Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and your study plans.
How do I know if I need a visa to study in France?
Depending on your personal situation, including your nationality and study plans, you may or may not need a visa.
- For short-stays of 3 months or less, most students do not need a visa. Most students are exempted and can freely enter the Schengen Area just by presenting their passport, but some students still have to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
- For long stays of 4 months or more, unless you are a European citizen, you will need a visa. To live and study in France, you may apply for a student visa or, if eligible, a working holiday visa.
To check if you need a visa for your situation, use our Visa Calculator.
How to use your visa calculator?
Just enter your details and you’ll quickly find out if you need a visa. Our tool checks your nationality, age, purpose, and how long you plan to stay. It will tell you if you need a visa or not.
Please note that our tool gives general information about visa requirements for France. Rules can change, so the tool may not always be up to date. For the most accurate advice, check with the French embassy or consulate in your area.
What is the best visa to move to France?
If you want to live and study in France for a long time, the student visa is usually the best choice.
With this visa, you can live, study, and work in France for at least a year, and you can extend your stay if needed. You are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week), travel in the Schengen Area, get French health insurance, and receive a housing allowance.
What visa options do you help with?
At Go! Go! France, we help international students move to France by assisting with schools, housing, and visas.
We can help you apply for a student visa, a working holiday visa, or a short-stay visa if you need one.
Our team is made up of former language students, so we understand your journey. We provide all the latest and up-to-date information and guidance on visas. If you are unsure which option is best for your specific project, contact us for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is exempt from a Short-Stay Visa for France?
Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are exempt, as well as citizens from certain other countries. Use our Visa Calculator to find out if you’re exempt or need a visa and how to apply based on your situation.
Are there age restrictions for visa applications in France?
Yes. To apply for a student visa, you must be over 18. For a working holiday visa, the age range is 18 to 30 years old.
Who can apply for a Student Visa in France?
To apply for a Student Visa, you must be at least 18 years old and accepted into a higher education institution in France. This visa is intended for students planning to live and study in France for more than 3 months.
Who can apply for a Working Holiday Visa in France?
You can apply for a Working Holiday Visa if you are between 18 and 30 years old and hold a passport from one of the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Taiwan, Uruguay.
Where do I apply for a visa to study in France?
You must apply through the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. In some cases, applications are handled by approved external service providers. Find your place of submission.
Visit our FAQ page for more information on French visas.
