Higher Education In France

Students who belong to other countries than the ones mentioned above need to have a visa to come inside France. It is mandatory that they procure travel and health insurance that is valid during their stay. For example, in case of a student is hospitalized, he or she can definitely benefit if s/he is duly insured. The most common insurance offered to individuals pursuing their higher studies in France is SMENO ”incoming cover”.

WHAT TYPE OF STUDENT VISA DO YOU NEED fOR YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION IN FRANCE?

There are different categories of visas issued to students. They are largely based on their requirements and the duration for which they will be staying in France. They are as follows:

“Temporary long stay” visa:

These visas are issued to students who are going to study in France for 3 to 6 months. They are not expected to seek a residence card after the expiry of Visa. This type of visa cannot be renewed or changed to a longer duration.

“Short stay” visa:

This permits any foreign student in France for a maximum of 3 months of stay. They do not have to apply for a residence card as their stay cannot be renewed or upgraded to a long term visa.

“Student-examination” visa:

This is granted to students who participate in an entrance exam for their admission into French educational institutions. The maximum number of days that an individual can be granted is 90 days. Then the student can get transformed into a long stay visa. Only if, s/he is successful in getting an admit into one of the universities. S/he does not have to go back to her/his resident country and apply for a resident card from there.

“Long stay” visa: 

This is issued for students who have to stay for a longer duration; more than 6 months. In the first place, on arrival they must apply for a residence card. Normally, it would be valid for a year. Thereafter, It can be renewed at the prefecture, closest to the student’s place of residence.

HOW CAN A STUDENT APPLY FOR THESE VISAS?

French Embassies and Consulates deliver the visa to the students address. For the most part, the application can be via Campus France website while filing preliminary enrollment application request. Any individual can seek a visa in the French consulates or embassies that are located in their country. Consequently, French Government have made it easier for people who do not have access to such offices by accepting online application.

If the students belong to any one of the countries mentioned below, they must first generate a dossier online on campus. Later, they should take all their documents with the dossier reference to the French consulate or embassy in their country.