French Republic · study
Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Long-stay student visa for international students enrolled at French higher-education institutions — includes part-time work rights.
- 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
In short
As of 11 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 11 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.
Moroccan applicants
Moroccan students are the largest international student cohort in France. Campus France Maroc has dedicated centres in C…
Algerian applicants
Algerian students are governed by the Franco-Algerian Accord for residence permits. Campus France Algérie operates in Al…
Chinese applicants
Chinese students are the second-largest non-EU cohort. Campus France Chine operates in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Che…
Indian applicants
Indian students are a growing cohort, particularly in engineering and business programmes. Campus France Inde operates i…
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
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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.
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