Please note: the information provided on this website may change depending on the regulations in effect when you arrive in France. The conditions governing entry to and residence in France are the exclusive prerogative of the French government.
Student visas
Depending on your situation, you need a student visa to study in France. The steps you must take vary based on your nationality, the length of your stay and your financial resources. This visa allows you take courses and, subject to certain conditions, to work part-time. Here you will find all the information you need to choose the right visa and complete the necessary formalities.
You must apply for a visa at the French consulate in your country of residence.
When you submit your visa application, you will be asked to provide proof of your stay in France, including proof of financial resources (including for stays of less than three months), accommodation, insurance, etc.
Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation do not need a visa to enter France.
The pre-consular visa application process is compulsory in certain countries as part of Études en France (Study in France) procedure. You can complete this procedure on the Études en France portal.
Visas for stays of less than 3 months
Schengen short-stay visa
The Schengen short-stay visa allows you to stay for 90 days (uninterrupted or accumulated over 180 days) in a country in the Schengen Area for study purposes, for example.
Student entrance exam visa (Student-in-competition visa)
The student entrance exam visa allows you to take part in an interview or sit an entrance exam for a public or private higher education establishment. If you are successful, you can apply for a renewable one-year residence permit from the prefecture without having to return to your country of origin.
Algerian nationals are not eligible for this visa, as the Franco-Algerian agreement of 27 December 1968 does not provide for any student entrance exam visas. Visit the Public service website.
Visas for stays of more than 3 months
Temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T)
The temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) allows students to study in France for a maximum non-renewable period of 4 to 6 months. This visa is not equivalent to a residence permit.
Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) for students
The long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) for students is aimed at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD students without a doctoral contract. It is valid for one year and is renewable.
Special provisions for student internships
- If your internship is less than 3 months, apply for a Schengen short-stay visa.
- If your internship is longer than 3 months, apply for a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) for interns.
Specific provisions for PhD students
The type of visa you need to apply for depends on your financial resources:
- If you can provide proof of funding that is less than the gross monthly salary of a public-sector PhD contract student in France (€2,200 in 2025) and at least equal to the basic monthly maintenance allowance granted to French government scholarship holders (€615 in 2025), apply for a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) for students, even if you are coming do research.
- If you can provide proof of funding equal to or greater than the gross monthly salary of a public-sector PhD contract student in France (€2,200 in 2025) or if you are a salaried PhD student, you are eligible for a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) under the Talent Passport - Researcher category (for stays of more than 3 months and up to one year) or a long-stay visa under the Talent Passport - Researcher category (for stays of more than one year).
The remuneration of PhD students under contract changes each year and is set by the decree of 29 August 2016.
Special provisions for Algerian nationals
For stays of more than 3 months, Algerian nationals are covered by a special scheme governed by the agreements of 27 December 1968.
They are not eligible for long-stay visas equivalent to residence permits (VLS-TS) and must apply for a long-stay visa leading to an application for a residence permit and bearing the mention "residence permit to be applied for within 2 months of arrival".
- If you are a Bachelor's or Master's student or a PhD student without a doctoral contract, apply for a long-stay study visa.
