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France student visa guide
Campus France and the France student visa: the process for Indian students
Indian students applying to France start with Campus France and the Etudes en France portal, then apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate through its visa centre. You need to show about €615 a month, or €7,380 a year, a recognised language score and proof of admission, and you validate your visa online with OFII within three months of arrival.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- Funds to show
- About €615 a month (€7,380 a year)
- Visa type
- VLS-TS student visa, valid up to 1 year
- VLS-TS fee (reported)
- €50
- OFII validation
- Within 3 months of arrival, €60 tax stamp
- Work allowed
- About 964 hours a year
What Campus France does
Campus France is the French government agency that manages applications from students in countries with a Campus France office, including India. You create a profile on the Etudes en France portal, submit your documents and pay a processing fee. Check the current India fee on the Campus France India website, because it is not the same in every country. You may also be called for a short interview about your course choice and plans before your file moves to the visa stage.
Step-by-step: from application to arrival
- Shortlist programmes and apply to universities or schools, as required for your course.
- Register on the Etudes en France portal and complete your Campus France file.
- Prepare your visa documents: passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay, signed application form, biometric photos, admission letter, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance and language certificate. Documents not in French or English need sworn translation.
- Book your visa appointment in India and submit biometrics.
- Wait for the decision. Standard processing is commonly 4 to 6 weeks, longer in peak season. For a September start, aim to apply by June.
- After you arrive, validate your visa online with OFII within three months and pay the tax stamp.
Funds, language and documents
| Requirement | Typical standard |
|---|---|
| Monthly funds | At least €615 a month, about €7,380 a year. Showing 10 to 15 percent more is wise |
| Accepted evidence | Bank statements, scholarship letter or sponsor guarantee, alone or combined |
| French-taught courses | TCF or DELF/DALF, usually B2 or higher |
| English-taught courses | IELTS around 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL around 80 to 90, depending on the programme |
Requirements vary by programme and consulate, so confirm against your university and the French embassy in India. See our Study in France guide for costs and universities.
Working in France as a student
Students can generally work up to about 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week in term, without a separate work permit. Hours vary slightly by status and programme. Do not plan to meet your funds requirement from work. For comparison with other European options, see Study in Germany and Study in the Netherlands.
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Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
Is Campus France mandatory for Indian students?
For most Indian applicants to French higher education, the Etudes en France and Campus France procedure is part of the process. Check your programme and the French embassy for your case.
How much money do I need for a France student visa?
About €615 a month, or €7,380 a year, shown through bank statements, a scholarship or a sponsor guarantee. Showing a little more is advisable.
What is the VLS-TS visa?
A long-stay student visa that doubles as a residence permit for up to a year, which you validate online with OFII after arrival.
When should I apply for the France student visa?
Aim to apply by June for a September start, because processing can take several weeks and is slower in peak season.
Do I need French to study in France?
Not for English-taught programmes, which usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL. French-taught programmes usually require TCF or DELF at B2 or higher.
How many hours can international students work in France?
About 964 hours a year, roughly 20 hours a week during term.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.