France remains an attractive destination for international students, offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across universities and higher education institutions.
For students from outside the European Union, however, studying in France requires more than securing admission. Applicants also need to understand the appropriate immigration procedure and prepare evidence covering their finances, accommodation and study plans.
This guide explains the main stages that prospective international students should understand before applying.
IMPORTANT 2026 UPDATE
The financial requirement has changed
From 1 August 2026, the minimum financial resources required for French student visa applicants increased from €615 to €877.50 per month.
Students applying from August 2026 onwards should therefore use the current requirement when preparing their financial evidence.
1. Choose the right programme
The first step is to identify a suitable course and institution in France.
International students can choose from programmes at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level, as well as other higher education and professional programmes.
Before applying, check:
- ✓ Course entry requirements
- ✓ Academic qualification requirements
- ✓ Teaching language
- ✓ Tuition fees
- ✓ Course duration
- ✓ Application deadline
- ✓ Whether the institution participates in the relevant international application procedure
2. The Études en France procedure
For students residing in countries covered by the Études en France procedure, Campus France provides an online system through which students can manage applications to French higher education institutions.
The procedure can cover the process from submitting applications through to the visa stage.
The process may involve:
- ✓ Creating an online application
- ✓ Selecting eligible programmes
- ✓ Uploading academic documents
- ✓ Providing a motivation statement
- ✓ Submitting the application to Campus France
- ✓ Completing any required interview or administrative stage
- ✓ Receiving the relevant certificate or documentation required for the visa process
3. What academic documents may be required?
Applicants should prepare their academic records well before the application deadline.
Undergraduate applicants
- ✓ Secondary school qualification
- ✓ Academic transcripts
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Language evidence where required
- ✓ Motivation statement where required
Master's applicants
- ✓ Bachelor's degree
- ✓ University transcripts
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Language evidence where required
- ✓ CV or motivation letter where required
4. French student visa
Students coming to France for studies lasting more than 90 days generally need to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa unless their nationality or circumstances provide an exemption.
France-Visas is the official portal for determining the visa requirements that apply to an individual's circumstances.
A student visa application can involve:
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Proof of admission or enrolment
- ✓ Campus France documentation where applicable
- ✓ Proof of financial resources
- ✓ Accommodation information
- ✓ Visa application form and supporting documents
- ✓ Biometric information
5. Proof of financial resources in 2026
Financial evidence is an important part of the French student visa process.
From 1 August 2026, the minimum amount specified for student visa applicants is €877.50 per month.
2026 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT
€877.50
Minimum monthly financial resources specified for French student visa applicants from 1 August 2026.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, acceptable evidence may include personal funds, scholarship evidence or appropriate sponsorship and financial documentation.
Applicants should always check the current requirements and acceptable evidence before submitting their application.
6. Can a parent or another person sponsor the student?
International students may receive financial support from parents, relatives or other sponsors, depending on the requirements applicable to their application.
Where another person is providing financial support, the applicant should be prepared to demonstrate the relationship, the sponsor's ability to provide the funds and the source of the financial support where required.
A strong sponsorship file should be consistent.
The sponsor letter, bank evidence, income evidence and explanation of the student's financial arrangements should tell the same story.
7. Accommodation in France
Students should make accommodation arrangements early, particularly when travelling to major university cities.
Examples of accommodation evidence may include:
- ✓ University residence confirmation
- ✓ CROUS accommodation documentation
- ✓ Rental agreement
- ✓ Temporary accommodation booking
- ✓ Host or guarantor documentation where applicable
8. Health insurance and healthcare
Students should understand the healthcare arrangements that apply to their immigration status and course.
International students should also check whether any private insurance is required during the visa or arrival process and complete the relevant registration procedures after arriving in France.
9. What happens after arriving in France?
Getting the visa is not necessarily the end of the process. Depending on the type of visa issued, students may have additional steps to complete after arriving in France.
Students should be prepared to:
- ✓ Complete any required visa validation procedure
- ✓ Register with the appropriate authorities where required
- ✓ Complete university registration
- ✓ Arrange healthcare and other administrative matters
- ✓ Keep their immigration documents safe and up to date
10. Can international students work while studying?
International students in France may have limited permission to work while studying, subject to French immigration rules.
However, students should not treat part-time employment as a substitute for demonstrating the required financial resources when applying for a visa.
IMPORTANT
Secure your finances before you travel.
The ability to work after arrival does not remove the need to meet the financial requirements of the student visa application.
11. Common mistakes students should avoid
FRANCE STUDY CHECKLIST
Before applying for a French student visa
Final thoughts
France can offer international students an attractive combination of higher education opportunities, cultural experience and access to a large European economy.
But a successful study plan requires more than receiving an admission letter. Students should prepare their finances, accommodation and immigration documents carefully and make sure that the information in their application is consistent.
Most importantly, applicants should always verify the latest requirements before applying because immigration rules and financial thresholds can change.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This article is provided by Jamestuns Trading Venture for general informational purposes only. Immigration rules, financial requirements, visa fees and application procedures can change. This information should not be treated as legal or immigration advice. Applicants should check the latest official requirements before submitting an application.