International
students of all nationalities enjoy the right
of multiple entries into France. Once
granted, their visa is automatically renewed for
the duration of their studies in France.
A special visa exists for prospective students.
The so-called étudiant-concours visa
is granted for stays of no more than 90 days for
the purpose of taking an entrance examination
or visiting institutions of higher education.
Prospective students who pass their
examination receive a full student visa without
returning to their country of origin. The
prospective student visa also may be granted to
students whose admission to a higher
education institution is contingent upon their
completion of a short course of remedial
or refresher work.
To obtain a visa, visit the French
consulate in your place of residence or the
visa office of the French embassy.
Requirements
Two points to
remember
Under no circumstances
may a tourist visa be converted into a student
visa.
International students of all nationalities
intending to stay in France for more than
3 months must obtain a student identification
card.
What documentation
do I need to get a visa?
Passport
The passport must be valid for the entire
period of validity of the visa.
Proof of enrollment
The following documents will be accepted
as proof:
An offer of preliminary
admission
A statement of preregistration in a public
or private institution of higher education.
The document must specify the level of
study and the student's subject. If the institution
is private, the statement must indicate the
number of course hours and state that
registration fees have been been paid in full.
- Proof of financial resources
Each French embassy sets the level of
financial resources to be demonstrated by prospective
students from that country. The amount is on
the order of 3,000 francs for each
month to be spent in France.
Proof of insurance
coverage
Proof of insurance must be provided by
students over 28 who are nationals of a country
that does not have a reciprocity agreement with
France or who are enrolled in an institution
that is not recognized by the French government
to participate in the student health insurance
plan.
Parental authorization
Minors (individuals under 18 years of
age) must furnish proof of consent by the person
or persons having parental authority.
Required vaccinations
In some cases, the consulate may require
proof of vaccination (e.g., against yellow
fever, cholera…) before a visa will be
issued.
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