France Student Visa for Indian Passport Holders

France attracts thousands of international students each year with its renowned educational system, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. For Indian students, pursuing higher education in France requires obtaining a student visa, unless you're staying for less than 90 days for a short program. This guide focuses on the long-stay student visa, suitable for most academic pursuits.

• Short-stay visa (up to 90 days):
  

• Purpose: Language courses, internships, or short academic programs.
• Application Process: Similar but less documentation is required compared to a long-stay visa.

• Long-stay visa (more than 90 days):
  

• Purpose: Undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies, or for longer internships.
• Application Process: Detailed below, requires more comprehensive documentation.

Mandatory Documents:

• Admission Letter (Pre-inscription or Final Admission Letter)

• From: A French institution (university, college, or school) confirming your enrollment.
• Details to Check: Ensure it specifies the program's start and end dates, and if you're receiving any scholarship.
  
  

• Valid Passport

• Requirements: At least two blank pages, valid for at least 12 months beyond your planned departure date from France.
• Renewal: If your passport is due to expire soon, renew it before applying.
  
  

• Visa Application Form (étudiant - Long-stay)

• Source: Download from the France-Visas website (www.france-visas.gouv.fr).
• Completion: Fill it out completely and sign it. Incomplete forms may lead to rejection.
  
  

• Recent Photos

• Quantity: 2-3 passport-sized photos.
• Specifications: Meet the Schengen visa photo requirements (e.g., white background, recent, and not scanned).
  
  

• Proof of Financial Resources (Attestation de ressources)

• Amount: Showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself in France (approximately €820 per month for the academic year).
• Acceptable Proofs:
  
  
• A bank statement in your name.
• A scholarship award letter.
• Proof of a French government scholarship (if applicable).
• Guarantee of support (in French, "Convention d'accueil") if someone in France is sponsoring you.
  
  

• Health Insurance (Assurance maladie)

• Coverage: Proof of health insurance that covers you in France for at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
• Options:
• Purchase from a French provider.
• Show an international policy that meets the requirements.
  
  

• Language Proficiency

• For French-taught programs: Proof of French language proficiency (e.g., DELF B2, DALF C1).
• For English-taught programs: Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if required by your institution.
  
  

• Academic Transcripts and Diplomas

• Requirement: Certified copies of your previous academic records and degrees.
• Translation: If not in English or French, provide a certified translation.
  
  

• Police Certificate (Casier Judiciaire)

• Applicability: May be required for stays over 6 months.
• How to Apply: At your local police station or through the Indian authorities' online portals, if available.
  
  

• OFII Form (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration)

• Purpose: For the French immigration and integration office.
• Guidance: Your embassy or consulate will provide this form and guide you on its completion.

Additional Requirements (if applicable):

• APS (Accreditation of Prior Learning): For students who have had a break in their studies.
  
  
• Proof of Accommodation in France: Showing where you plan to live (e.g., student residence, host family, rental agreement).
  
  
• Additional Academic Documents: Depending on the institution or program, additional academic credentials might be requested.

• Apply Online:
  

• Website: www.france-visas.gouv.fr.
• Action: Fill out the application form, print it, and sign it.

• Book an Appointment:
  

• For: Scheduling a visa application submission.
• At: The French Embassy in New Delhi or one of the Consulates General in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pondicherry, or Kolkata.
• How: Through the France-Visas website or the relevant embassy/consulate's website.

• Gather and Prepare Documents:
  

• Ensure: All mandatory and applicable additional documents are ready.

• Submit Your Application:
  

• At the Appointment: Attend with all required documents. Your biometric data (fingerprints) will be collected.
• Payment: Pay the visa application fee (check the current rate on the France-Visas website).

• Wait for the Decision:
  

• Processing Time: Can vary; check with the embassy or consulate for average wait times.
• Tracking: You can track your application status online.
  

• Collect Your Visa:
  

• Once Approved: Return to the embassy or consulate to collect your passport with the visa.
• Check the Visa: Ensure all details are correct.

The photo specification for France student visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
  
  
• Colour: Coloured 
  
  
• Head must occupy the central position
  
  
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
  
  
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
  
  
• 80% face coverage
  
  
• Neutral expression
  
  
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
  
  
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
  
  
• Facial hair is permitted

• Validate Your Visa (if labeled "VLS-T"):
  

• Within: 3 months of arrival in France.
• How: Through the French Immigration and Citizenship website.
  
  

• Register with the Local Authorities:
  

• Requirement: For all foreigners, including students.
• Process: Typically guided by your university or local town hall.
  
  

• University Registration:
  

• Process: Complete your enrollment at your French institution.
• Required Documents: Usually, your validated visa, admission letter, and possibly health insurance documents.

• Apply Early: To ensure you receive your visa in time for the start of your program.
  
  
• Check for Updates: Visa requirements can change, so regularly check the official government and embassy websites.
  
  
• Seek Assistance if Needed: From the French embassy/consulate, your university in France, or educational consultants familiar with the process.
  
  
• Learn Some French: While many French speak English, knowing French will enhance your experience.
  
  
• Cultural Adaptation: Be open to the cultural differences and nuances of French academic and social life.

• French Embassy in India: www.ambafrance-in.org
  
  
• Consulates General of France in India:
  
  
• Mumbai: www.consulfrance-mumbai.org
• Bengaluru: www.consulfrance-bangalore.org
• Pondicherry: www.consulfrance-pondichery.org
• Kolkata: www.consulfrance-kolkata.org
  
  
• France-Visas Website: www.france-visas.gouv.fr
  
  
• Campus France India: For guidance on studying in France, www.india.campusfrance.org
  
  

Need more clarity on the France Student visa? Check out helpful resources below

France Visa Requirement
France Business Visa Requirement
France Visit Visa Requirement
France Tourist Visa Requirement
France Work Visa Requirement
France Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection