What Are the Requirements to Get a Study Visa for France

• 2026-08-20
• Author

What Are the Requirements to Get a Study Visa for France?

Planning to study in France is an exciting opportunity for international students, but getting a student visa requires careful preparation. Students need to secure admission, complete the applicable admission formalities, prepare financial and academic documents, submit their visa application, and follow the required procedure in their country of residence.

So, what are the requirements to get a study visa for France?

The main requirements include admission to a French higher education institution, a valid passport, applicable Études en France (EEF) formalities, proof of sufficient financial resources, academic documents, accommodation information, a completed France-Visas application, and the required appointment and biometric formalities.

For Indian students, the process requires particular attention because India is covered by the EEF procedure.

Quick Answer: What Are the Requirements for a France Student Visa?

Students generally need:

• An admission or enrolment confirmation from a French educational institution

• A valid passport

• Completed EEF or Campus France formalities, where applicable

• A completed France-Visas application

• Proof of sufficient financial resources

• Academic certificates and transcripts

• Accommodation information

• Required photographs

• Any additional supporting documents listed in the visa checklist

• Visa appointment and biometric submission

• Payment of the applicable visa and service fees

For studies lasting more than three months, students generally need a long-stay student visa. France-Visas states that courses not exceeding three months fall under short-stay rules, while longer courses generally require a long-stay visa.

1. Get Admission to a French Educational Institution

The first major step is securing admission to a suitable French higher education institution.

Students should choose their course carefully according to their academic background and career goals. After acceptance, the institution provides an enrollment or admission document that becomes an important part of the visa application.

France-Visas specifically states that student applicants must be accepted by a higher education establishment and must provide proof of enrollment from the institution that accepted them.

Your admission document may contain:

• Institution name

• Course name

• Course duration

• Course start date

• Student details

• Enrolment information

Keep this document safe and make sure the information matches your visa application.

2. Complete the Études en France Procedure

Indian students need to understand the Études en France (EEF) process because India is among the countries covered by this procedure.

For a long-stay student visa, Campus France India states that students should complete the EEF procedure after receiving their unconditional acceptance and begin the process well before their intake.

Depending on the student's admission route, the process can involve:

• Creating an EEF account

• Providing academic information

• Submitting the required documents

• Completing the applicable Campus France formalities

• Receiving confirmation of the relevant stage of the process

Admission to a university and the visa process should not be treated as exactly the same step. Students should complete each requirement applicable to their situation.

3. Have a Valid Passport

A valid passport is essential for an international student visa application.

Before applying, check:

• Passport validity

• Personal information

• Passport number

• Blank pages

• Condition of the passport

Your name, date of birth, passport number, and other personal details should be consistent across your documents.

If your passport contains errors or needs renewal, resolve the issue before starting the visa application wherever possible.

4. Show Sufficient Financial Resources

Financial proof is one of the most important requirements for a French student visa.

From 1 August 2026, the minimum financial resources required for French long-stay student visa applications are €877.50 per month. This replaces the previous €615 monthly threshold. Campus France India and France-Visas both confirm the updated requirement.

Students may need to demonstrate their available resources through accepted financial evidence, such as:

• Personal savings

• Financial sponsorship

• Scholarship documentation

• A financial guarantor

• Other documents accepted by the French authorities

The required evidence can depend on the applicant's circumstances, so students should follow the personalized France-Visas checklist.

Important:

The €877.50 monthly threshold is a financial-resource requirement, not the complete cost of living in France. Students should separately budget for tuition, accommodation, food, transport, insurance, study materials, and personal expenses.

5. Prepare Your Academic Documents

Students should organize their academic records before submitting the visa application.

Depending on the course and individual circumstances, documents may include the following:

• Class 10 certificate

• Class 12 certificate

• Bachelor's degree

• Master's degree

• Academic transcripts

• Diploma certificates

• Admission letter

• Proof of enrolment

The exact document list can vary, so applicants should use the official France-Visas visa assistant to identify the documents applicable to their situation.

6. Provide Accommodation Information

Students should also plan where they will stay after arriving in France.

Possible accommodation options include:

• Student residence

• University accommodation

• Private rental

• Host family

• Other suitable arrangements

The type of accommodation proof required can vary. Therefore, students should check the documents listed in their personalized visa application checklist.

Planning accommodation early can also make the transition to France easier.

7. Complete the France-Visas application.

After completing the relevant admission and EEF formalities, students need to complete their visa application through the official France-Visas platform.

The process generally involves:

1. Checking your visa situation

2. Completing the online application

3. Preparing supporting documents

4. Booking the required appointment

5. Submitting the application

6. Providing biometric information where required

7. Paying the applicable fees

France-Visas provides an online visa assistant that helps applicants identify the supporting documents required for their individual circumstances.

8. Submit Biometrics and Attend the Appointment

Students applying from India need to follow the applicable submission procedure and attend their appointment at the designated visa application center.

France-Visas states that long-stay visa applications from India should be submitted one month before the planned departure, and applications cannot be submitted more than six months before the planned departure date.

Students should carry the required documents and appointment confirmation and follow the latest instructions provided for their application.

9. Pay the Applicable Visa Fee

Visa fees depend on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances.

For countries covered by the EEF procedure, France-Visas currently lists an indicative student visa fee of €50, although special cases may have different pricing.

Applicants in India should check the latest amount payable in INR before submitting the application because local currency conversion and service charges can apply.

10. Apply Early

Students should not wait until the last few weeks before their course begins.

The process can involve several stages:

Admission → EEF/Campus France → France-Visas application → Appointment → Biometrics → Visa decision → Travel preparation

Campus France India advises students applying for a long-stay student visa to complete the EEF process as soon as they receive their unconditional acceptance and at least three months before the intake date.

Starting early gives students more time to resolve missing documents or administrative issues.

France Student Visa Document Checklist

Use this checklist while preparing your application:

Important: This is a preparation guide, not a replacement for the official personalized France-Visas checklist.

What are the financial requirements for a France Student Visa?

For long-stay student visa applications submitted from 1 August 2026, applicants must show minimum financial resources of €877.50 per month.

For example, students planning their budget should consider the following:

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation

• Food

• Transportation

• Insurance

• Study materials

• Personal expenses

Students should not assume that meeting the monthly financial threshold automatically covers every expense during their stay.

Can Indian Students Study in France?

Yes. Indian students can apply to study in France if they meet the academic admission requirements and complete the applicable EEF and visa procedures.

India is officially listed among the countries covered by the Études en France procedure.

Students should choose their course, secure admission, complete the relevant Campus France formalities, and then follow the France-Visas procedure applicable to their situation.

For students planning to study abroad, preparing admission, finances, accommodation, and visa documentation early can make the overall process easier.

What Can Cause Problems With a France Student Visa Application?

Students should avoid common mistakes such as the following:

• Submitting incomplete documents

• Providing inconsistent information

• Showing unclear financial evidence

• Ignoring EEF requirements

• Applying too late

• Providing incorrect accommodation details

• Using outdated visa information

• Failing to check the personalised France-Visas checklist

Students should also avoid submitting false or misleading information.

Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee visa approval. The final decision rests with the relevant French authorities.

Is France a Good Option for International Students?

France can be an attractive destination for students seeking international education, cultural exposure, and career development.

Students can explore programs across areas such as the following:

• Business

• Management

• Fashion

• Hospitality

• Engineering

• Technology

• Finance

• Marketing

• Design

• Tourism

Some students may also explore opportunities such as internships in france after or during their studies, depending on their course, academic requirements, and applicable regulations.

International exposure can help students develop communication, independence, professional skills, and cross-cultural understanding.

Students who want practical international experience may also consider a Paid internship abroad where the opportunity, compensation, eligibility, and legal requirements are clearly defined.

How Can EduBrain Overseas Help Students?

EduBrain Overseas can help students understand study-abroad options, compare suitable programs, and prepare for the different stages involved in planning education in France.

However, students should always verify current visa requirements through official French sources before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements for a France student visa?

Students generally need admission to a French higher education institution, a valid passport, applicable EEF formalities, financial proof, academic documents, accommodation information, a completed France-Visas application, and the required appointment and biometric formalities.

How much money is required for a France student visa?

From 1 August 2026, applicants for long-stay student visas need to show minimum financial resources of €877.50 per month.

Is Campus France mandatory for Indian students?

India is covered by the Études en France procedure. Indian students should follow the applicable EEF process for their course and admission route before completing the student visa process.

Which visa is required to study in France for more than three months?

For studies lasting more than three months, students generally require a long-stay student visa. France-Visas distinguishes short-stay study visas from long-stay student visas according to the duration and circumstances of the course.

What documents are required for a France student visa?

Documents can include admission confirmation, a passport, academic records, financial proof, accommodation information, photographs, and other documents specified by the personalized France-Visas checklist.

When should Indian students apply for a France student visa?

France-Visas currently advises Indian applicants to submit long-stay visa applications one month before planned departure and not more than six months before departure. Campus France India also recommends beginning the EEF process well before the intake.

Does admission guarantee a France student visa?

No. Admission is an important requirement, but visa approval depends on the complete application and assessment by the relevant French authorities.