Independent · Updated 2026 · Official sources cited
VisaViews
All Countries Tourist Visas Student Visas Work Visas PR & Immigration Browse by Continent Embassies Guides & News Contact
FR · Student Visa

France: Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)

Study in France with low public tuition; the visa acts as a residence permit once validated.

Visa fee: EUR 99 Processing time: A few weeks Validity: 1 year, renewable as a residence permit Entry: Multiple
Quick answer

The France Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) is for student visitors — Costs EUR 99, takes A few weeks.

Visa fee EUR 99
Processing time A few weeks
Validity 1 year, renewable as a residence permit
Entry Multiple

Last reviewed September 2026 · figures indicative, verify with the official source.

Overview

The VLS-TS étudiant is the long-stay student visa. Public universities charge modest fees, and the visa is validated online to serve as a residence permit for the year.

Eligibility

  • Enrolment at a recognised institution
  • Proof of funds (~€615/month)
  • Accommodation in France
  • Campus France procedure (many countries)

Required documents

  • Admission letter
  • Proof of financial means
  • Accommodation proof
  • Passport and photos

How to apply

  1. Complete the Campus France / France-Visas steps
  2. Attend your visa appointment
  3. Travel to France and validate the visa online
  4. Pay the OFII tax

Work rights & conditions

Up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full-time).
Verify

Please verify before applying. Fees, processing times and rules change frequently and can vary by nationality. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official government source. Official source: france-visas.gouv.fr.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the France student visa cost? ＋

The Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) costs EUR 99 (+ OFII validation fee). Fees are indicative and can change — always confirm the current amount on the official source.

How long does the France student visa take to process? ＋

Typical processing time is A few weeks. Times vary by nationality, season and how complete your application is.

How long can I stay on the France student visa? ＋

This visa generally allows a stay of 1 year, renewable as a residence permit. Entry type: Multiple.

Can I work on the France student visa? ＋

Up to 964 hours per year (about 60% of full-time).

Who is eligible for the France student visa? ＋

Enrolment at a recognised institution. Proof of funds (~€615/month). Accommodation in France. Campus France procedure (many countries).

Where do I apply for the France student visa? ＋

Applications are made through the official government portal. VisaViews links directly to the official source on this page so you always start in the right place.

Student visas in other countries

Australia AUD 1,600 Canada CAD 150 China Varies by nationality Germany EUR 75 Hong Kong HKD 230 Ireland EUR 60 + IRP EUR 300 Italy EUR 116 (approx.) Japan JPY 3,000 Malaysia From ~RM 1,000 (EMGS + pass) Netherlands EUR 228 (approx.) New Zealand NZD 375 Norway NOK 6,300 (approx.) Portugal EUR 90 (visa) + residence fees Qatar From QAR 500 (varies) Saudi Arabia Varies Singapore SGD 90 (SGD 30 application + SGD 60 issuance) South Korea USD 60 (approx.) Spain EUR 80 (approx.) Sweden SEK 1,500 Switzerland CHF 88 (approx.) Turkey Card + fee (varies) United Arab Emirates From AED 3,000 (varies) United Kingdom GBP 524 (from outside the UK) United States USD 185
Compare all student visas →

Other France visas

Tourist / Visit

Schengen Short-Stay Visa

EUR 90

Work / Skilled

Talent Passport / Work Visa

From EUR 99+ (route-dependent)

PR / Immigration

Long-Term Resident Card

EUR 225 (approx.)
Apply

Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)

From EUR 99 · + OFII validation fee

Start your application Official government page