- Proof of funds (USD) 8540 688
- Application fee (USD) 58 not set
- Fees updated
- Post-study options updated
clarified VLS-TS duration, variable country procedure and current CVEC in public text (service-public.fr) (cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr).
FR
VLS-TS Etudiant (Long-Stay Student Visa)
Active
Post-study work
France · Visa de Long Sejour valant Titre de Sejour - Etudiant · apply online · processing 14-60 days
Tuition
$0k–4k
per year
Work during study
20 hrs/week
vacations: Unlimited
Post-study work
12 months
Proof of funds
$688
per month
Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 5 years
Overview
- Country
- France
- Visa name
- VLS-TS Etudiant (Long-Stay Student Visa)
- Local name
- Visa de Long Sejour valant Titre de Sejour - Etudiant
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
France's main student visa for non-EU students pursuing studies longer than three months. The VLS-TS is issued for 4 months to 1 year and functions as a residence permit after online validation within 3 months of arrival. Applicants from Études en France countries complete that procedure; requirements vary by nationality.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Subsidized
- Tuition range
- $199 – $4,418/year
- Proof of funds
- $688/month
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
For 2026/2027, public institutions charge EU/EEA/Swiss students EUR 178/year for Licence and EUR 255/year for Master. Non-EU students generally pay differentiated rates of EUR 2,902/year for Licence and EUR 3,950/year for Master at covered public institutions; exemptions and institutional fee policies vary. Doctoral fees are EUR 398/year and are not differentiated. Private institutions and some programs set higher fees.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
964 hours per year maximum (approximately 20 hours per week). This represents 60% of the legal annual working time in France (1,607 hours). No separate work permit needed. Applies year-round with no distinction between term time and holidays.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS / RECE (Recherche d'Emploi ou Creation d'Entreprise) | Job seeker | 12 mo | Masters | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELF/DALF | Admission | French | B2 | DELF B2 or DALF C1/C2 required for French-taught programs at public universities. TCF-DAP also accepted for undergraduate admission (minimum B2). Some universities accept TCF or TEF. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | Required for English-taught programs. Score varies by institution: 6.0-7.0 typical range. TOEFL iBT 80-100 also accepted. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $56 | One time |
| CVEC (Student Life Contribution) | Registration | $117 | Per year |
| VLS-TS Online Validation Tax | Registration | $56 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children. Spouse applies for VLS-TS Vie Privee et Familiale.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Spouse with Vie Privee et Familiale residence permit has unrestricted work access.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 5 years
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Via
- Campus France
- Processing
- 14-60 days
- Interview
- Required
- Official site
- france-visas.gouv.fr
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Visa charges vary by country: France-Visas indicates EUR 50 for countries using Études en France and EUR 99 for other countries, with possible special rates or exemptions. VLS-TS validation via ANEF is due within 3 months and the validation tax is EUR 50. Public differentiated tuition rates and exemptions depend on degree, student status, and institution. The 2026/2027 CVEC is EUR 105, subject to exemptions.
Also in France
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source