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.
Requirements
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.
