Student Visas for France: type, process and work permissions for international students
Talk to Expert
France, as a study abroad destination offers a wide variety of rather well known options for international students. From world renowned B Schools like HEC Paris and INSEAD to top rated universities like École Normale Supérieure and École Polytechnique, France offers the very best in higher education. Along with the many university programs for masters and bachelor degrees, the country also offers different certificate programs in special courses ranging from Luxury Management to Design to Culinary Arts. With the variety comes the question, which student visa do I apply for? And how to apply for a Student Visa for France? With this article we aim at providing you with that very information.
Types of French Student Visas
The French Student Visas are broadly classified on the kind of stay expected out of you. Depending on the duration of your stay (or duration of your course), you can apply either to a Short Stay visa, a temporary long stay visa or a long stay visa. Here’s a quick look at them.
| Name |
Visa de court séjour pour etudes |
Visa de long séjour temporaire pour etudes |
Visa de long séjour etudes |
| Type |
Short Stay Student Visa |
Temporary long stay student visa |
Long stay visa (also called the residence permit - VLT-TS |
| Duration of Stay |
Maximum of 3 months |
between 3 to 6 months |
longer than 6 months to a maximum of the course's duration; for instance 3 years for a bachelors course, 2 years for masters and 4 years for Ph. D |
| Ideal for |
Students planning to take up short language programs in France or summer courses which are less than 3 months long |
Students planning to take up short programs that are longer than 3 months but not more than 6 months |
Students taking up courses that are longer than 6 months. This is for students planning to take up a bachelors, masters or a research program in France. |
| Renewable |
No |
No |
Yes |
Students who are required to take an entrance exam prior to being admitted in a university have to apply for an Etudient Concours (visa for sitting entrance exams). This visa permits you to sit for an entrance exam of a higher education institute. Once you clear the exam, you can apply for either of the above mentioned visas according to the course applied for and get the same easily.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Documents Required for Applying for a French Visa
International students who wish to apply for the French Student Visas must provide:
- Admission Letters from the polytechnics, Universities/ higher education institutes
- French Language Proficiency Certificate
- Language Proficiency Certificate (as desired by the course)
- Academic Transcripts
- Medical Insurance (with a cover of €30,000)
- Proof of Funds
- Proof of Accommodation
This is along with the essential copies of passport, residence and Id proof as well as age proof.
For the proof of funds, the candidate has to show documentary evidence that s/he is capable of taking care of the living expenses in France for at least the first year of studies. The figure is decided by and shared by the immigration authorities and averages at about €615 per month. This is over and above the tuition fee (if applicable).
How to apply for a French student visa
Indian Students can apply for a French Student Visa via Campus France. Campus France is a national agency for higher education in France for international students. Set up for the sole purpose for facilitating the travel of international student to France, the organization also assists with visa processing. Indian nationals fall under the CEF Procedure and can accordingly apply.
In order to apply, Indian students can log on to CampusFrance Website and register there. This is done for universities that admit students under the CEF Procedure. In case you are applying to an autonomous university in France that is not catered to by Campus France you can also go via the French Consulate. Once you submit the documents, the organization would screen the same and accordingly process your visa.
Work Permissions on Student Visa
The Long Stay Student Visas permit you to work for 964 hours in a year as long as your course in not affected. Usually students work at the universities or other educational institutes that offer a yearly contract of employment. These jobs are often adjusted to accommodate your academic calendar. International students are eligible for the minimum wages offered in the country.
After completing a master’s degree, a student can apply for and is granted a permission to stay in the country for two years. The residence permit offered is non-renewable temporary visa. This however does not allow you to take up full time employment and limits the hours you can work to 60 hours a week. This can then be converted to a Work Permit if you have full time employment offer (more than 1.5 times of the minimum wage guarantee) in the country. Recent changes in the policies now allows Indian students to obtain visas lasting up to five years if they have graduated from a Master’s or PhD course from a French higher education institution.
Q: Why do Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni - France?
Q: Why Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School - France?
Indian students choose to study at ESSEC Business School in France because:
- Academic excellence: ESSEC Business School is a top-ranked institution in France and is known for its high-quality education. The school has been ranked among the top schools in France and is recognised globally for its academic programs.
- International exposure: The school has a strong international network and welcomes over 200 graduate exchange students each year from top business schools and universities around the world.
- Career opportunities: ESSEC Business School has a strong connection with top companies, such as L'Oréal, Danone, and Procter & Gamble.
Q: Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at Istituto Marangoni - France?
Getting part-time jobs while studying at Istituto Marangoni in France is possible, but it can be challenging due to the busy schedule of students. The school recommends seeking a job after completing studies, although students may have opportunities to work on projects developed by the school's teams, such as working as a dresser during Fashion Week. Additionally, international students in France can find part-time jobs both on and off-campus, with wages varying depending on the job, such as translators earning EUR 21 - 27 per hour.
Q: What do student reviews say about Istituto Marangoni - France?
Student reviews about Istituto Marangoni France highlight the institute's prestigious reputation, multicultural environment, and the quality of education it offers in the fields of design, style, and fashion. The institute is praised for its global network, where students from around the sector come together to share their ardor for fashion. The college composed of expert style consultants, designers, and stylists, is identified for imparting students with first-hand know-how and enjoyment in the enterprise.
Q: How expensive is it to live at ESSEC Business School - France?
According to the ESSEC Business School's official website, the estimated cost of living in France for a student is between €7,000 and €11,000 per year, with an average of €8,000. This includes housing (which includes utilities, charges, and insurance), meals, local transport, telephone, health insurance for the year, and miscellaneous expenses (excluding leisure). The cost of accommodation varies depending on whether you choose to live on or off-campus, with one-bedroom apartments in Paris starting at €800 per month.
Q: Why to choose Paris School of Business for MIM in France rather than Kedge Business School?
Both Paris School of Business and Kedge Business School offer MIM programmes across a diverse range of specialisations. The average first-year tuition fee for pursuing the MIM programme at the Paris School of Business ranges between INR 9 Lacs and INR 19 Lakh, depending on the specialisation a student chooses. Whereas, the average annual tuition fee for pursuing MIM programmes at Kedge Business School ranges between INR 13 Lacs and INR 24 Lakh. This aspect is one of the reasons to choose the Paris School of Business for MIM programmes.
Q: Is Paris School of Business, France a better option than IIM Lucknow, India for doing MBA?
Comparing the Paris School of Business (PSB) in France and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow in India for an MBA depends on various factors. IIM Lucknow holds a strong academic standing nationally and globally, being a top-tier institute in India. On the other hand, while PSB is esteemed in France, its overall reputation might not match that of IIM Lucknow. Opting for PSB offers exposure to an international setting and a different educational approach, beneficial for those eyeing an international career or intrigued by the European business landscape. Meanwhile, IIM Lucknow also facilitates global opportunities through partnerships, exchange programs, and internships.
Q: Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at ESSEC Business School - France?
It is possible to get part-time jobs while studying at ESSEC Business School in France. ESSEC has an active job board with more than 40,000 offers and 5,000 profiles. You can visit the job board to find part-time job opportunities suitable for students. ESSEC Business School also has job postings on LinkedIn. You may browse through those postings to find part-time jobs that match your skills and interests. You can always reach out to ESSEC Business School's Career Services for guidance on finding part-time jobs.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
Sagar Sharma completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun with first class in 2015. He has been employed in the education sector for the past five years. Having w... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(2)
K
9 years ago
Hi Karthik, That would strictly depend on the course you have applied to. I see you are particularly interested in France. Why don't you reach out to our in-house counselors to assist you further? You can simply select the rate my chances options at the University Pages and submit your personal de
Indian students choose to study at Istituto Marangoni in France for various reasons. The school offers a unique blend of international exposure, high-quality education, and a strong focus on practical skills that are highly valued in the fashion industry. Additionally, the school's strong industry connections and its reputation for producing successful alumni, such as Rahul Mishra, Dhruv Kapoor, and Anvita Sharma, make it an attractive choice for students seeking to launch their careers in fashion.