FR
France · Visa de Long Sejour valant Titre de Sejour - Etudiant · apply online · processing 14-60 days
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.
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.
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.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APS / RECE (Recherche d'Emploi ou Creation d'Entreprise) | Job seeker | 12 mo | Masters | Unrestricted | No |
| 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. |
| 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 |
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.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
clarified VLS-TS duration, variable country procedure and current CVEC in public text (https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2231?lang=fr) (https://cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr/).
Your feedback has been submitted. We read every message.
You've reached the page limit for guests. Signing up is free.
Already have an account? Log in