Non-European students must ask for a student long stay visa for studies, also called VLS-TS (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour) to the French Consulate of their home country.
Students should check with the Embassy what kind of visa they will receive and which possibilities this visa offers.
Non-EU citizens studying in an institution in Europe might have to apply for a French student visa, even if they already have a student visa in that country.
For all questions about visa application, please visit the France Visas website. Also, you might have to go through the Campus France process depending on your country. More information on the Campus France website.
VLS-TS visa allows you to travel in all Schengen countries without extra administrative formalities.
Schengen area countries ARE NOT European Union countries.
Please note that the UK is not part of the Schengen area. Check on the UK embassy website if you need a visa.
“France (sauf CTOM)” mention on your visa means that it concerns French Nationals only, so your visa is valid ONLY in France, except French Overseas Departments and Territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, French Polynesia, Mayotte, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Wallis.
Upon your arrival in France and within 3 months following your arrival, you must validate your VLS-TS visa. The procedure is to be done online.
Cost: fiscal stamp of €60 (to be paid once for the whole stay). The registration process will be explained to you during the Orientation week.
In case of extended period of study in France, the residence title will have to be renewed at extra costs. Our International Services Coordinators will support students in this process.
