France Visa Checklist for Indian students applying for a student visa:

1. Completed Long Stay Visa Application Form
● You must fill out the long-stay visa application form for students (form
VLS-TS).
● Available on the France Visa Application Center or France consulate
website.
● The form must be filled out accurately with all required details, including
personal information, planned stay in France, and academic program
details.

2. Passport
● Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your
intended stay in France.
● Must have at least two blank pages.
● Include a photocopy of the passport data page.

3. Passport-Sized Photographs
● Provide two recent passport-sized photographs.
● Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
● The photos should meet the Schengen visa photo requirements (neutral
background, clear face, no shadows).

4. Proof of Admission (Acceptance Letter)
● Provide an official acceptance letter from the French institution where
you will be studying.
● The letter should include the name of the program and details about the
duration, tuition fees, and your personal details.

5. Proof of Financial Resources
● You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your
stay in France.
● The required amount is €615 per month for living expenses.
● Acceptable proof of financial means includes:

○ Bank statements (last 3 months).
○ Scholarship letter (if applicable).
○ Sponsorship letter from parents or guardians.
○ Student loan documents.

6. Accommodation Proof
● Provide proof of accommodation in France, such as:
○ University dormitory confirmation.
○ Private rental agreement.
○ Hotel booking or host family letter (if applicable).

7. Health Insurance
● You must have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses
during your stay in France.
● You can opt for French health insurance or provide proof of an equivalent
insurance policy.
● The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in France.

8. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
● A Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to study in France, your
motivations, and how the program aligns with your future career goals.
● This is a personal essay that highlights your academic background,
interests, and career aspirations.

9. Academic Documents
● Copies of your academic certificates and transcripts.
● Include your previous degree certificates (such as Bachelor’s) and any
other relevant educational documents.

10. Language Proficiency Proof
● If you are applying for a program taught in French, provide proof of
French language proficiency (e.g., DELF/DALF certificate).
● If applying for an English-taught program, you may need to submit
TOEFL or IELTS scores, depending on the program’s requirements.

11. Travel Itinerary
● Provide a detailed travel itinerary with flight reservations showing your
planned entry and exit dates in France.

12. Visa Application Fee Receipt
● Pay the visa application fee (approximately €50 for a long-stay student
visa).
● Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

13. Accommodation/Travel Health Insurance
● You need to provide proof of valid travel or health insurance that covers
you during your entire stay in France.
● Make sure the insurance covers medical care, repatriation, and emergency
assistance.
Additional Documents (if applicable)
● Previous French visa copies (if any).
● Visa refusal history (if applicable).
● Family/Guardian consent letter for applicants under 18 (if applicable).

 

Various Types of French Student Visas
Here, we will outline the different types of French Study Visas that Indian
students can apply for:

1. Short Stay Visa
The Schengen visa, often referred to as a short-stay visa, allows students
to visit France for up to 90 days. It can be used for academic purposes,

language courses, or internships. This visa grants free movement within
the 26 Schengen countries, including France. Students opting for
short-term education can apply for this visa.

 

2. Long Stay Visa
Long-term visas are necessary for research projects, extended courses,
and undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs in France. This visa
allows students to live and study in France for a longer period and is
essential to fully engage in the educational experience.

France VFS Visa Checklist
The new VFS procedure simplifies the student visa application process, reducing
the need for multiple documents and their respective proofs. After learning about
the various types of student visas for studying in France, let’s move on to the
detailed France student visa checklist to ensure everything is in order before
applying for your France VFS visa.

1. Valid Passport and Travel Documents
Here are the requirements for a valid passport:
● There should be at least two blank pages in your passport.
● The passport should be issued within the last ten years.
● The passport must remain valid for at least six months after your trip.
● If you have old passports, make sure to include them as well.
● Travel documents should have at least three months of validity beyond
your intended stay.

2. Passport Photos
You need to provide two recent passport-sized photos with a white
background. The photos must meet the size and other specifications
outlined by the French VFS (check photo requirements). Also, include a
photocopy of your passport (first and last pages) and any previous US, UK,
or Schengen visas with immigration stamps from the last five years.

3. OFII Attestation
If you plan to study for more than six months, you need to submit a signed
and filled OFII attestation.

4. Confirmed Flight Tickets
You need to show proof of flight bookings to and from France.

5. Sponsor Proof
Provide a cover letter, ID proof, bank statements from the last three

months, tax returns for the last three years, and recent payslips for your
sponsor. The cover letter should include details about the sponsor’s
financial and professional situation.

6. Accommodation Proof
Provide evidence of where you’ll be staying in France. This could be a
rental agreement or a confirmation letter from the university about your
accommodation. Ensure it covers the first three months. If accommodation
is provided by someone at no charge, include their ID, property
documents, and recent tax papers.

7. Visa Fee Payment Proof
Before applying, ensure you pay the visa fee and submit proof of payment.
This must include the admission letter detailing the course duration and
applicable fees. If possible, provide a receipt of 50% or full payment of the
tuition fees.

8. Travel Medical Insurance
You must have travel insurance covering at least the first three months of
your stay. It’s advisable to get comprehensive medical insurance for your
entire stay in France to cover unforeseen medical expenses.

9. Academic Transcripts
Submit your academic transcripts, including original and copies of your
latest degree or diploma. These documents should reflect your educational
qualifications and be supported by the admission letter from your
institution.

10. French Scholarship
If you are a recipient of a French government scholarship, provide the
required attestation verifying the scholarship amount and duration.

11.Covering Letter and CV
Write a covering letter detailing the purpose of your trip, course motivation,
sponsors, and duration of stay. Include your CV that highlights your
academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and
skills.

12. Proof of Sufficient Funds

It’s essential to demonstrate you have enough funds to support yourself
during your stay in France. This includes bank statements, deposit
certificates, or other financial documents. The minimum requirement is
€1000 per month, or €300 per month if accommodation is provided for free.

13. French Institute Registration Certificate
Include the registration certificate from your French institution, specifying
the course duration.

14. Language Proficiency Scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
You may need to submit language test results such as IELTS, TOEFL, or
PTE, depending on the language of instruction for your course. Be sure to
include original and photocopies of all relevant documents.