If you are a student from another country of the world, you will need to obtain a student visa to be able to pursue your study in France. There are different types of visas applicable. The duration of your course plays a vital role in the selection of study Visa Selection. This article is all about the Student Visa for France. Read till the end for complete information.

How to Apply for a Student Visa for France? 

Different application processes for student visas apply based on what you will be studying in France, and the duration you want to live in France to complete your studies. This can apply to the college students applying for a degree, taking a short course, or enrolling to study French language in France. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Select  a university to apply to and get your acceptance letter

You have to decide which university you want to study in France. Once accepted at that specific French university, you will receive an acceptance letter required for the student visa for France application. Then you can begin your french student visa application process. 

2. Check the type of visa you need to study in France

• Schengen student visa (short-stay)

If your course will last only for three months of duration, then you should apply for the court séjour pour étude, also known as the  Schengen student visa or short-stay visa.

• Temporary long-stay visa

The visa de long séjour temporaire pour études is a temporary french student visa. It allows the holder to study in France for six months for study purposes.

• Long-stay visa

A long-stay visa is also known as the visa de long séjour pour études. If you want to stay in France for longer than six months for your education, then you must apply for this visa. 

3. Where to apply for the student visa

You can apply for a student visa for France either through Campus France or at a French consulate in your area. Get your interview scheduled through the official website of the French consulate.

4. Upload the visa documents and pay the visa application fees 

You will Require the following application documents for the French student visa

• You have to fill the France Visa Application form (You can download it from the website of Campus France and take a printout of it)
• A recent two of your passport size photograph 
• Valid Passport copies with your past visas.
• Admission letter from the university in France.
• Evidence of financial means.
• Medical insurance 
• A cover letter stating the reason for a visit to France and confirmation of convenience for a stay in France.
• Documents relating to the accommodation arrangement during your studies in France
• French language or English language proficiency certificate(as demanded)
• Proof of payment of the visa fee 

5. Appear for the interview

Once you have submitted your document, you will have to appear for the Interview at their nearest Campus France as scheduled. The questions are completely related to your decision to study at a French university. Here are some of the interview questions that might be asked:

• What is your name?
• What is your educational qualification?
• Why is France your study abroad destination? 
• Which institute or school or college are you going to study?
• What course are you going to study?
• What are the subjects?
• How does it help you with your career?
• How did you find the school name? 

Biometrics (photographs and fingerprints) are also taken in some countries. Campus France will forward your application to the institute of your choice and the French consulate. You will get the decision on your visa application in a given timeline. If the university is not listed in Campus France, you will have to apply to that university directly.

France Student Visa processing Time

The normal student Visa processing time for France is three weeks. So you need to act accordingly and apply as soon as possible according to your starting date of classes in France. 

Financial proof requirements for France student visa

You have to show proof of sufficient funds for living in France during your studies.  It can be presented with the help of a bank statement, or a notice of funding from a loan, a guarantor’s letter,  scholarship, or grant. According to the European Commission, the international students must be capable of bearing a day-by-day cash measure of 120 EUR if there is no proof of your accommodation in France. And if there is proof of accommodation then this sum decreases to 65 EUR  per day. For more information on expenses, you should check this out: Cost of Studying in France