Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. French long-stay student visas are issued only by French authorities.
France offers public universities with low tuition, grandes écoles and business schools, and a wide range of English- and French-taught programmes. International students in France benefit from public-sector funding and a strong cultural environment.
Non-EU students normally need a long-stay student visa that also works as a residence permit, which you must validate online within three months of arrival. Some applicants must first complete the Campus France pre-enrolment procedure, so timing matters.
Low tuition at public institutions, with higher fees at private schools.
Up to 964 hours per year, about 20 hours per week, without a separate work permit.
A 12-month APS permit lets graduates look for work or start a business.
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Campus France, funds and VLS-TS validation planning in one place
A long-stay visa valid as a residence permit for study stays of more than three months. It must be validated online within three months of arrival and is the standard route for degree students.
For shorter stays of up to about six months. It does not need validation on arrival, cannot be renewed and does not carry the same work rights.
If you stay beyond the validity of your VLS-TS, you apply for a student residence permit at the local prefecture well before it expires.
Figures checked October 2026. Confirm current amounts with the official source before you apply.
We discuss your academic background, budget, goals and timeline.
We help you compare universities, schools and languages of instruction.
We explain the pre-enrolment steps where they apply.
We help you organise financial and academic evidence.
We review your France-Visas application details before you submit them.
Online validation, housing, health cover and registration.
Work rights, residence renewals and the APS permit.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-stay student visa | €99 | Paid when you apply; a temporary long-stay visa costs less. |
| Student contribution (CVEC) | About €103 | Paid for the academic year; reported figure. |
| Residence tax on validation | About €75 | Paid online when you validate your VLS-TS. |
| Proof of funds (shown, not paid) | €615 per month | About €7,380 per year. |
| Campus France fee | Varies | Applies only where the procedure is required. |
| Tuition fees | Varies | Low at public institutions; higher at private schools. |
Fees and funds thresholds are set by the relevant government authorities and change without notice. Confirm current amounts on the official site before applying.
Lower tuition at public institutions.
English- and French-taught degrees.
Part-time work rights built into your status.
A dedicated 12-month APS permit.
Easy access across Europe.
Answers to the questions applicants ask most.
The VLS-TS is a long-stay visa that also serves as a residence permit for students staying more than three months. Once validated online within three months of arrival, it functions as your residence status for the visa's validity. It is issued by French authorities.
Yes. You apply through the France-Visas portal and attend an appointment at the French visa centre serving the UAE. Whether you must first complete the Campus France procedure depends on your country of residence.
Campus France runs a pre-enrolment procedure called Études en France for applicants from certain countries. Where it applies, the Campus France attestation is part of your visa file. Check the list for your country before you apply to schools.
You must show at least €615 per month for your stay, which is about €7,380 per year. Bank statements, a scholarship letter or a guarantor's declaration can be used. Accommodation costs are in addition.
The long-stay student visa fee is €99. After arrival there is also a residence tax and a student contribution. Confirm the amounts on the official pages before you apply.
The CVEC is an annual student and campus life contribution that most students pay before enrolling at a French institution. A receipt is needed to complete enrolment, so ask your school how to pay it.
Not always. French-taught programmes ask for a French-language test, while English-taught programmes ask for English results. Each institution sets its own requirement, so check the programme page.
After arriving, you must validate your VLS-TS online within three months and pay the tax. If you do not validate it, the visa can become invalid. Keep your validation proof for later steps.
Yes. Students can work up to 964 hours per year, roughly 20 hours per week, without a separate work permit. Check conditions before you accept a job.
Processing times vary by season and country, with published guidance suggesting a few weeks. Apply as soon as your admission documents are ready.
If your studies continue, you apply for a student residence permit at the local prefecture before your VLS-TS expires. Start early because appointments can take time.
The APS is a temporary residence authorisation that lets graduates stay for about 12 months to look for work or start a business. If they secure a qualifying job, they can move to a work-related permit.
A student visa does not automatically allow dependants to join you. Family members need to check whether they qualify for another route.
That depends on your subject, language and budget. Public universities offer low tuition, while grandes écoles and business schools have separate entry processes. An advisor can compare options with you.
You will receive a decision explaining the reasons and may have a time limit to appeal. Review the reasons with an advisor before you respond or reapply.
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the relevant French authority decides whether a visa or permit is granted, and no consultant can guarantee approval or processing times. We help you shortlist courses and prepare an accurate, well-organised application.
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Disclaimer: Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the French Government, Campus France, France-Visas or any French embassy or consulate, or with any education provider. French long-stay visas are decided by French consular authorities, and residence status is managed by the French immigration authorities, which make all decisions. We do not guarantee admission, visa approval or processing times. Campus France procedures depend on your country of residence and programme. Rules, fees and funds thresholds change frequently; always confirm them with official sources before acting.
