France · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Non-EU students staying longer than three months need a long-stay study visa, usually the VLS-TS "étudiant". Its defining feature: once you validate it online within three months of arrival, it doubles as your residence permit — no separate permit application. In many countries the process runs through Campus France's "Études en France" procedure before the consular step. It allows part-time work and Schengen travel.
Non-EU students staying longer than three months need a long-stay study visa, usually the VLS-TS "étudiant", which doubles as a residence permit once validated online within three months of arrival. You apply through France-Visas (and, in many countries, the Campus France "Études en France" procedure). The VLS-TS lets you study, work part-time and travel in the Schengen Area.
- The VLS-TS "étudiant" is the usual visa for stays of four months to one year and must be validated online within three months of arrival.
- In many countries the application runs through Campus France's "Études en France" procedure before the consular visa step.
- Once validated, the VLS-TS acts as a residence permit; renew at the prefecture (often as a multi-year permit) before it expires.
- Student-visa holders may work part-time within the legal limit alongside their studies.
- 1
Go through Campus France if your country requires it
In many countries the "Études en France" procedure comes before the consular visa step. Check whether yours is one of them before booking anything.
- 2
Apply for the VLS-TS through France-Visas
The VLS-TS "étudiant" covers stays from four months to one year. Apply on the official France-Visas portal after the Campus France stage where it applies.
- 3
Validate the VLS-TS online within three months
This is the step people miss. You must validate the visa online within three months of arrival; only then does it function as your residence permit.
- 4
Renew at the prefecture before it expires
Renewal is handled at the prefecture, often as a multi-year permit. Start the process before the current validity ends rather than after.
- 5
Know your part-time work limit
Student-visa holders may work part-time within the legal limit alongside their studies. Confirm the current limit rather than relying on figures from older guides.
- Campus France "Études en France" step completed if required
- VLS-TS applied for on France-Visas
- Online validation done within three months of arrival
- Proof of funds and accommodation prepared
- Health cover arranged
- Prefecture renewal planned before expiry
- Current part-time work limit checked
- France-Visas — Student
Official French-government visa portal for students.
- Campus France — student long-stay visa (VLS-TS)
Official guide to the VLS-TS and validation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate residence permit in France?
Not for the first year. Once you validate the VLS-TS online within three months of arrival, it functions as your residence permit. Missing that validation is the common error — it leaves you without valid status even though you hold the visa.
What is the Campus France "Études en France" procedure?
In many countries it is a required stage that runs before the consular visa application, covering your academic file and an interview. Check whether your country uses it, because it adds weeks to the timeline.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes, part-time within the legal limit alongside your studies. The limit is set in regulation and can change, so confirm the current figure rather than relying on an older guide.
Government portals
- Government of France — Office of the French Prime Minister — government policies, ministers, and key legislation
- France Public Services (Service-Public) — France's unified administrative services — residence permits, taxes, social security, civil records
- French General Tax Directorate (DGFiP) — French income tax, VAT, wealth tax filing; tax residency determination; French tax number (NIF) application