statement of your financial sponsor if one of your parent is financing your studies.
Explore your options
Not sure if you need a visa or which visa option is best for your project? Our team has been through this process before you.
Let us know about your plans and what you want to achieve with your study abroad plans. We’ll help you find a school, figure out which visa option is right for you and guide you through the application process.
Contact us for more information.
