To study in France, international students must obtain a France Student Visa (Long-Stay Visa – VLS-TS). This visa allows you to live and study in France for more than three months. To apply, you must first receive an admission letter from a recognized French university or college. Applicants must have a valid passport and complete the online application through the France-Visas and Campus France (Études en France) portals.
You must show proof of financial means of at least €615 per month to cover living expenses, along with proof of accommodation in France, such as a dormitory booking or rental agreement. Other required documents include health insurance, passport-sized photos, academic certificates, and a motivation letter explaining your study goals. Pakistani students must also complete the Études en France registration and pay the required processing fee. After visa approval, you must validate your visa online within three months of arrival in France to make it a valid residence permit.
- Get admission from a recognized French university.
- Create an account on the Études en France (Campus France) portal.
- Complete your academic file and upload all required documents.
- Submit your application to Campus France for verification.
- After approval, go to the France-Visas website and fill out the visa form.
- Book an appointment at the French Embassy or VFS Global center.
- Prepare and bring documents (passport, admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance, photos).
- Pay the visa fee and attend the interview.
- Wait for visa processing and approval.
- After arrival in France, validate your visa online within 3 months.
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
- Completed visa application form (from France-Visas website)
- Campus France (Études en France) registration proof
- University admission letter / acceptance letter
- Proof of financial means (minimum €615 per month or equivalent funds)
- Proof of accommodation in France (rental contract or university housing)
- Health insurance valid in France
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport-sized photographs (as per visa standards)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Travel booking or tentative flight itinerary
After receiving your France student visa, you can begin preparing for your move. First, book your flight and make sure you have all essential documents ready, including your passport, visa, admission letter, proof of finances, and health insurance. Upon arrival in France, you must validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) within three months through the official OFII (French Immigration Office) website — this step makes your visa a valid residence permit.
Next, register at your university by submitting your academic documents and paying any tuition or enrollment fees. You should also open a French bank account, arrange accommodation if not already secured, and apply for health insurance if your coverage isn’t valid in France. Many students also get a local SIM card and transport card for convenience. Finally, attend orientation sessions at your university to understand academic procedures, student support, and life in France. If your program lasts longer than one year, remember to renew your residence permit before it expires.
UniWays Global offers an array of services designed to take the stress and confusion out of the process of applying for a student visa. Speak to an UniWays Global counsellor today.
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