There are various types of French student visas, and the one you require may differ depending on how long you intend to stay in France.

Schengen  Student visa  (for short stay)

If your studies will run for three months and you are convinced you will not stay in France for longer than that, you should apply for a short-stay or Schengen student visa. The Schengen student visa is free of charge and does not need to be renewed.

Obtaining a visa to take placement tests

If you need to travel to France in order to take at least one college entrance exam, you can apply for a visa specifically for taking entrance examinations. In the event that you pass your exam, you will be eligible to apply for a one-year renewable residence permit. For further information, contact the admissions department of the French institutes where you want to study.

Visa for a long stay

The long-stay visa, also known as the visa de long séjour or the VLT-TS (extended stay visa), is required if you want to stay in France for more than six months.

This visa functions as a residence permit and is valid for the duration of your studies. Algerian citizens do not need the VLS-TS, however they are subject to other arrangements. For additional information, contact your institute or the French office/international embassy in your home country.

Nationals from a variety of countries will apply for a student visa in France through Campus France, the country’s official national agency for higher education and international students. Through the CEF plan, those students would have also been compelled to use Campus France to apply to their preferred French organization.

Documents to be submitted

1. A formal letter of acknowledgement for a French institute’s authorize program: This should be written on official-looking paper, with your full points of interest, the finer features of your program of study, and the start and end dates of your studies highlighted.

2. Confirmation of sufficient assets to live in the country: The current monthly payment is €615 (US$820), which can be accompanied by a bank explanation, an underwriter’s letter, or a notice of subsidizing from a credit, grant, or donation.

3. A proof of return ticket: This is so supposed to be a genuine ticket or reservation proof showing the date of flight, but it can also be hand written , clearly stating planned take-off dates.

4. Evidence of Accommmodation: You must attach your accommodation receipt or proof.

5. If your study language is French, you must attach a proof of proficient in French language

Obtaining a French Resident Permit

Students and research scholars should renew their residence permits at the prefecture for the range in which they live once the original residence permit (included with the VLS-TS visa) expires (in Paris, the prefecture of police). The new residence permit is a separate card superimposed on top of the visa. The renewal fee is €30.

Students and researchers do not need to return to their home country to apply for a new visa.

Where should you submit your application?

The majority of applications for a residence permits are made at the prefecture or sub prefecture where the student lives. The prefectures of a few French divisions have established satellite workplaces for the housing of overseas students.

Students living in Paris must schedule an appointment with the prefecture of police two to three months before their residency permit expires.

When should you apply?

Applications must be filed to the prefecture within two months of the current residence permit’s expiration date. It is a good idea for potential candidates to contact the prefecture before the start of this two-month period to find out what will be expected of them.

After submitting an entire application, the student receives a receipt that serves as an interim residence permit until the student’s application is finalized. As it were, receipts are supplied for completed applications!

Despite the fact that the prefecture will manage applications that do not meet the stated deadlines, it is strongly recommended that students adhere to the prefecture’s dates and deadlines.

Required Documentations

A request will be made of the student to provide proof that he or she is unquestionably pursuing the course of study for which the original visa was given. That proof could take the form of an enrollment endorsement, study reports, or other documents attesting to the student’s engagement and success.

The student must also outfit verify, in a format acceptable to the prefecture, that he or she has sufficient financial assets—at least €615 per month. If the student has worked while in France, the wage from the firm is deducted from this requirement.