France Study Visa: Eligibility, Application, Processing Time
This guide has been prepared specially for foreign nationals who wish to obtain France Study Visa. There are a series of steps and requirements needed to qualify.
Undoubtedly. France is a famous destination for students who want to study abroad. The country offers different visa options for foreign students. Some of these visas are specifically for students who wish to study in France, including Erasmus+ Visa, the International Student Exchange Program, and Bologna-Durham Visa.
Studying in France has been made easy by the French government. Now foreign students can secure a study visa and enjoy the beautiful rich country.
This article explores some of the most important documents needed to study in France, the steps to apply, and eligibility requirements.
Categories of France Study Visa
International students who want to move to France for study purposes to stay for a long period are divided into a few categories according to their age and studies.
Also, Those who wish to stay for a short period will have to apply for a France Schengen visa. Here are the categories of France study visas for international students according to their age and studies.
#1. France Study visa for Students above 18 years
This visa type is for students who want to study in a public or private educational institution in France. This type of visa requires that the student must be a related certificate previously obtained or with the recent professional occupation of the applicant.
Therefore, to be eligible for this kind of long-stay visa, one must have been admitted to one of the higher institutions in France. If you are still writing an entrance exam or attending an interview, you will be asked to apply for a short-stay study visa.
#2. France Study visa for Students below 18 years
Any student below 18 who wants to study in a public or private primary, secondary, or university in France must seek this visa. The duration of such a visa is 11 months.
#3. France Au Pair Visa
This kind of visa is for individuals between the age of 17-30 who wants to stay in France temporarily to study french for more than three months. This kind of visa grants them work protection in France and access to France health insurance.
This kind of visa requires an au pair placement agreement from the applicant and the host family. The host family will submit this to the DIRECCTE. This agreement must highlight;
- The kind of service the individual will be providing for the family.
- The maximum time the applicant can work is 5 hours per day.
- Details about accommodation for the applicant.
- Rest days for the applicant. Applicant should have one work-free day per week plus the compulsory Sunday a month.
- The agreed pocket money the applicant will receive from the host.
#4. Language assistants France visa
A single individual is eligible to apply for this kind of visa. As a result of the cost of living in France and the monthly allowance, families are not included in this kind of visa. Note that any family member who wishes to visit you must apply for a long-stay visa for visitors.
#5. France Student Trainee or Intern Visa
The trainee visa for French students who want professional work in France must meet the main conditions. These conditions include;
- A trainee counter organized in their home country.
- EU cooperation program
- An intergovernmental scheme in the fields of education, youth, or culture.
How To Apply For France Study Visa
You are expected to apply for your France study visa at least three weeks before the date you wish to travel. The applicant is expected to submit the at the french embassy or consulate in their home country. To apply for the France study visa, you must follow the below steps.
Step 1. Check your Eligibility for a France Student visa
It’s important to first check if you are eligible for the French visa or not. Eligibility for French Visa depends on where you are coming from and the part of France you want to visit.
Step 2. Get the French Student visa documents
The next step is for applicants to obtain the standard French visa required documents, which is very important when applying for France visa. This document will be submitted at the french embassy or consulate in your home country on the day of your interview.
Step 3. France Student Visa Interview
Another important step is scheduling a day for your interview. The interview can be held online in some countries, while some require you to appear in person.
Step 4. Pay the France Study visa fee
The amount you are expected to pay for the France study visa are:
- Visa pricing for countries with CEF procedure: €50
- Visa pricing for other countries: €99
However, those exempted from paying the fee are:
- Family of a French National
- A family member of EU / EEA or Swiss citizen
- An adopted child by a French citizen
Step 5. Attend the interview
You must attend an interview when processing your application. This interviewer will decide if you are qualified to get a visa or not. Sometimes you might not be qualified for the visa based on the document you submit. In addition, arrange all documents in advance ad try not to be nervous.
Step 6. Get France Student Visa
After you interview with the embassy or consulate, you will be given a date to come collect your visa. A France Visa Sticker will be stamped on your passport to show the day of your arrival and departure.
Eligibility Criteria for France Study Visa
To be able to obtain a France study visa, you need to meet up with some basic requirements. France Visa criteria includes;
- You must complete a student visa application form containing inflammations about yourself.
- Provide two passport photographs following the guidelines provided.
- Your international passport must be valid and issued within the past ten years. It should also be valid for at least three months at the end of your stay in France
- Evidence of the health insurance you obtained.
- Submit the proof of accommodation.
- You will also submit proof of criminal record.
- Receipt of paid visa
- Evidence of financial resources
Requirements for Students over 18
In addition to the general requirement, If you are above the age of 18 years, you need to submit the following documents;
- Proof of your academic status/level.
- Cover letter showing your study project in France.
- Diplomas, Certificates.
- Proof of registration or pre-registration at a French educational institution related to your academic field.
Requirements for students under 18
There are also requirements for students under the age of 18. The child’s parent will have to be the one to apply in the child’s name by providing the necessary documents.
- Proof of Guardianship – if the minor will be traveling with a third person to France, proof of guardianship must be shown and signed by both parents.
- Travel authorization form signed by both parents.
- Registration or pre-registration at a French education institution.
- Report cards from the last school year.
- Receipt of payment of the tuition fees or a letter of commitment to pay the fees on time is attached to the proof of income.
- Vaccination certificate.
- Proof of the child’s enrollment at a French school.
- Previous school reports.
- Child’s knowledge of the French language.
- Proof of where the child will be residing.
- Documents proving that the parent has the financial needs to financially support their child.
- Birth certificate of the minor stating the names of both parents.
- Official translation of the birth certificate in French.
- Passports of both biological parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in France with a student visa?
Yes, you can work in France with a student visa, but some restrictions exist. For example, you can only work part-time and not work more than 20 hours per week.
How much does it cost to study in France?
The cost of studying in France varies depending on the school and program. However, French universities’ tuition fees are relatively low compared to other countries. On average, students can expect to pay around €200-€600 per year in tuition fees.
Will I be allowed to stay in France after graduation?
Yes, you will be able to stay in France after graduation. Of course, you will need to find a job and get a work visa, but you will be able to stay in the country.
Do minors attend interviews, or are they on student visas?
Yes, minors attend an interview for student visas. A parent or legal guardian must accompany them, and both the minor and the parent/guardian must bring original documentation to the interview.
Is studying in France expensive?
Yes, studying in France can be expensive. Tuition rates at French universities vary depending on the program and institution but can range from around €200 to €1,000 per semester. There are also additional expenses, such as room and board, textbooks, and travel costs. However, many scholarships and financial aid options are available to help offset the cost of studying in France.
Conclusion
In conclusion, France is a great place to study, and the application process for a study visa is relatively simple. We hope you find this guide useful. Thanks for reading.
