Study in France

Information designed for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area: 

Citizens of the European Union plus Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland can freely come and study in France with very few formalities to undertake. European students are exempted from entry tests to register with French universities provided that they comply with basic requirements (ie. be holders of the French Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate Certificate, Franco-German Baccalaureate or equivalent). 

The next step is the pre-registration with the French university of their choice. No other pre-registration procedure is required. 

Citizens of the EU-EEA can also benefit from the ERASMUS programme in France. The ERASMUS programme is designed for students of the EEA-EU plus Turkey wishing to study in an other EU-EEA country. Diplomas and degrees obtained abroad in the framework of the ERASMUS programme are valid in your home country via the European Credit Transfer and accumulation System (ECTS). ERASMUS grants are also available to students who carry out studies in another european state via the programme. For more information about the ERASMUS programme, please refer to the official Erasmus website at http://ec.europa.eu/. 

 Good to know: 

International students holding a French baccalauréat obtained in a French school abroad can also enroll in a French university without prior registration process. Application must be made online via the website http://www.admission-postbac.fr/. Registration procedures start from January 20. 

Information designed for citizens from outside the EU - EEA: 

Citizens from outside the EU/EEA must imperatively be in possession of a study visa to study in France. 

Student visas in France: 

Short stay visa for studies "Visa court séjour pour études": 

The short stay visa for studies allows its holder to study up to three months in France. It is designed for students wishing to learn French in a language institute or for any other short-term training. A residence permit is not necessary under a short stay visa for studies. The visa is not renewable. 

Visa "étudiant-concours": 

If you need to take an entry test in a French school or university, you can apply for a visa "étudiant-concours". If you pass the entry test, you will be allowed to register with the higher education institution of your choice without having to return to your home country and apply for another student visa. All you need to do is apply for a residence permit, valid for one year (renewable) at the nearest prefecture in France. 

Long-stay visas for temporary studies - "Visa de long séjour temporaire pour études": 

The long-stay visa allows its holder to register with a French higher education institution, whether public or private, for a study period of 3 months but not exceeding 6 months in total. A residence permit is not necessary under Long-stay visas for temporary studies. The visa is not renewable. 

The long-stay visa for studies - "Le visa de long séjour pour études": 

The long stay visa for studies allows students to register with a French institution of higher education, whether public or private, for a period exceeding six months. It allows its holder to apply for a residence permit of a duration of 1 year (renewable) at the local prefecture within two months after arrival in France. 

How to get a student visa? 

Procedures may vary according to your country of residence but the required documentation generally includes: 

- A valid passport; 

- Proof of registration or pre-registration with a French institution of higher education; 

- Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself in France during your study stay ( €430 per month); 

- Certificate of scholarships or grants, if applicable. 

For a more complete document's checklist, contact the French embassy or consulate in your area. 

Please also refer to the PDF document issued by Campus France on how to obtain a student visa at http://editions.campusfrance.org/. 

How to enroll in an institution of higher education in France? 

Eligible foreign students must apply for pre-admission ("demande d’admission préalable - D.A.P.") with the cooperation services for cultural activities at the French embassy or consulate in their area, or with the local Center for Studies in France abroad, where appropriate. The pre-admission concerns undergraduate students only. Graduate students must directly register with the universities of their choice. Students intending to study in higher education institutions with competitive entrance examination ("Grandes Écoles"), technical or private institutions must directly register with the selected school(s). 

Nationals from Algeria, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, South Korea, the United States, Gabon, Guinea, India, Lebanon , Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey and Vietnam must apply online on the Campus France website at http://www.campusfrance.org/. 

For more information, also check the PDF issued by Campus France about registration formalities at http://editions.campusfrance.org/.  

Housing benefits for students - ALE ("Allocation Logement Étudiant"): 

Foreign students can apply for housing benefits (ALE). The request must be made at the local "caisse d'allocation familiale" (C.A.F.). Housing benefits are based on students' resources and the rent price. To qualify, you must be registered with the French social security ("Sécurité Sociale") and have a bank account in France. The application can be made online on the CAF at website at https://www.caf.fr/. 

 Good to know: 

Housing benefits are retroactive. You have 3 months to apply. 

Social security in France for foreign students: 

In general, international students can register with the French student social security: 

- if aged under 28; 

- if on initial training with a French school or university; 

- and if not under another social security scheme. 

Terms and conditions for affiliation with the French social security scheme should be explained to you during the pre-registration or registration process by your institution of higher education. 

For more information, refer to the French public services online at http://vosdroits.service-public.fr.

 

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