Chinese applicants · French Republic
Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) for Chinese citizens
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 6 official citations reconfirmed 12 July 2026
Long-stay student visa for international students enrolled at French higher-education institutions — includes part-time work rights.
This page covers the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. 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
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 Chinese 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
- ✓Acceptance at a French higher-education institution.Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France) ↗
- ✓Campus France procedure completed (Études en France) for nationals of countries with a Campus France presence.Campus France ↗
- ✓Evidence of financial resources (approximately €615/month or €7,380/year — verify on Campus France).Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France) ↗
Common blockers
- !Campus France procedure not completed or refused.Campus France ↗
- !Insufficient financial guarantees.Campus France ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter from institution.Campus France ↗
- ·Campus France attestation.Campus France ↗
- ·Bank statements or scholarship letter.Campus France ↗
Application pathway
Complete Campus France procedure
Register on Études en France and complete the Campus France interview/procedure.
Apply for VLS-TS Étudiant
Apply at the French consulate with acceptance letter and Campus France attestation.
Study and work part-time
Work up to 964 hours/year alongside studies.
Apply for APS post-study
After graduation, apply for a 12-month APS to seek employment and transition to Talent Passport.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
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.
- Official portalApplicantComplete Etudes en France ↗
Student completes the Campus France procedure where required before making the visa request.
Campus France · verified
- ApplyApplicantStart 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 Chinese applicants
Not sure French Republic is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)?+
Eligibility for the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) is set by Campus France / DGEF. Chinese applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.
Where do Chinese 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 Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for French Republic as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Chinese 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