France University Fee

Public universities in France are significantly more affordable than private institutions. Tuition fees at public universities typically range from 250 to 1,200 EUR per year, depending on the program and level of study.

In contrast, private universities in France have considerably higher costs:

• Bachelor’s programs: Between 7,000 and 40,000 EUR per academic year
• Master’s programs: Between 1,500 and 35,000 EUR per academic year

Studying in France involves more than just tuition fees. Additional expenses include travel costs, visa fees, accommodation, and general living expenses. The table below provides a breakdown of the average costs associated with studying in France.

Eligibility Criteria for France Student Visa

• Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age to apply.
• Courses lasting less than three months require a short-stay visa.
• A temporary long-stay visa is issued for courses exceeding three or six months in duration.
• No additional documentation is required upon arrival in France.
• Students enrolled in courses lasting over six months receive a long-stay visa equivalent to a residency permit.

Types of France Student Visa

Schengen Short-Stay Student Visa (Visa de court séjour pour études):

• Allows studying in France for up to three months.
• Does not require a separate residence visa.
• Ideal for language courses or short-term programs.

Temporary Long-Stay Student Visa (Visa de long séjour temporaire pour études):

• Permits studies in France for three to six months.
• No residence permit is needed.
• Non-renewable.

Long-Stay Student Visa (Visa de long séjour pour études - VLT-TS):

• Suitable for programs lasting longer than six months.
• Initially valid for up to one year and serves as a residence permit.
• Can be extended into a multi-annual residence permit for the course's duration.
• Validity corresponds to the program length: three years for a bachelor's, two years for a master's, and four years for a PhD.

France Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students

• Students applying for a France student visa now have the option to submit digital copies of their supporting documents while completing the online visa application form.
• This optional step facilitates faster processing by the external service provider (ESP).
• Applicants must provide two sets of photocopies of the following documents:
  1. Long-stay visa application form (for stays exceeding 90 days).
  2. Two passport-sized photographs (recent and meeting visa specifications).
  3. Copy of your passport (including all relevant pages).
  4. Campus France NOC (printout of the No Objection Certificate).
  5. Admission/appointment letter from the French academic institution (mandatory).
  6. Cover letter outlining your study project and including an updated CV or resume.
  7. Proof of financial resources showing tuition fees plus at least 615 Euros/month for the duration of your academic term.
  8. Medical insurance proof, valid in France for the entire period of stay.
  9. Travel ticket copy:
     • Round-trip ticket (for studies lasting six months or less).
     • One-way ticket (if studying in France for more than six months).
  10. OFII form (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration).
  11. Proof of residency in France, such as:
      • Lease agreement, electricity bill, property title, or similar documents for at least three months.
      • Hotel reservation (if applicable).
  12. Copies of academic records, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

During the visa interview, applicants must carry original documents along with a copy of each document for verification.

France Student Visa Documents

When applying for a student visa in France, you'll typically need to provide a set of documents to support your application. 

• Visa Application Form:

  Complete the official visa application form, available on the French consulate or embassy website.

• Passport:

  A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity extending beyond the intended duration of stay.

• Passport-Sized Photographs:

  Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified guidelines.

• Letter of Admission:

  Official acceptance letter from the French educational institution confirming your enrolment.

• Proof of Financial Means:

  Bank statements or sponsorship letters demonstrating your ability to cover living expenses and tuition fees.

• Accommodation Proof:

  Confirmation of your accommodation arrangements in France, such as a lease agreement or a letter from the university.

• Travel Itinerary:

  Booked round-trip flight reservations or proof of other travel arrangements.

• Health Insurance:

  Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in France.

• Proof of Language Proficiency:

  Depending on your course, evidence of proficiency in French or English may be required. This could be in the form of language test results.

• CV/Resume:

  A detailed curriculum vitae outlining your educational and professional background.

• Cover Letter:

  A cover letter explaining your intention to study in France, detailing your educational and career goals.

• Proof of Academic Qualifications:

  Original and translated copies of your academic transcripts and certificates.

• Proof of Payment:

  Receipts confirming payment of the visa application fee.

• Criminal Record Certificate:

  A certificate verifying your clean criminal record, often obtained from your home country.

• Proof of Return:

  Evidence of ties to your home country, such as a job offer or a letter from an employer indicating your planned return.

• Declaration of Honour:

  A signed statement declaring that the information provided in your application is accurate.

• Prepaid Self-Addressed Envelope:

  Include a prepaid envelope with your address for the return of your documents.

It's important to check the specific requirements of the French consulate or embassy where you are applying, as requirements may vary. Additionally, make sure to start the application process well in advance to allow for any unexpected delays.

France Student Visa Cost

The cost of a long-term visa for studying in France typically falls between €100 and €250 for bachelor's and master's programs. These fees are subject to revision based on government regulations. It's important to note that the visa application fee remains consistent, even if you are enrolling in dual-degree programs.

Benefits of Studying in France

World-Class Education: Renowned universities and institutions offering high-quality programs, particularly in fields like arts, business, engineering, and social sciences.

Affordable Tuition Fees: Public universities provide affordable education compared to other popular study destinations.

Cultural Richness: Exposure to France's rich history, art, cuisine, and diverse cultural heritage.

Wide Range of Scholarships: Availability of numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students.

Global Networking Opportunities: Interaction with students and professionals from around the world in a globally connected environment.

Learn or Perfect French: Opportunity to learn one of the world’s most spoken and influential languages.

Career Opportunities: Access to internships and employment in global companies, especially in industries like fashion, luxury, and technology.

Strategic Location: Centrally located in Europe, allowing easy travel to other European countries for leisure or academic purposes.

How to apply for a France Student Visa?

Steps for Applying for a Visa to France:

Step 1: Register Online

• Visit the official websites:
  1. Campus France India
  2. France-Visas.
     Click on "Create Your Account" in the "Register Online" section.
• Complete the application by filling in:
  1. Academic records
  2. Language skills
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Upload the required documents, photographs, and academic records.
• Ensure all sections in the Validation tab are marked as "Complete".

Step 2: File Submission and Appointment with Campus France

• Send your file number to the designated Campus France office for review.
• Request an appointment for an academic interview.

Step 3: Academic Interview with Campus France

• Attend the interview in person with the Campus France advisor.
• Bring the following:
  1. All mandatory documents (originals and photocopies).
  2. Payment receipt for the Campus France fee.

• Receive an Interview Completion Certificate after the interview.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend the VFS-France Appointment

• Book an appointment with VFS-France to submit:
  1. Documents
  2. Photocopies
  3. Fee payment receipts
  4. Passport

Note on Passport Collection

• Effective 8th December 2014, third parties cannot collect processed passports except in the following cases:
  1. Immediate family members (Parent, Child, or Sibling).
  2. One person collecting for an entire group.
  3. A representative for Government officials with proper authorization on official letterhead.
  4. A company representative with:
• An authorisation letter on company letterhead.
• The official ID card of the representative.

France Student Visa Processing Time

The typical processing time for a French student visa usually falls between 2 to 10 weeks. This time frame may fluctuate based on elements like the kind of visa, the field of study, and the applicant’s nationality. After submitting your application, you can track its status.

FAQs