France•Europe15-45 days
249 EUR
Duration of program
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required

Full-time study at a recognized institution in an EU member state. National visa with residence permit.
The French VLS-TS Étudiant is a long-stay Type D visa for non-EU nationals enrolled full-time at a recognized French higher education institution. Valid for the duration of the study program, it functions as a residence permit and must be validated online within 3 months of arrival.
Students may work up to 964 hours per year (60% of standard hours; 50% for Algerian nationals). Minimum funds of €615/month must be demonstrated. The visa is renewable — apply for a multi-annual card 3 months before expiry. Graduates can convert to post-study permits including the Talent Passport.
This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals accepted to a French degree program who want a long-stay permit with limited part-time work rights and a clear path to post-study employment visas.
Standard visa application fee | 99 EUR |
EEF countries visa application fee | 50 EUR |
VLS-TS validation tax (timbre fiscal) | 100 EUR |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
France
France
France
FranceMust be over 18 years old
Accepted into a recognized higher education institution in France
Proof of sufficient financial means (minimum €615/month)
Valid medical/health insurance coverage
Proof of accommodation for the initial period
Completion of the 'Etudes en France' procedure (if applicable to country of residence)
No criminal record or threat to public order
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
7,380 EUR
Valid passport (issued <10 years ago, valid 3+ months beyond intended stay)
Completed long-stay visa application form
Recent passport-sized photographs
Official letter of acceptance/enrollment from the French institution
Proof of financial resources (bank statements, scholarship letter, or guarantor documents)
Proof of medical insurance
Proof of accommodation (lease, housing certificate, or hotel reservation)
France-Visas application receipt
Campus France ID number/certificate (if applicable)
Proof of civil status and academic diplomas/transcripts
| Application Steps | Complete the 'Etudes en France' (EEF) procedure if residing in an EEF country; Create an account and… | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Dependent Visa | Family reunification possible | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Fee Breakdown | Standard visa application fee: 99 EUR; EEF countries visa application fee: 50 EUR; VLS-TS validation… | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Fee Breakdown · VLS-TS validation tax (timbre fiscal) · amount | 150 | service-public.gouv.fr |
| Fees | EUR 99 (standard visa) / EUR 50 (EEF countries) + EUR 150 (VLS-TS validation tax, from 1 May 2026) | service-public.gouv.fr |
| Forms | Varies by member state | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Included Nationalities | — | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Job Offer Required | false | france-visas.gouv.fr |
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