France Student Visa Guide 2026
Everything Indian students need to know about the VLS-TS long-stay visa — the Campus France (Études en France) procedure, fees, documents, arrival validation, and post-study options.
France Visa Options for Students
VLS-TS Student Visa
Long-stay visa that doubles as your residence permit for courses over 6 months
- Admission from a French institution
- Études en France (EEF) file + Campus France interview
- Proof of funds — €615 per month of stay
- Accommodation proof for the first months
- Validate online (ANEF) within 3 months of arrival
Job-Search / Business-Creation Permit (APS)
Post-study residence permit to find work or start a business after your degree
- Master's degree (or higher) earned in France
- Valid student residence status
- Apply from within France
- Renewal for Indian nationals under the India-France migration partnership
Schengen Short-Stay Study Visa
For short courses, exchange semesters, or entrance exams under 90 days
- Program shorter than 3 months
- Proof of funds and travel insurance
- Return travel plans
- Cannot be extended in France
5-Year Short-Stay Visa for Alumni
Multi-entry circulation visa for Indian graduates holding a Master's-level French degree
- Indian national
- Master's degree or higher from a French institution
- Proof of the French degree
- Apply through France-Visas / VFS
Fees shown are the published amounts as of 2025-26. Always confirm current amounts on france-visas.gouv.fr before you apply.
VLS-TS Application Process, Step by Step
Register on Études en France
Create your file on the Campus France 'Études en France' (EEF) portal — mandatory for Indian students. Upload academics and pay the EEF fee of Rs 18,500 (rising to Rs 20,000 from August 2026); Charpak and Eiffel scholars are exempt.
Get Admission & Attend the Campus France Interview
Accept your offer from a French institution, then attend the short academic interview at a Campus France office to validate your study project. You receive the EEF attestation needed for the visa.
Apply Online on France-Visas
Complete the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) application on france-visas.gouv.fr and pay the visa fee — €50 at the reduced rate for Études en France applicants.
Book Your VFS Appointment
Submit your passport, biometrics, and supporting documents at a VFS Global France centre. A separate VFS service charge applies.
Wait for the Decision
Student visas are typically processed in 2-4 weeks, longer in the May-August peak. You can apply up to 3 months before your travel date — earlier is safer.
Validate Your VLS-TS After Arrival
Within 3 months of arriving, validate your visa online on the ANEF portal and pay the residence tax (€100 as of May 2026). This turns your visa into a residence permit — skipping it makes your stay irregular.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Valid beyond your stay, with blank pages
EEF / Campus France Attestation
Proof of a completed Études en France file and interview
Admission Letter
Acceptance or pre-enrollment from your French institution
Proof of Funds
€615 per month of stay — bank statements, loan, sponsor, or scholarship letter
Accommodation Proof
Booking, CROUS allocation, or host attestation for the first months
Passport Photos
Recent photos meeting France-Visas specifications
Language Test Scores
IELTS/TOEFL or TCF/DELF — set by your program, not the consulate
Birth Certificate
Sometimes requested; also useful later for CAF and social security
Visa Costs Breakdown
French Government scholarship holders (including Charpak and Eiffel awardees) are exempt from the EEF and visa fees, but still pay the VFS service charge.
Need Visa Assistance?
Our visa experts have a 94% success rate. We'll guide you through your Études en France file, the Campus France interview, and every step of the VLS-TS application.