France Student Visa
The France Student Visa is a long-stay national visa (Type D) issued to foreign nationals admitted to a recognised academic institution in France for a course of study exceeding 90 days. It is one of the most sought-after categories among applicants exploring a France Visa for long-term academic purposes. Depending on the study program’s duration, the visa may serve as a residence permit itself (VLS-TS) or require a follow-up residence permit application after arrival. Most Indian applicants have their file reviewed by a recognised Centre for Studies in France (CEF) as part of the process, which can also make them eligible for a reduced visa fee. As with every visa category, the decision to grant or refuse a Student Visa lies solely with the French Consulate, Embassy, or the France-Visas authorities.
Eligibility
- You have been admitted to a recognised educational institution in France.
- Your course of study exceeds 90 days.
- You can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies.
- You hold a valid passport with adequate remaining validity.
- Your application has been reviewed, where applicable, by a Centre for Studies in France (Campus France) prior to consular submission.
Applicants should note that, starting with applications submitted from August 1, 2026, long-stay student visa applicants will need to show proof of income corresponding to a minimum of €877.50 per month, reflecting an increase in the required income threshold.
Government Visa Fees
| Category | Fee (EUR) |
| Long-Stay Student Visa (reduced rate) | €50 |
| Long-Stay Visa (standard rate, where reduced rate does not apply) | €99 |
*INR figures are approximate, based on prevailing exchange rates, and may vary at the time of payment.
The reduced rate generally applies to student applicants whose file has been reviewed by a recognised Centre for Studies in France. An additional service fee may apply if the application is submitted through an external visa application centre. Government fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused or the application withdrawn
France Visa Processing Time
Once biometrics and a complete application file are submitted, the standard decision-making period is around 15 days, though this can extend up to 45 days in cases requiring further verification, such as confirmation of the admission letter or financial documents. Processing time can also depend on the applicant’s nationality and the volume of applications during peak academic intake periods. Since course start dates are typically fixed, applicants are strongly advised to submit their application as early as possible — applications can be filed up to six months before travel and should be submitted well in advance of the expected course start date to allow sufficient processing time.
Required Documents Checklist
No physical documents are uploaded; the SGAC is a declaration form completed directly online or in the MyICA app.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a France Student Visa requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and compliance with French immigration and educational requirements. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with course and institution selection, admission documentation, financial evidence, visa application forms, and all required supporting documents. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and student-focused assistance throughout your study abroad journey. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the French immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared France Student Visa application with confidence.