France, a world-class destination for higher studies

Everybody knows that France is the world’s top fashion and tourist destination. There’s none not enchanted by the icons of France such as the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, and Notre Dame de Paris. The fame of France has transcended beyond the tourism sector. The country is also a world-class destination for international students. It’s a great opportunity to utilize to study in France.

There are close to 4,000 private and public educational institutions offering courses for higher education in France. That’s not all! 41 of such institutions are ranked among the top universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.

France being a desirable destination for education is based on certain standout features. These include:

• Compared to education in the US study in France costs much lesser and is quite affordable. This is in addition to many student benefit programs offered by the French government.
• The transportation and accommodation expenses are low in France. The TER network offers students and youngsters discounts on transportation in each mainland region.
• The Caisse d’Allocations Familiales hands out financial aid to students for arranging accommodation. This ranges from €100 to €200 per month.
• Any student who studies full-time in France can apply for a work permit with a year’s validity.
• Many courses are taught in English and hence knowing French is not mandatory for international students to study in France.
• Students have the facility to work part-time while holding a student visa. Students can work up to 964 hours a year. Upon getting a residential visa, this time limit changes.

Now, the country has introduced plans for visa procedures to be simplified. France is also going to reform tuition fees and boost courses in English across French universities. To get the advantages of French education, you must get a France study visa in France. Here’s what you need to know about the way to study abroad in France.

Qualifying for a French study visa

To be eligible for a French student visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Choose your study path or training course
• Have been accepted into a French institution for higher education
• Have proof of accommodation in France

A student visa isn’t necessary for nationals from:

• An EU/EEA country
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Iceland

Types of French study visas

The type of study visa depends on the duration of study in the country. The four types of French student visas are:

• court séjour pour études (The “short-stay for studies”) visa: This is the ideal course for you if you are taking up a short course with a duration of under 3 months.
• étudiant concours (The “student in a competition”) visa: Non-EU students who must come to France to attend an exam or ad interview for admission at the higher studies institution can apply for this visa. This is also a short-stay visa.
• The Temporary Long-Term Visa (VLS-T): This visa can be used to stay in France for a year in order to complete higher studies. No validation is needed for this visa upon arrival.
• The Temporary Long-Term Visa (VLS-TS): It’s the same as the VLS-T visa, but with certain rights that are not available in VLS-T. This visa lets you freely travel to Schengen Area countries. You will also get the benefits of French Social security. You will also get partial reimbursement for all health expenses while holding this visa.

Applying for a French Student visa

Students living in listed countries must follow a Study in France online procedure. If you are from a country that’s not listed, you must get accepted into a French university of your choice. This should be done before going ahead with your visa application at the French Consulate in your home country.

The visa application must be submitted with documents such as:

• Two passport-size photos
• Visa application form
• Official acceptance letter into an accredited program at a French institution
• Valid passport and copies of your previous visas
• Proof of return ticket home (e.g. actual ticket or reservation showing departure date)
• Proof you have sufficient funds to live in France (approximately 615 euros monthly)
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of medical insurance (costs between 311 and 714 euros yearly)
• Proof of proficiency in English or French (where necessary)

The application can be submitted:

Via Campus France for which you must register first

At a French Consulate in your country with an appointment made at least 90 days prior to the date, you intend to leave for France.

So, if you are thinking of studying in Europe, choose France.

If you found this blog engaging, you may also like…

Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program for immigration