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 programs lasting 4 months to 1 year. Functions as both visa and residence permit after online validation within 3 months of arrival. Requires Campus France registration in many countries. Public university tuition remains highly subsidized compared to Anglophone countries.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Subsidized
- Tuition range
- $206 – $4,560/year
- Proof of funds
- $8,540/month
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities: EU/EEA students pay EUR 178/yr (licence) or EUR 254/yr (master). Non-EU students pay differentiated fees of EUR 2,895/yr (licence) or EUR 3,941/yr (master) since 2019. Many universities grant partial exemptions to non-EU students. Grandes ecoles and private institutions charge EUR 5,000-20,000+/yr.
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 | 20 hrs | 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 | $58 | One time |
| CVEC (Student Life Contribution) | Registration | $121 | Per year |
| VLS-TS Online Validation Tax | Registration | $69 | 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
Campus France registration (Etudes en France / EEF procedure) is mandatory for applicants from 40+ countries. VLS-TS must be validated online via ANEF within 3 months of arrival. OFII medical examination may be required. Since 2019, non-EU students pay differentiated tuition, but many universities grant exemptions.
Also in France
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source