Student Visa (Visa étudiant) is a visa for people who want
to study at a French educational institution and live in France.
Types & Requirements
This particular visa can be obtained for studies at a public or private educational institution. The type of visa does not change, but the procedure is different.
Public education:
1. Education in France at state universities is free of charge.
2. To study for free, you will have to do it in French.
3. If you have at least a B2 level of the language, it will be fairly easy to enter the less demanding faculties. In some cases (e.g. the most prestigious universities and faculties), you may need a C1 level.
4. You should start applying for a student visa in autumn of the previous year so that you can apply and receive your visa the following autumn:
Private educational institutions:
1. There are usually 2 start dates (autumn and winter).
2. You can select a program in English.
3. To apply, contact your chosen university or business school directly.
4. Preparing for the interview before admission is an important step. A questionnaire and a letter of motivation are always required before the interview.
5. Tuition fees vary depending on the prestige of the institution and the program itself. It can be anywhere from €3,000 a year at some institutions to €100,000 a year at INSEAD, for example.
In addition to enrolling in a university and getting approval from the Campus France, the visa application requirements include proof of sufficient funds to live in France during your studies. This can be either your own funds or a letter of sponsorship (e.g. from your parents) for your accommodation and other living expenses. Although the requirements are officially low, it is recommended to show at least €1100 per month for the first year.
Students in France have the right to work part-time. However, you cannot work more than 20 hours a week.
If you want to stay in France after your studies, you need to work out a strategy. After completing your studies, the next steps for obtaining a residence permit and French citizenship are vastly different. The deadlines for obtaining French nationality and the conditions are also different.
We prepare not only a dossier for obtaining a student visa, but also a comprehensive strategy that will allow you to obtain permanent residence or French nationality in the future.
Work up to 20 hours a week or more. French law does not limit the number of hours per week, but the number of hours worked per year. It is therefore theoretically possible to work less during the school year if you wish and to work a full working week, which is 35 hours in France, during holidays.
4. Our team will create a tailored plan, based on your chosen route:
5. Help with everyday matters after your move: rent, insurance, driving license, and other important issues.
TEYA-Capital Timeline
The time frame depends on your program and profile: