Finally made a list of the best schools to study in France and you do not want to waste any more time? Fine, you will need a student visa to study in any college or university in the French country and the steps to get the visa no matter which country you are in will be carefully listed for you.
France is no doubt one of the best when it comes to good and quality education. The cities are fine and filled with wonderful people spreading love around.
Before we push further, understand that France is a French country but that does not mean there are people who do not speak English. According to our research, atleast 30 percent of the population speaks English well. Besides, you will be meeting people from around the world in School with most of them likely to speak and understand English. Still, it is worth learning the language.
Types of France Student Visa
The French country usually issues visas according to the duration of the program or stay. There are 4 categories but with two major visa types, short-term and long-term visas.
1. School-going minor
The school-going minor is for students who are under the age of 18 years. If you want your child under 18 to study in France for less than 3 months at a school, language center, or sports place, you’ll need to apply for a “studies” visa (Otherwise known as Short Stay Visa).
If your child is under 18 and wants to study in France for more than 3 months, either in a school or a language/sports center, you’ll need to apply for a special “school-going minor” visa, but this is only for kids whose parents don’t already live in France. This is for minors between the age of 16 to 18 years.
Parents will also need to provide documents like enrollment details, accommodation proof, financial resources, health insurance, parental permission, and a contact person in France.
2. Student trainee
The student trainee is for international students who want to do a professional work placement in France. Your project must be a part of your school or university program in your country, an EU cooperation effort, or a government program related to education, youth, training, or culture.
For a work placement lasting up to 90 days, you’ll get a short-stay visa. If it’s longer than 90 days, you’ll receive a long-stay visa that acts like a residence permit, but you’ll need to get it validated when you arrive in France.
3. Young au pair
If you’re aged 18 to 30 and planning to temporarily live with a family in France to learn French, you will need to have an agreement with the family, prove your basic French knowledge, and apply for a long-stay visa upon your arrival. This will last for a year but can be extended up to two years if you want to stay as an au pair.
4. Student Visa
This is the most popular student visa usually obtained by International Students who want to study in France. This visa demands that you must be at least 18 years old and have received an offer from any recognized and established university in France.
What is the Cost of France Student Visa?
The standard fee for Short term visa (Schengen) costs €80. Free for nationals from the Schengen region. Unless the visa stamp says something else, short-stay visas work for all 26 countries in the Schengen area. Usually, you don’t need to show your passport at the borders between these countries, except sometimes in special situations.
The long-term visa costs €99. Sometimes, children might not have to pay the full amount or might get a discount.
How to apply for a student visa for France
1. Apply for admission into a French university and receive your acceptance letter.
Finding a university and the course you want to study should be the first step and then follow it up by applying for admission into the school. Luckily,
After being accepted by the school, you will receive a letter of acceptance which you will need to apply for a French student visa. This acceptance letter is usually given after making a deposit that confirms you have accepted the admission.
2. Prepare the necessary documents
Preparing the documents and other requirements is very important. Without this, your application will not be accepted.
Below are the documents needed:
- Valid passport
- 2 passport photos
- Proof of financial means to cover all your expenses.
- Medical insurance
- Proof of payment of the visa fee.
- Acceptance letter from the university or college.
- French language proficiency certificate if you are enrolled for a program taught in French
- Documents stating the accommodation arrangement during your studies.
- Airline ticket/reservation showing date of departure.
- Proof of civil status (if applicable)
Note: If the applicant is a minor, it is the duty of the parent or guardian to provide some of the documents or requirements. They are School reports of the child, your consent, proof that there is sufficient money to take care of the child, travel consent, accommodation arrangement, and other requirements as may be required during application.
3. Decide on the type of Student Visa you need
We have already carefully explained the categories of the visa. The one you will be given will depend on your age and the duration of the program. If it is less than 3 months, you will be provided a short-term visa (Schengen).
However, for a program of more than 3 months say a degree that could last at least 2 years, you will be provided a long-term visa.
4. Where to apply
France does not issue Student Visas on Arrival, so you will need to apply for the visa before you are allowed access.
Where and how to apply for Visa? We will provide answers to this:
To find out if your country is allowed to register online, simply go to the online France Student Visa page and select your home country. And if not, you will be able to book an appointment at the French Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global Centre in your country.
When you have an appointment, make sure to go with your application and all the needed papers (CERFA form and receipt). When you go to the office (or consulate), they will meet you, check your application, take the visa fee, get your biometric info, and hold onto your passport and document copies to send them to the consulate.
Note: You can apply for your visa as early as 6 months before your planned travel date. Normally, visa applications are accessed within 15 days. In some situations, this duration can be extended to 45 days if there is a good reason after checking the application thoroughly.
Can I work in France as an International Student?
Yes, All international students on Student Visa will be able to work in France. However, they are only allowed 964 hours per year. Weekly, one could say it is equivalent to about 21 hours per week.
