France is a beautiful nation of aspiring people and magnificent influence on people across the world. The top-notch pedagogy of French is available to international students at economical costs. The grandeur and complimentary educational and job opportunities make students fall in love with this country. To enter in France for educational purpose, overseas students need to obtain student visa from France embassy located in their home country. 

When and where to apply for an French Study Visa?

The ideal time to apply for French Study visa is around 2-3 months before your scheduled date of traveling to France. The application process for French study visa is online. You have to log on to the website of Campus France and fill the application form along with required details. 

Study Visa processing time 

The processing time of French student visa depends on the number of applications embassy receive, validity, previous travel history and the type of visa. Some visas take as less as 15 days in processing while some may take 60 days. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to file for your visa well in advance. 

Documents required for Study Visa 

The following are the documents which has to be submitted along the application of French student visa: 

1. A valid Indian passport with two blank pages which is not older than 10 years and valid for at least 6 months from scheduled date of travelling. 

2. Accommodation proof like letter from the host.

3. Confirmed tickets of flight.

4. 2 passport sized coloured photographs not older than 3 months with dimensions 35mm X 45mm. 

5. Medical insurance of at least 30,000 euros.

6. Financial documents like your bank statement, scholarship document (if any).

7. Previous education documents 

8. Certificate of registration at French Institute or acceptance letter.

French Study Visa process 

The concise process of acquiring a French study visa is as follows: 

Step 1 – Receive an acceptance letter from French University 

Apply to prospective French universities and institutes for the course you wish to study. If you get the admission, then you can apply for French study visa. For this, you need to obtain a certificate of registration or acceptance letter from the French institute where you have got admission. 

Step 2 – Find out the Best Visa for you

Out of the three kinds of French student visa, you need to find out the best one for you according to your study commitments. They are: 

1. Schengen student visa for short-stay – This visa is suitable for those courses which last less than three months. Generally, it is provided free of cost. 

2. Temporary long-stay visa – This visa is suitable for those course which last less than six months. Along with this visa, there is no requirement of residence permit. 

3. Long-stay visa – This visa is suitable for those courses which last more than 6 months like undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 

Step 3 – Check the Eligibility Criteria 

Following is the eligibility criteria for French student visa: 

1. You should have Indian passport with validity of at least 3 months.

2. You should have required funds to cover your stay in France

3. You must have registration certificate from French institute 

Step 4 – Collect all the Documents 

Make a file of all the required documents to be submitted along with the application for student visa. 

Step 5 – Fill up the Application form and Submit it

Go to the website of Campus France and fill the application for the selected student visa. Attach all the documents and submit it. 

Step 6 – Apply for Residential Permit 

If you have selected Long stay visa, then for the first year, your study visa will be necessary. But from second year, you need to apply for residence permit. With this residence permit, students are allowed to do part time work.