Studying in France means world-ranked universities and a European standard of living. It is not out of reach. What it takes is patience and an accurate reading of the rules behind the France student visa.
France is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe. This guide covers the advantages of studying there, the entry requirements, the paperwork and the full route to a French student visa. If you want a precise read on your own profile for a student visa and moving to France, read on.
Why study in France?
Beyond the high-ranking universities and an active graduate job market, studying in France carries other advantages:
- Low tuition at public universities
- A wide choice of programmes taught in English
- Broad subject range across universities and grandes ecoles
- Living and study costs well below comparable destinations
- Leading schools for architecture, art and the humanities
- Student work rights of roughly 20 hours a week, capped at 964 hours a year
- A post-study route: student status can lead to a work permit
Best subjects to study in France
France is one of the strongest destinations in the world for art, architecture, fashion and design. Institutions such as the Sorbonne are equally well known for the humanities. If your field is art, architecture, management, engineering, political science, interior design, medical science or the natural sciences, France is a serious option. Before we walk through the France student visa process, here are some of the country’s leading universities.
Top universities in France
| University | City | World ranking (check source and year) | Leading fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorbonne University | Paris | 76 | Humanities, arts, engineering |
| École Polytechnique | Paris | 46 | Engineering and technology |
| HEC Paris | Paris | Business school ranking, not comparable with the general university ranks | Management and economics |
| University of Lyon | Lyon | 187 | Basic sciences, engineering and technology |
| University of Toulouse | Toulouse | 301 | Basic sciences and engineering |
France student visa requirements
The first requirement for a France student visa is an offer of admission. To get one, choose your subject and department, then check the Admission section of the institution for entry criteria, tuition and application deadlines.
You can review each institution’s document list and submit your application online through the university’s own site or through Campus France. Most schools assess the file and then hold an online or in-person interview. If you are accepted, the institution issues a formal letter of admission. With that letter you book an appointment at the French consulate that serves your place of residence, and submit the documents below with certified translations.
Documents for a France student visa
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport and other identity documents | With translation |
| Formal admission | From the university or educational institution |
| Valid health insurance | For the duration of the studies |
| Proof of funds | Monthly threshold set by France-Visas; check the current figure (living costs in Paris are higher) |
| English or French language certificate | TCF, DELF, IELTS, TOEFL |
| Previous academic certificates + transcripts | Previous academic certificates |
| Motivation letter, CV and recommendation letters | In English or French |
Comparing student cities in France
| City | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Globally ranked universities, varied job opportunities, cultural events | High cost of living |
| Lyon | More reasonable living costs, well-regarded universities | Strong admission competition in some fields |
| Toulouse | Affordable living costs, engineering hub | Limited admission places in humanities |
| Montpellier | Warm climate, lower tuition than other cities | Fewer job opportunities than other cities |
| Strasbourg | Suits humanities, political science and law | Cold climate |
France student visa cost
A visa fee is payable when you lodge the application; the amount is set by the French authorities and differs for students, so check the fee shown for your nationality and visa type on France-Visas before you apply. The fee covers the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), which authorises a stay of more than 90 days in France.
On top of that, students must validate the visa after arrival through OFII or the French immigration office’s online portal, which normally carries a residence registration charge of about EUR 60. These amounts are non-refundable, and they have to be paid before your appointment at the consulate or the VFS Global centre. For current rates and any changes, check the official France-Visas site.
France student visas with Aval Visa
Studying in France is a real opportunity to build a career in one of Europe’s most developed economies. A French student visa gives you access to strong universities, student life in cities such as Paris, Lyon and Toulouse, and short-stay travel across the Schengen area without a separate visa.
Engineering, management, medicine or art, the subject does not change the picture: France has long been a strong choice for international students. If you are serious about studying there, Aval Visa works alongside you at every stage. Book a free consultation and our team handles admission, the forms, the consulate appointment and the visa file itself, from first assessment to decision.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get a France student visa without a language certificate? No. Admission requires proof of French or English at the level your programme demands, so a recognised certificate is part of the file.
- How much money do I need to show? The standard requirement is about EUR 615 a month in living funds outside Paris. In Paris, budget closer to EUR 1,200 a month.
- Can I stay in France after graduating? Yes. Master’s-level graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit (APS) to look for work or start a business, then move to a work permit once they have an offer.