France Short Stay Study Visa – Eligibility and Application Steps

France is a popular destination for short-stay study visas, with more than 1.5 million visas issued each year. Therefore, prospective students should research the available options and make sure they are eligible for the visa they want.

Meanwhile, the process of obtaining a short-stay study visa can be time-consuming, so students should plan and arrive in France after a good preparation.

Furthermore, France is a popular tourist destination for short-term visitors. The country is known for its beautiful scenery, world-renowned food and wine, and rich history. In recent years, however, France has seen an increase in short-stay visa applications from foreigners looking to visit the country for leisure purposes. This article provides an overview of the short-stay visa process in France and highlights some of the reasons why foreigners might choose to apply for a short-stay visa.

What is A France Short Stay Study Visa?

France Short Stay Study Visa is a visa that allows foreigners to stay in France for a short time (usually 90 days).

However, this visa is used by students, business people, and tourists who want to visit France for a short time.

In other words, a  France Short stay study visa is a type of visa that allows citizens of certain countries to stay in France for a limited time. Meanwhile, this type of visa may be necessary for students, journalists, and business people who are in France to conduct research or to meet with business partners.

Who is eligible to obtain a France Short Stay Study Visa

Categorically, a France Short Stay Study Visa is for visitors who wish to come to France for study purposes which will not exceed 90 days or three months. Students who have many years of study may not use this visa type. Generally, this visa is suitable for students who wish to come to France for the following reasons:

• To attend a language course
• To attend a course as a student
• Sitting for a university entrance exam
• To participate in  a university entrance interview
• To engage in training as a student
• Trainee caregiver (young au pair)
• School-going minor

In addition, if you want to enroll in a course that lasts longer than three months, this Visa may not serve your purpose.

4 Steps to apply for a France Short Stay Study Visa

Similarly, the France Short-stay visa application process happens to be almost the same as other Schengen visas. However, you will follow the steps below to obtain your France Short-stay visa:

• Check whether you are eligible to apply
• Complete the document file and book an appointment.
• Pay the Visa fee.
• Attend the interview on time.

#1. Check whether you are eligible to apply

The first thing to do while planning to visit France is to find out the Visa type that is most suitable for your purpose. Then, you will also check if you are eligible to apply.

However, whether you need a France short stay Study visa to go to France or its overseas territories, collectivities, departments, and regions under study purposes, it all depends on your nationality.

Meanwhile, If your country of citizenship does not have a visa facilitation agreement with France or the EU,  you will have to obtain a short-stay study visa for you to gain access to France or other overseas territories.

#2. Complete the document file

Also, you will have to submit some necessary documents which may be required for a France Short stay study Visa application. Such documents may include:

• Letter from the school or that confirms your dates of leave as well as details about the school and your course.
• Employment status – a working certificate that states the period you have been working there as well as your salary and payslips for the last three months.
• If self-employed- a letter specifying your activity and revenues from your accountant or local Chamber of Commerce and VAT certificate.

For minors (children)

• Both biological parents’ passports.
• Proof of Guardianship – in case the child applicant is under 18 and trusted by a third person, then this person needs to possess an official document in the form of an authorization signed by both parents.
• Authorization by a parent – if the child is travelling with only one parent.
• Court decision – if only one parent has sole custody of the child.
• Valid passport of both parents.
• An up-to-date school letter that authorizes the child’s leave from school.
• Travel medical insurance that covers your entire stay in France and the Schengen Area.

In addition, the French embassy or consulate in your home country has the right to ask for extra documents, which you will be ready to submit within a given time.

#3. Pay the French Short Term Study Visa fee

Generally, there is a standard fee of €80 for a French Schengen visa application, though, you may fall into a group of people that are exempt from this payment.

However, you will pay this standard fee to fix an appointment for your interview.

Note that you will not receive your money back if your visa application is rejected, or you do not attend the interview.

#4. Attend the interview

Usually, this visa interview lasts not more than 10 minutes. You will expect a few questions on your trip to France, the purpose and other necessary questions.

However, you will endeavour to submit true information to avoid rejection of your application.

France Short-stay Visa Categories

There are different Categories of France Short-stay visas. However, it depends on the purpose of your trip.  The following are the Categories:

France Short-stay Visa to attend a language course

Specifically, this visa is for people who wish to come to France to learn a language, mainly French. Meanwhile, this Visa allows you to visit France and remain for up to three months without needing a Residence permit.

However, this visa is not renewable and you will not have to pay a fee when applying for the Visa.

France Short-stay Visa to attend a course as a student

In this case, foreigners who wish to come to France to attend a course such as cooking, architecture etc, will need to obtain a France Short-stay Visa. However, there is no need to get a residence permit.

France Étudient Concours visa

This visa category is for students who have applied to become part of an educational institution in France. For example, If you have applied to become part of an educational institution such as a university or college in France, but you have to take an entrance exam in France first, then you will have to apply for an Etudiant Concours visa.

However, this visa allows you to apply for a one-year, residence permit which you can renew.

If that is the case, you will have to apply directly at the French local administrative office known as the prefecture for a residence permit.

France Visa to attend a university entrance interview

After your application to a university or any other educational institution in France, you will have to attend an interview to be accepted, then you will have to apply for a France visa to attend an interview.

Similarly, it happens to be the same with entrance examinations since the purpose f both is to gain admission. Therefore, you will be permitted a one-year renewable residence permit.

France Visa to attend training as a student

This is another Category of France Short stays study Visa designed for students who wish to come to France to participate in a project which may be part of a training course organized in the applicant’s home country. For instance, the EU cooperation Program or intergovernmental scheme in the fields of education, training, youth or culture.

However, note that if the training you are planning to attend exceeds 90 days then you will have to apply for a long-stay visa instead.

In addition, remember that an established training agreement between you and the host will be required as of the documents to submit when applying to enter France.

France School Going Minor Visa

This is another type of France Short stay Study Visa designed for French school-going minors. However, if you have a child under 18, whom you are planning to send to France to either a public or private teaching establishment or a language, arts, cooking or sports centre.

Then, you must apply on behalf of them for a School Going Minor visa.

Also, note that you will have to apply for this type of visa only if your child’s stay is no longer than three months. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a long-stay visa for your child(ren).

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can  I obtain a French short-stay visa?

There are a few ways to get a French short-stay visa. However, you can apply online, through a French embassy or consulate, or a travel agency.

How long can I stay in France on a short-term visa?

You can stay in France for up to 90 days on a short-term visa.

How long can you stay in France with a student visa?

If you are a student who is looking to stay in France for an extended time, you may be wondering how long your visa will last. The good news is that under certain circumstances, you can remain in France for up to three years with a valid student visa.

How much is a short stay visa in France?

A short-stay visa in France costs between €60 to €80.

How much bank balance is required for a France visa?

There is no specific visa requirement for France, but as a general rule, you will need at least €10,000 in your bank account to apply for a visa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of obtaining a France short-stay study visa can be time-consuming, so students should plan and arrive in France after good preparation. Nevertheless, this article has covered the necessary information you would need for a safe trip.