France Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students in 2026
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Table of Contents
- France Student Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria
- Necessary Documents to Meet France Student Visa Requirements in 2026
- How to Apply for France Student Visa in 2026?
- Funds Needed to Meet France Student Visa Requirements in 2026
- Types of Student Visas to France For Indian Students
- Who Can Sponsor You for a France Student Visa?
- What is the Cost of a France Student Visa from India?
- Meet Your France Student Visa Requirements With ÿմ Assistance
Understanding the France student visa requirements 2026 is the first step for any international student aspiring to pursue studies in the French nation. Now that France aims to host 500,000 international students by 2027, and with Indian student enrollments estimated to surpass 10,000 in 2025, it is fair enough to say France is a fastly emerging study abroad destination for Indians.
In this article, we will delve into the latest eligibility criteria for the French student visa, document checklist, application process, and further details necessary for your immigration in 2026.
France Student Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a student visa in France as an Indian citizen, certain prerequisites must be met. Here are the key eligibility criteria for France Study visa:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be above 18.
- Course Selection: You should have already decided on your chosen training course or field of study.
- Passport Validity: Possession of an Indian passport with validity extending at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in France is mandatory.
- Acceptance Letter: A crucial document for your application is an acceptance letter from the university where you will be studying.
- Financial Proof: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover living expenses and costs during their stay in France.
- Medical Insurance: Submission of proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France is essential.
Also Read: Exams to Study Abroad
Necessary Documents to Meet France Student Visa Requirements in 2026
Prospective students seeking a France visa now have the option to submit digital copies of their supporting documents when completing the online visa application. This is an elective process aimed at expediting the application review by the external service provider (ESP).
For the application, prepare two sets of photocopies including the following:
- Long-stay application form for durations exceeding 90 days.
- Two passport-size photographs.
- Passport copy.
- Printout of your CampusFrance NOC.
- Letter of registration from the academic institution.
- Cover letter detailing the study project and a CV/resume.
- Proof of funds, with a minimum of 615 Euros per month for the entire academic term.
- Valid medical insurance coverage in France.
- A copy of a round-trip airline ticket (for stays up to six months) or a one-way ticket (for stays exceeding six months).
- OFII form (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration).
- Proof of residency in France, such as a lease, electricity bill, property title, etc., for at least three months or a hotel reservation.
- Copy of the CV.
- Copies of degree certificates and academic diplomas.
*Note: During the interview, it's essential to carry both the original documents and copies for verification.
How to Apply for France Student Visa in 2026?
Now that you have confirmed your eligibility and met the France student visa requirements, we will further explore the step-by-step process to apply for a French student visa in 2026.
Step 1: Choose Your Program and University
Ensure to check the available universities offering your desired course, and also ensure that the course is valid for a French student visa
Step 2: Register on Campus France
Create an account on the Campus France India website and complete your online application by uploading all the necessary documents, including your offer letter. After which, you would need to attend a mandatory academic interview to receive an NOC for your visa application.
Step 3: Complete the France Visa Application
Visit the online France Visa website to fill out the student visa application form and ensure to attach all the supporting documents.
Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment
Once you have submitted your application, the next step is to book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global Centre and ensure to prepare all the necessary documents needed for further interview.
Step 5: Attend the Appointment and Submit Your Application
You need to arrive at the VFS on the date of your appointment and record your biometric data. Which is a crucial part of your application process
Step 6: Pay the Student Visa Application Fees
You would need to pay the applicable visa application fees and Campus France service fees to further proceed with your application.
Step 7: Receive Acceptance For Your Visa
Once your application has been processed, you will receive acceptance for your student visa.
Funds Needed to Meet France Student Visa Requirements in 2026
When applying for a student visa to France from India, it's crucial to showcase financial stability as part of France student visa financial requirements.
You should demonstrate funding for a full year, covering tuition fees for the first year and living expenses at 615 EUR per month. Additionally, prove you have resources for ongoing expenses, a minimum of 430 EUR monthly throughout your stay.
Also Read:Average Cost of Living in France
Types of Student Visas to France For Indian Students
Similar to many other nations, France has established immigration control policies to oversee the entry and stay of foreigners within its borders. There are various types of student visas available for those planning to study in France:
Student Visa Type |
Duration |
Details |
Short-Term Student Visa |
90 days |
|
Long Term Student Visa |
Beyond 180 days |
|
Temporary Long-Stay Visa |
90 days to 180 days |
|
Also Read:7 Best Countries To Study Abroad for Indian Students
Who Can Sponsor You for a France Student Visa?
To sponsor a student applying for a France student visa from India, the sponsor - whether a family member, friend, or any willing individual, must meet specific financial criteria. The sponsorship documentation should include
- A cover letter detailing the sponsor's social situation and financial elements
- Must attach ID proof
- Last 3 months' bank statement
- Last 3 years' Income Tax Return (ITR)
In cases where the student is hosted by a family in France, an "Attestation d’accueil" from the hosting family is required. In such instances, the student must demonstrate resources amounting to a minimum of 215 euros per month for living expenses.
Also Read: How To Get Scholarship To Study Abroad After 12th
What is the Cost of a France Student Visa from India?
Determining the total France student visa cost for your student visa involves considering a few factors like the type of permit, delivery charges, and biometric fees in your country. In India, the expenses for a French student visa cover different aspects.
The visa fee falls in the range of 50 to 100 EUR, roughly translating to 4,000 to 8,000 Indian Rupees. It's like piecing together the puzzle of paperwork and costs to embark on your French academic adventure!
Meet Your France Student Visa Requirements With ÿմ Assistance
Navigating the labyrinth of France's student visa requirements demands a thoughtful consideration of the duration and nature of your academic pursuit.
Whether opting for a short-stay Schengen visa, a temporary long-stay visa, or the comprehensive long-stay études visa, each pathway opens the door to a unique educational adventure in the heart of France.
So, as you embark on this journey, the ÿմ immigration assistance team is here to ensure your visa application is seamless, and your time in the land of art, culture, and academia is enriching and fulfilling.
Also Check:
- Top 10 Universities in France for International Students 2026-27
- Top France Scholarships for Indian Students for 2026
- Education System in France
- Public Universities in France
- Masters in France for International Students
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum IELTS score required for a France study visa?
Is there a stay-back option for students on a France student visa?
Can students extend their stay in France after completing their studies?
What is the usual processing time for a student visa in France?
How easy is it to obtain a France student visa?