FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the France student visa?
The official page asks for: enrolment or pre-enrolment at a higher education school, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the France student visa?
At least EUR 877.50 a month. This applies to visa applications from 1 August 2026; before that it was EUR 615. Students who passed the entry exam of a school that has an agreement with the State do not need to show it.
Can I work while I study in France?
Up to 964 hours a year (60% of full-time) without a work permit. The employer must tell the prefecture at least 2 working days before the job starts.
Can I stay in France after I graduate?
Graduates with a master's level degree or a professional licence from France can stay 1 year to look for work or start a business. It cannot be renewed.
How long can I stay on the France student visa?
The VLS-TS lasts from 4 months to 1 year. Yes. After 1 year, a student card for 1 year or a multi-year card for the rest of the course (2 to 4 years) can be asked for.
How much does the France student visa cost?
EUR 99 for the visa as a guide, or EUR 50 in countries that use the Études en France procedure. After arrival, validating the VLS-TS costs EUR 100 in tax.
Who can apply for the France student visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. People from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who come to France for higher education. They must be enrolled or pre-enrolled at a school.
How do I apply?
Nationals of 72 countries apply through the Études en France platform when they pre-enrol; others apply on France-Visas. The VLS-TS is then validated online within 3 months of arrival.
Sources
- France: Long-stay visa as residence permit, student (VLS-TS étudiant) (service-public.gouv.fr)
- France: Long-stay visa as residence permit, student (VLS-TS étudiant) (pa.diplomatie.gouv.fr)
- France: Long-stay visa as residence permit, student (VLS-TS étudiant) (service-public.gouv.fr)
- France: Long-stay visa as residence permit, student (VLS-TS étudiant) (service-public.gouv.fr)
- France: Long-stay visa as residence permit, student (VLS-TS étudiant) (service-public.gouv.fr)
- France: Long-stay visa as residence permit, student (VLS-TS étudiant) (france-visas.gouv.fr)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.