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
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.
- ✓Campus France procedure completed (Études en France) for nationals of countries with a Campus France presence.
- ✓Evidence of financial resources (approximately €615/month or €7,380/year — verify on Campus France).
Common blockers
- !Campus France procedure not completed or refused.
- !Insufficient financial guarantees.
Typical evidence
- ·Acceptance letter from institution.
- ·Campus France attestation.
- ·Bank statements or scholarship letter.
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 meeting the 2× SMIC and master's criteria) or a standard salarié permit.
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