Studying in France is a way of living for many Indian youth. France has some of the best universities in the world and offers an affordable option for higher education, as well as the opportunity for working on an international basis.
If you intend to study in France in 2026, the first step is to understand how to apply for a France student visa. Here, Golden Future has prepared a complete guide that answers all of your questions about France visa for Indian students, including the types of France study visa, what documents you need to obtain one, total fees and the estimated time it will take before you receive your visa, and our best recommendations for avoiding being refused a visa.
|
Visa Type |
Who Should Apply |
Validity |
|---|---|---|
|
Short-Stay Student Visa |
Short courses, summer programs, training courses (less than 90 days) |
Up to 90 days |
|
Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, diploma or long-term programs |
More than 90 days |
|
Visa for Language/Foundation Courses |
French language or foundation programs before main degree |
Based on course duration |
Most Indian students apply for the Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS).
Students from India will need the following in order to obtain their VFS student visa for France: Examinations must have been taken (completed) before applying for the France Student Visa.
1) Completion of necessary education (e.g., a high school diploma or a university degree, etc.) from an accredited institution.
2) A letter of acceptance from a French educational institution (university, etc.).
In addition to the above, applicants will also need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of tuition and monthly living expenses while on a France visa for Indian students. Currently, applicants must prove that they have an income of at least €615/month.
Regarding the language requirement: If you are applying for a program taught in English, you will need to show proof of English language proficiency through either an IELTS exam or another type of assessment that the university accepts; however, if the university does not require an English language assessment for admission purposes, then applicants do not have to provide IELTS results as part of their visa application.
Alternatively, if the program is taught in French, applicants will be required to demonstrate that they understand the French language (DEL/F's, DAL/F's, or other proprietary/internal assessments).
To apply for a student visa, you must submit the following documents:
|
Type of Payment |
Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
|
Visa Fee for Students from France |
€ 99 (approx.) |
|
Campus France Fee |
₹ 18,000 - ₹ 20,000 |
|
Charges for the VFS Service (Visa Facilitation Services) |
₹ 2,000 - ₹ 3,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
₹ 4,000 - ₹ 6,000 |
Annual changes in all fees may occur. Golden Future shares periodic updates with students about all official fee updates as they become available.
You must obtain an acceptance letter from your chosen University in France to begin the France student visa process.
You will create an account and complete the application for your Campus France and submit all required documents via the Online Campus France Profile. You will also schedule an appointment for Campus France to conduct your interview.
Once you have successfully completed your Campus France Registration and received an acceptance letter, you will complete the application for your France Study Visa Online.
You will schedule an appointment with the VFS of your nearest VFS office.
You will deliver all required documentation in accordance with France Student Visa Requirements at your VFS appointment.
You may be required to attend a Visa Interview.
You will receive a letter or Email/Message that your France visa has been granted or not.
Start your visa application process at least three to four months before your travel date.
Do NOT submit a France visa for indian students
Documents That Are Unclear or Could Be Interpreted as Fraudulent.
Do NOT Submit Last-Minute Visa Applications.
Seek Assistance From A Golden Future Expert When Filling Out Your Application Forms.
Not having enough financial support
Weak or unclear SOPs (substantial proof of purpose)
Missing or incorrect documentation
Course does not match document
Golden Future helps with reducing rejection by meeting all of the necessary requirements for obtaining a France student visa accurately.
Golden Future will give you all the help you need in obtaining a France student visa from beginning to the end. From course selection to documentation preparation and application submission, they are committed to making your application process as easy as possible.
As a bonus, they also guide you through Campus France procedures and help you know what your chances are clearly.
1. Do I need to take the IELTS test in order to obtain my French student visa?
The IELTS test is only necessary if your university requires it.
2. Can Indian students work on their French student visa?
Indian students are permitted to work while studying in France as long as they do not exceed 20 hours a week.
3. How much money do I need to show in my bank account in order to get my French student visa?
Approximately [Euro] 615 per month plus tuition fees.
4. Am I required to register with Campus France before obtaining my French student visa?
Campus France registration is required for most long-term degree programs.
5. Can my French student visa be renewed if I wish to continue studying in France after I complete my current degree program?
Yes, it is possible to renew your student visa if you wish to continue studying in France.
From 2026 onwards, Indian students will get good options for France for quality education, for global exposure, and for successful careers. France student visa for Indian students is simple, if they have good grasp and planning regarding France student visa requirements.
Dreams of studying abroad get one step closer with the French student visa process. Golden Future promises reliability and support for the process.