Are you applying for a French student visa, and last-minute document collection is making you feel overwhelmed? Getting your France student visa application checklist for 2026 sorted can be challenging, especially with the numerous rules and paperwork involved. But you’ve got this.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find a complete rundown of every document, date, and detail to breeze through your application. If you’re heading to Paris for a semester or settling in Lyon for a full degree, we’ve broken the process into simple steps. If you’re new to student permits, check out our student permits overview first.
Check Visa Types
Before gathering papers, ensure you know which visa is suitable for your stay. Different permits have different requirements.
Short-stay vs long-stay visas
Short-stay visas (up to 90 days) are typically used for exchange programs or entrance exams. Non-EU students staying under three months need a Schengen visa and proof of private health insurance with at least €37,500 coverage valid across the zone.
Long-stay visas (over 90 days) include the VLS-TS “student” visa, which doubles as a residence permit for your first year. After arrival, you validate it with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII).
VLS-TS “student” visa
The visa long séjour valant titre de séjour “étudiant” allows you to study in France for a period ranging from four months to one year. You’ll pay a visa fee and, once in France, have to:
- Validate your visa online via OFII
- Complete a short medical form
- Receive your residence sticker
Mobility and exchange visas
If you’re on an EU-sponsored mobility program, you may get a special short-stay “Student–mobility” visa. It functions like a regular Schengen visa, but often has streamlined paperwork requirements.
Gather Required Documents
This is the heart of your checklist. Missing just one paper can delay your visa by weeks, so get everything in order.
Academic documents
- Letter of admission from a French higher education institution
- Enrollment certificate or proof of registration
- Academic transcripts or diploma copies
Identity and passport
- Valid passport (at least two blank pages and six months beyond your planned stay)
- Recent passport-style photos (35 × 45 mm) on a white background
- Copies of previous visas if you have visited the Schengen areas before
Financial proof
France requires evidence you can cover tuition and living costs. You’ll need:
- First-semester tuition fee receipt
- Bank statement showing at least €615 for your first month of stay (Yocket)
Some consulates accept a bank guarantee or affidavit of support instead. Always verify with your local visa center.
Proof of health insurance
- EU/EEA students: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid through your academic year.
- Non-EU students under 90 days: Private plan with minimum €37,500 coverage in France and Schengen zone.
- Non-EU students over 90 days and under 28: Register for French national healthcare (free) or choose a supplemental plan to avoid co-pays.
- Non-EU students over 28: Mandatory private health insurance until you can join national coverage.
Additional documents
Consulates sometimes ask for extras like proof of accommodation, CV, or a cover letter explaining your study plans. Have these on standby just in case.
Complete Online Application
With your documents in hand, head to the France-Visas portal to kickstart your application.
Head to france-visas.gouv.fr, set up a profile with your email, and verify your identity. A verified account unlocks the application form.
Answer every question honestly, using the same names and dates as on your passport and admission letter. Small typos can lead to big delays.
Turn each paper into a clear PDF or JPEG. Label files logically—“passport.pdf” or “insurance.jpg”—so you can find them if you need to reupload.
Pay the visa fees depending on where you apply:
| Country group | Visa fee |
|---|---|
| EEF procedure | €50 |
| Other countries | €99 |
Fees are paid online via credit card. Hold on to the payment receipt—it’s required at your appointment.
Book Visa Appointment
Now it’s time to reserve a slot at your nearest visa center.
Find your visa center
Many countries route applications through VFS Global or TLScontact (for the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK) on behalf of French consulates.
Schedule your slot
Slots fill fast, so book as early as possible—ideally six to eight weeks before your program starts. If you see a cancellation opening, grab it.
Prepare for your interview
You may receive a brief interview or just a document review. Either way, bring:
- All original documents and photocopies
- France-Visas appointment confirmation
- Payment receipt
- A simple folder to stay neat
For tips on what to avoid, see common mistakes on student visa applications.
Submit Your Application
This step finalizes your checklist, handing over your papers and fingerprints.
Arrive early, dress smart, and keep your folder organized. Hand over originals and copies to the visa officer.
Standard biometric data is taken on site. It’s quick and mandatory for all long-stay applicants.
Once you submit, you’ll get a reference number. Log in to your France-Visas account to follow your application status. Processing can take anywhere from two to eight weeks depending on your consulate.
Plan Your Finances
Sorting out your budget early relieves a lot of stress as a student in France.
Required bank balance
Maintain the minimum €615 monthly amount in your account until you arrive. Fluctuations under scrutiny can trigger questions.
Living cost estimates
Monthly expenses in France average between €700 and €1,200 depending on city and lifestyle. Factor in rent, food, transport, and a bit for fun.
Part-time work options
Student visa holders can work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 60% of full-time), except Algerians, who are limited to 50%. Many campuses offer on-campus jobs, tutoring gigs, or internships.
What to Do After You Arrive in France?
With a visa in hand, here’s what comes next on French soil.
Validate your long-stay visa
Log in to the OFII portal within three months of arrival, pay the small validation fee, and confirm your address. You’ll get a stamp that turns your visa into a residence permit.
Get your student card
Register at your university or campus services to receive your student ID. It often unlocks discounts on transport, museums, and more.
Set up a bank account
A French bank account makes rent and bill payments seamless. You usually need:
- Passport and visa
- Student card or enrollment proof
- Proof of address (rental contract or welcome letter)
If France isn’t your only option, check our guides for other destinations:
- Austria student visa application checklist 2026
- Germany student visa application checklist 2026
- Italy student visa application checklist 2026
- Student visa application checklist
Key takeaways
- Know which visa you need, from short stays to VLS-TS “étudiant” permits.
- Gather admission letters, passport copies, financial proof, and health coverage.
- Use the France-Visas portal to apply, pay fees, and track your file.
- Book your appointment early and prepare originals plus photocopies.
- Plan your budget and work options, then validate your visa on arrival.
Grab this checklist, tick off your items, and you’ll be on your way to studying in France. Have any tips or questions? Share them in the comments below so everyone can benefit from them.
