How to secure a student visa for France?
Posted date: 17 Jul 2021
France is among the top tourist destinations in the world, with famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris and the Palace of Versailles welcoming vacationers all over the globe. The nation has announced plans to ease visa processes overhaul tuition fees and improve English courses around its universities over the next 10 years to attract international students, France 24 says.
As such, the appeal of living in France is easy to see. Yet you may need a student visa to study here, depending on your country of origin. The visa form you'll need depends on how long you 're planning to study in the region. There are four types of visas for the students. The first two are student visas for short term stays (less than three months):
- Visa 'Short Study Stay
This visa is perfect if you are taking a short course that lasts less than three months (e.g., language training). To check if you are exempt from a short-stay visa, click here.
- "Competitive Student" Visa
This visa is for students from outside the EU who need to come to France to sit for an exam or complete an admission interview at a higher education institute within the region. You may apply your application by contacting the French consular bodies in your country of residence. Campus France states that short-stay visa 'student-in-competition' will only be issued if the results of the competition or acceptance interview are reported within three months.
The remaining two forms of visas are visas to long-stay students (more than three months):
- Temporary Long Term Visa (VLS-T)
You will remain in France for one year with the VLS-T to finish the higher education programme. Upon arrival you do not need to confirm your visa. It can not be replaced, so it does not grant the same privileges as VLS-TS. This visa allows you to travel easily within Schengen Region countries. You will also benefit from French social security during your stay (after registering at an institution of higher education) and will enjoy part reimbursement for all health expenses while being equipped with this visa.
- Long-term visa (VLS-TS) used as residency permit;
With this visa you can stay for one year in France without needing to apply for a residence permit. Upon expiry, you must apply for a residency permit to stay in France. Before applying for visa and making an appointment with your consulate, you might want to contact the officials to review all the appropriate documentation, both original and copies and then move forward with the visa process.
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GSP Admin
