France, known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and world-class education institutions, has always been a top destination for international students seeking higher education. If you are an Indian citizen with aspirations of studying in France, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “Do Indian citizens need a visa for France?” In this article, we will provide you with essential information on this topic and guide you through the process of obtaining a student visa for France from the USA.
WHY STUDY IN FRANCE?
The higher education system in France offers excellent programs across all disciplines and study levels. It has 3,500 plus higher education institutions with a diverse range of subjects. With a France study visa you can study in colleges teaching Engineering, Business Management, Tourism and Social Work, Culinary Arts and Hotel Management.
- Universities in France provide quality higher education tailored for the needs of the students and offer exceptional R&D opportunities
- France has an ambience favorable for young Entrepreneurs and innovation
- Outstanding career prospects with options for Post Study Visa
- The Top 20 Universities in France are ranked and recognized by QS in the global top 500 list
- The Government of France subsidizes a vast share of the actual tuition costs and thus Tuition fees are low at Public Universities
- An analogous Grandes Ecoles system that is on par with a Masters degree
COST OF STUDYING IN FRANCE
The average tuition fees for overseas students will depend on the Universities in France that they have selected. It will also vary depending on your course and your nationality whether you belong to a country in the EU or a non-EU country.
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | € 2,770 – € 10,000 yearly |
| Postgraduate Master’s Degree | € 3,770 – € 10,000 yearly |
UPCOMING INTAKES IN FRANCE
The application deadlines for Universities in France are diverse. Nevertheless, the two major intakes are: Intake 1: Summer Semester – It commences in October and is the major intake Intake 2: Winter Semester – It commences in April and is available only for selected courses
WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENTS
The law allows international students on a student visa to work for a total of 964 hours per year, or 60% of the regular working hours in France. Part-time employment would not be enough to cover all of the costs, but it can be considered as a supplementary income.
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR STUDENTS
If you are a student on a France study visa
- You must be over 18 years of age;
- For a training course not exceeding three months, you will be issued a short-stay visa;
- For a training course exceeding three months or six months, you will be issued a temporary long-stay visa, which will require no further formalities on your arrival in France;
- For training or a course exceeding six months, you will be issued a long-stay visa, equivalent to a residence permit, which will be subject to further formalities on your arrival in France.
Spouse: The dependent will get a visitor’s visa and will not be authorized to work either. They might be authorized to work in the country if their partner/spouse is employed in France.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Visa application form for France study visa
- Age over 18 years
- 2 passport size photos
- A valid passport and copies of your previous Visas if any
- Official Letter of Acceptance/Enrolment from the University in France
- Evidence of monetary means for covering all expenses during the period of study
- Air flight reservation/ticket with the date of departure
- Medical insurance that can cost around 30,000 Euros yearly
- Documents that state the arrangement for accommodation during your studies
- If you have enrolled in a course taught in French, you will need proficiency certificate for the French language
- Evidence of payment of Visa fees
- If applicable, proof of civil status
Working during studies
International students on a student visa in France are allowed to work for a total of 964 hours per year, or 60% of the regular working hours in France. Part-time work would not be enough to cover all of the expenses, but it might be used as a supplement.
Student eligibility requirements
- Students must be at least 18 years old.
- Students can get a short-stay visa if they take a training course that lasts less than three months.
- Students will be awarded a temporary long-stay visa if their training course lasts more than three months or six months, and they will not need to complete any further paperwork when they arrive in France.
- Students will be awarded a long-stay visa, which is equal to a residency permit, if their training or course lasts longer than six months.
Options for post-study visas
Bachelor degree holders can only stay in France after completing their studies if they have a work visa; students studying Masters degrees in France can apply for and receive a temporary residency permit – APS (Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour) for a duration of 24 months.
If you have a master’s, PhD, or post-graduate degree from a French university, you can acquire a two-year Schengen visa extension.
If a student can find work that pays more than 1.5 times the minimum salary, he or she is qualified to apply for a Work Permit, which is the first step toward obtaining a European Union Blue Card (Permanent Residence).
FRANCE STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS:
- Visa application form for France Study Visa
- Age over 18 years
- 2 passport size photos
- A valid passport and copies of your previous Visas if any
- Official Letter of Acceptance/Enrolment from the University in France
- Evidence of monetary means for covering all expenses during the period of study
- Air flight reservation/ticket with the date of departure
- Medical insurance that can cost around € 311 – € 714 yearly
- Documents that state the arrangement for accommodation during your study in France
- If you have enrolled in a course taught in French, you will need proficiency certificate for the French language
- Evidence of payment of Visa fees
- If applicable, proof of civil status
WORKING IN FRANCE DURING YOUR STUDIES
The law authorizes foreign students on a France study visa to work 964 hours during the year, which corresponds to 60% of normal working hours in France (except for Algerian nationals whose working time is limited to 50% of normal working hours in France). Part-time work will not be sufficient to cover all your expenses and should be considered as a secondary source of income.
AFTER YOU GRADUATE
- Upon completing the studies in France, Bachelor degree holders can stay in France only if they have a work permit; the students pursuing Masters from France can apply and get a temporary residence permit – APS (Autorisation Provisioire de Séjour), for a period of 24 months.
- Students can get 2 years extended Schengen visa if they hold a masters or PhD or post-graduate degree from one of the universities on France
- If a student is able to find employment that is with more than 1.5 times of the minimum wage guarantee, s/he is eligible to apply for a Work Permit which is the primary requirement to get a European Union Blue Card (Permanent Residence).
TOP UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY IN FRANCE
| QS World University Rankings | University Name | QS World University Rankings | University Name |
| 50 | Université PSL | 299 | Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne |
| 65 | Ecole Polytechnique | 305 | Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan |
| 75 | Sorbonne University | 348 | Université de Strasbourg |
| 137 | CentraleSupélec | 422 | Université de Montpellier |
| 153 | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon | 453 | Aix-Marseille University |
| 221 | Sciences Po | 478 | Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA) |
| 239 | Université Paris-Sud | 489 | University of Bordeaux |
| 263 | Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | 521-530 | Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III |
| 289 | Université Grenoble-Alpes | 531-540 | University Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas |
| 295 | Université Diderot Paris 7 | 571-580 | Université Paris Descartes |
France student visa benefits
Before diving into the specifics of the visa application process, let’s explore the numerous benefits that come with obtaining a student visa for France. This section will shed light on the advantages that Indian students can enjoy while pursuing their higher education in this European country.
France boasts a world-renowned education system, with several universities consistently ranking among the top in the world. As an Indian student, securing a student visa for France will grant you access to these esteemed institutions, enabling you to receive high-quality education that is recognized globally.
One of the most attractive benefits of studying in France is the opportunity to learn and master the French language. French is not only one of the most widely spoken languages globally but is also a key language in diplomacy, business, and culture. Attaining proficiency in French can open up a multitude of career opportunities and enrich your personal life.
Moreover, student visa holders in France are eligible to work part-time during their studies, making it more financially viable for Indian students to support themselves. This option can help cover living expenses and provide invaluable work experience.
Furthermore, after completing your education, France offers post-study work opportunities, allowing you to stay and gain professional experience in the country. This can be a stepping stone towards a successful career in Europe.
How to get a student visa for France from the USA
Now that we understand the benefits of studying in France, let’s delve into the steps and requirements for obtaining a student visa for France from the USA. This section will provide you with a comprehensive guide to navigate the application process.
Step 1: Acceptance to a French institution
The first step in obtaining a student visa for France is to secure admission to a recognized French educational institution. You must have a formal acceptance letter from the institution before proceeding with the visa application.
Step 2: Gather required documents
To apply for a French student visa, you will need to prepare several documents, including:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution
- Proof of financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Health insurance
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of purpose
- Police clearance certificate
- Language proficiency certificates, if applicable
Ensure that you have all these documents ready and in the specified format before proceeding with your visa application.
Step 3: Visa application
Submit your visa application at the nearest French Consulate or Embassy in the USA. You may need to book an appointment in advance, so make sure to check the consulate’s website for specific instructions and requirements.
Step 4: Attend an interview
In some cases, you might be required to attend an interview at the consulate or embassy. Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, financial resources, and your ties to your home country.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee
There is a non-refundable visa application fee that you need to pay. The fee amount may vary, so make sure to check with the consulate for the current rates.
Step 6: Biometrics
You may be asked to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, as part of the visa application process. This is a standard security measure.
Step 7: Visa processing
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, your visa application will be processed. The processing time may vary, but it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
How do I get a student visa for France
In this section, we will address some common questions and concerns that aspiring Indian students may have regarding the student visa application process for France.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes, as a student visa holder in France, you can work part-time for up to 964 hours per year. This allows you to support yourself financially and gain valuable work experience.
What are the language requirements for a French student visa?
The language requirements can vary depending on your chosen course and institution. While many programs are offered in English, some may require proficiency in the French language. It’s essential to check the specific language requirements of the institution you plan to attend.
Is there an age limit for student visas in France?
There is no specific age limit for obtaining a student visa for France. As long as you meet the admission requirements of your chosen institution, you can apply for a student visa regardless of your age.
Can I bring my family with me to France on a student visa?
Typically, your immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) can accompany you to France, but they will need to apply for their visas separately. Make sure to check the specific family reunification regulations in place at the time of your application.
Requirements for student visa in France
To successfully obtain a student visa for France, you must meet several requirements, including:
- Proving that you have been accepted to a recognized French educational institution.
- Demonstrating sufficient financial means to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- Securing accommodation in France.
- Obtaining health insurance that is valid in France.
- Providing academic transcripts and certificates.
- Clearing background checks and providing a police clearance certificate.
- Meeting language proficiency requirements if necessary.
- Paying the visa application fee.
It is essential to start your visa application process well in advance of your planned departure date to allow ample time for processing. Additionally, staying updated on the latest visa requirements and guidelines is crucial, as they can change from year to year.
In conclusion, for Indian citizens seeking to pursue higher education in France, obtaining a student visa is a vital step in the journey. Understanding the benefits, requirements, and application process is key to a successful transition to studying in France. By following the steps outlined in this article and adhering to the necessary guidelines, you can make your dream of studying in France a reality and embark on an enriching academic and cultural journey.
