International students of all nationalities enjoy
the right of multiple entries into France. Once granted,
their visa is automatically renewed for the duration
of their studies in France.
A special visa exists for prospective students. The
so-called étudiant-concours visa is granted
for stays of no more than 90 days for the purpose
of taking an entrance examination or visiting institutions
of higher education. Prospective students who pass
their examination receive a full student visa without
returning to their country of origin. The prospective
student visa also may be granted to students whose
admission to a higher education institution is contingent
upon their completion of a short course of remedial
or refresher work.
To obtain a visa, visit the French consulate in your
place of residence or the visa office of the French
embassy.
Two points to remember
Under no circumstances may a tourist visa be converted
into a student visa.
International students of all nationalities intending
to stay in France for more than 3 months must obtain
a student identification card.
What documentation do I need to get a visa?
Passport
The passport must be valid for the entire period of
validity of the visa.
Proof of enrollment
The following documents will be accepted as proof:
An offer of preliminary admission
A statement of preregistration in a public or private
institution of higher education. The document must
specify the level of study and the student's subject.
If the institution is private, the statement must
indicate the number of course hours and state that
registration fees have been been paid in full.
- Proof of financial resources
Each French embassy sets the level of financial resources
to be demonstrated by prospective students from that
country. The amount is on the order of 3,000 francs
for each month to be spent in France.
Proof of insurance coverage
Proof of insurance must be provided by students
over 28 who are nationals of a country that does not
have a reciprocity agreement with France or who are
enrolled in an institution that is not recognized
by the French government to participate in the student
health insurance plan.
Parental authorization
Minors (individuals under 18 years of age)
must furnish proof of consent by the person or persons
having parental authority.
Required vaccinations
In some cases, the consulate may require
proof of vaccination (e.g., against yellow fever,
cholera…) before a visa will be issued.
<<Back
