How much does a France student visa cost?

For a France student visa, the consular fee is €99. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Student long-stay visa (VLS-TS) — €99; French government scholarship holders — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Campus France procedure fee — €99; TLScontact service fee — €40; VLS-TS online validation after arrival — €150. French government and some EU programme scholarship holders are exempt from the visa fee. Budget for the Campus France fee and the post-arrival VLS-TS validation tax on top of the €99 visa fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a France student visa take to process?

A decision on a France student visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a France student visa?

Campus France procedure first, then TLScontact or VFS Global to submit biometrics for the long-stay VLS-TS student visa. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a France student visa?

The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas long-stay application form and receipt; Campus France (Études en France) attestation, where applicable; 2 biometric photos; Letter of admission from the French institution; Proof of financial means (approx. €615/month); Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months; Health insurance for the first arrival period; Academic transcripts and diplomas; Proof of tuition payment (private institutions); Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a France student visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

France student visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the France student visa — used for enrolling on a course, degree programme or exchange semester. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the France consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€99

Typical decision

15 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a France student visa

Campus France procedure first, then TLScontact or VFS Global to submit biometrics for the long-stay VLS-TS student visa.

Required documents

Valid passport
France-Visas long-stay application form and receipt
Campus France (Études en France) attestation, where applicable
2 biometric photos
Letter of admission from the French institution
Proof of financial means (approx. €615/month)
Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months
Health insurance for the first arrival period
Academic transcripts and diplomas
Proof of tuition payment (private institutions)
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Student long-stay visa (VLS-TS)€99
French government scholarship holdersFree
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Campus France procedure fee€99— Charged separately by Campus France in most countries.
TLScontact service fee€40
VLS-TS online validation after arrival€150— Reduced rate for students since 1 May 2026 (standard rate €350).

French government and some EU programme scholarship holders are exempt from the visa fee. Budget for the Campus France fee and the post-arrival VLS-TS validation tax on top of the €99 visa fee.

Booking an appointment

Most applicants must complete the Études en France / Campus France process before the visa appointment. Book the appointment via France-Visas once Campus France validates your file.

Practical tips

Start Campus France early — the interview and file validation add 3–6 weeks before you can even book the visa appointment.

What is unusual about the France process

The VLS-TS must be validated online within 3 months of arrival in France. Since 1 May 2026 students pay the reduced residence tax of €150 at validation (standard rate is €350). Without validation the visa stops working as a residence permit.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — France Visa Application Centre – London
Suite 18, Exhibition House, Ground floor, Addison Bridge Place, London W14 8XP
No consular districts — UK residents may use any of the three centres. Submission by appointment 08:30–15:30.
Edinburgh — France Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
Manchester — France Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official France consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a France student visa cost?: For a France student visa, the consular fee is €99. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Student long-stay visa (VLS-TS) — €99; French government scholarship holders — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Campus France procedure fee — €99; TLScontact service fee — €40; VLS-TS online validation after arrival — €150. French government and some EU programme scholarship holders are exempt from the visa fee. Budget for the Campus France fee and the post-arrival VLS-TS validation tax on top of the €99 visa fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a France student visa take to process?: A decision on a France student visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a France student visa?: Campus France procedure first, then TLScontact or VFS Global to submit biometrics for the long-stay VLS-TS student visa. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a France student visa?: The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas long-stay application form and receipt; Campus France (Études en France) attestation, where applicable; 2 biometric photos; Letter of admission from the French institution; Proof of financial means (approx. €615/month); Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months; Health insurance for the first arrival period; Academic transcripts and diplomas; Proof of tuition payment (private institutions); Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a France student visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Most applicants must complete the Études en France / Campus France process before the visa appointment. Book the appointment via France-Visas once Campus France validates your file.
Can I apply for a France student visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇫🇷 France student visa: requirements, fee and processing time