French Republic · study

Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)

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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.
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 ↗

In short

As of 12 July 2026, the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) for French Republic is a sponsor-led France immigration route. Sources: official French Republic government pages, reviewed 12 July 2026.

Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/france/student-visa-france#answer

What is the Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) in French Republic?

Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) is a sponsor-led France route. Indicative government fees are Visa fee €99; CVEC contribution €103; residence permit tax €75; indicative processing time is 2–6 weeks at consulate; Campus France procedure adds 4–8 weeks; typical duration is 1 year; renewable for duration of studies. This route does not lead to permanent residence.

Verified against Campus France / DGEF on 18 April 2026.

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.

Guidance by nationality

Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.

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.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant), use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Coordinate enrolment and attendance with the institution. Check the actual work conditions before accepting a job or freelance work.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.

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

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Frequently asked questions

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 much money do I need to show for a French student visa?+

You must provide evidence of financial resources of approximately €615 per month (about €7,380 per year), via bank statements or a scholarship letter. Verify the current figure on Campus France.

Do I have to go through Campus France before applying for a French student visa?+

If you are a national of a country with a Campus France presence, you must complete the Campus France 'Études en France' procedure (including the interview) before applying for the VLS-TS Étudiant. A procedure that is not completed or is refused is a common blocker.

What does a French student visa cost in government fees?+

The indicative government fees are a €99 visa fee, a €103 CVEC contribution, and a €75 residence permit tax. These figures are indicative — verify current amounts on the official source.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

Find a regulated advisor in France

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: 18 April 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology