France Student Visa Guide
Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)
Indian students apply through Campus France’s Études en France procedure, then for a long-stay student visa that works as a residence permit once validated online after arrival. From 1 August 2026 you must show €877.50 a month.
Last checked against the official source on 2026-09-30.
- Application fee
- €50 (student rate)
- Processing
- Varies; start the Études en France procedure early
- Validity
- Four months to one year, then renewed as a residence permit
- Work rights
- 964 hours a year (about 20 hours a week). After a master’s in France, a post-study permit lets you look for work or start a business.
France student visa costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (student rate) | €50 | About ₹5,500 |
| Resources to show | €877.50 a month | About ₹96,000 a month (₹11.5 lakh a year) |
| Campus France procedure | Fee applies | Paid in India |
| Residence validation | Fee applies | Paid online after arrival |
| Tuition at public universities | Set nationally; higher for non-EU students | Check your institution |
Document checklist
- ✓Admission from a French institution
- ✓Études en France (Campus France) procedure completed
- ✓Proof of resourcesAt least €877.50 a month for applications from 1 August 2026 (was €615).
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Valid passport and photos
- ✓Academic documents
Step-by-step process
- 1
Complete Études en France
Apply and complete the Campus France India procedure, including the interview.
- 2
Prepare resources
Show at least €877.50 a month (scholarship, sponsor or bank funds).
- 3
Apply for the visa
Submit the long-stay student visa application on France-Visas and at the visa centre.
- 4
Travel and validate
Validate your VLS-TS online within three months of arrival and pay the residence fee.
Interview tips
- The Campus France interview checks your academic plan and motivation: explain your course choice clearly.
- Be clear about how you will fund your stay at the required monthly level.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the old €615 monthly figure: applications from 1 August 2026 need €877.50 a month.
- Not validating the VLS-TS online within three months of arrival.
- Starting the Campus France procedure too late for the intake.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a France student visa?
At least €877.50 a month for applications made from 1 August 2026, up from €615.
Do Indian students need Campus France for a French student visa?
Yes. You complete the Études en France procedure with Campus France India before applying for the visa.
How many hours can I work in France as a student?
964 hours a year, about 20 hours a week.
What is VLS-TS validation?
Your long-stay student visa works as a residence permit once you validate it online within three months of arriving.
Practise your France visa interview
Oxbrivy’s AI mock interview scores your answers and tells you what to improve.
Official source: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/etudiant. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.