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Algerian applicants · French Republic

Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) for Algerian citizens

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Long-stay student visa for international students enrolled at French higher-education institutions — includes part-time work rights.

Requires sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residency1 year; renewable for duration of studies.

This page covers the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) specifically for Algerian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Algeria. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.

Processing time
2–6 weeks at consulate; Campus France procedure adds 4–8 weeks.
Government fees
Visa fee €99; CVEC contribution €103; residence permit tax €75.
Typical duration
1 year; renewable for duration of studies.
Sponsorship required
Yes
Leads to permanent residency
No
Reviewed Campus France / DGEF ↗

Bilateral context

No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.

Consular processing: a French Republic consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence

Tourist entry vs. this route

Tourist-entry rules for Algerian nationals change periodically and are separate from the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.

Visa overview

The VLS-TS Étudiant is issued to non-EU students enrolled in French higher education. Students can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week). After graduation, students can apply for a 12-month post-study APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) to seek employment and transition to a Talent Passport or salarié permit.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

Common blockers

Typical evidence

Application pathway

  1. Complete Campus France procedure

    Register on Études en France and complete the Campus France interview/procedure.

  2. Apply for VLS-TS Étudiant

    Apply at the French consulate with acceptance letter and Campus France attestation.

  3. Study and work part-time

    Work up to 964 hours/year alongside studies.

  4. Apply for APS post-study

    After graduation, apply for a 12-month APS to seek employment and transition to Talent Passport.

Plan the practical side of your stay

Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in France. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

  1. Official portalApplicant
    Complete Etudes en France ↗

    Student completes the Campus France procedure where required before making the visa request.

    Campus France · verified

  2. ApplyApplicant
    Start the France-Visas application ↗

    Student completes the official long-stay student visa application after the admission or Campus France step.

    France-Visas · verified

Other French Republic routes covered for Algerian applicants

Not sure French Republic is right for you? Compare similar routes

Other countries offer study routes that Algerian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.

Frequently asked questions

Are Algerian citizens eligible for the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)?+

Eligibility for the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) is set by Campus France / DGEF. Algerian applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.

Where do Algerian applicants typically file the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)?+

a French Republic consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Campus France / DGEF — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.

Do Algerian applicants need a tourist visa for French Republic as well?+

Tourist-entry rules for Algerian nationals change periodically and are separate from the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant). Check the destination government's current entry guidance before travel.

Can I work while studying in France?+

Yes — up to 964 hours per year (roughly 20 hours per week). No separate work permit is needed. This limit applies to all employment, including internships outside the curriculum.

Can I stay in France after graduating?+

Yes. Graduates can apply for a 12-month Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) to seek employment. If you find a qualifying job, you can transition to a Talent Passport if you meet the current salary and qualification criteria, or to a standard salarié permit.

How we verified this

We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.

Primary source: Campus France / DGEF

Last checked: 12 July 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology

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