France student visas
Most non-EU students study in France on the VLS-TS étudiant — the long-stay visa valant titre de séjour, which doubles as a residence permit. Students from 46 designated countries must apply through the Campus France "Études en France" procedure. Figures and rules change, so always confirm current requirements on official sites before you apply.
How the VLS-TS étudiant works
The VLS-TS étudiant is a long-stay visa that serves as your residence permit for the first year. After you arrive, you must validate it online within three months — this step activates your right to stay and is easy to forget, so do it promptly.
- Visa fee: approximately €50.
- Proof of funds: about €615 per month (roughly €7,380 per year).
- Validation: complete the online validation within three months of arrival.
The Campus France procedure
If you are a national of one of the 46 designated countries, you must apply through the "Études en France" / Campus France platform before requesting your visa. This handles your application to French institutions and your pre-consular interview in a single procedure. Students from other countries apply more directly, but Campus France remains the best starting point for guidance.
Fees and contributions
Before you enrol, you must pay the CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus), a mandatory student fee of €105. See our cost of living guide for tuition, the CVEC, and everyday costs.
Working and staying on
Your student status lets you work up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full-time). After a master's, eligible students can apply for the RECE post-study permit — see our working in France guide for both.
Official sources: Campus France, Service-Public.fr, etudiant.gouv.fr.