Education in France for US citizenship

Do you need a student visa for France?

• If you are an EU citizen or a citizen of the EA, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you do not need a French student visa. Instead, you will only need a valid passport or other valid ID to legally study in France.
• If you are a citizen of anywhere in the world, you will need to obtain a student visa to France to be able to start your studies.

What type of French student visa will you need?

There are several types of French student visas, and the one you need will differ depending on how long you plan to study in France.

Schengen student visa (short-term)

If your studies will last less than three months and you are sure that you will extend your stay in the country, you should apply for a short-term or Schengen student visa.

Schengen student visa is issued free of charge and cannot be extended.

Visa to take entrance exams

If you need to travel to France to take one or more university entrance exams, you can apply for a visade court séjour étudiant concours, which simply means a visa to take entrance exams. If you sit for and pass the exam, you are eligible to apply for a renewable one-year residence permit. For more information, please contact the admissions office of the French educational institution you wish to study at.

Temporary long-term visa

Visa de long séjour temporaire pour études is a temporary student visa that allows you to study in France for up to six months. With this student visa to France, you do not need to apply for a residence permit separately.

Long-term visa

Known as Visa de long sejour pour études or VLT-TS for an extended stay, a long-term visa is what you need if you want to study in France for more than six months. This visa acts as a residence permit and is valid for the duration of your studies (usually three years for a bachelor's degree, two years for a master's program, and four years for a PhD)

PLEASE NOTE that Algerian nationals do not need a VLS-TS but are subject to other provisions. For more information, please contact your institution or the French consulate/embassy in your country.

How to apply for a student visa to France?

You need to apply for a French student visa through Campus France, the country's official national agency for higher education and international students. You would also have to use Campus France to apply to your chosen French institutions through the CEF procedure. Check out this list of countries, to find out if you need to apply for a visa and entry in this way.

If your country of origin is not listed in the above link, you are responsible for both your university application and your student visa application.

Required documents

• Passport photo
• Valid foreign passport
• Letter of admission to the university where you are studying
• Certificate of entry into the EEF (Accord préalable d'Inscription)
• EEF number (ZA21-XXXXX-PXX)
• Proof of temporary residence in France
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in France (equivalent to 615 euros per month for the duration of your stay in France)
• Proof of residence in France, such as a lease agreement, electricity bill, title deed, etc. A minimum of three months or a hotel reservation
• Proof of health insurance with coverage valid in France
• Completed visa application form
• Receipt of payment of the visa fee

Do I need to provide a bank statement?

• If you plan to present your funds by providing a copy of your bank statement, you will need to provide a copy of a three-month bank statement for the first year of study.
• If you are receiving funding from multiple sponsors, each sponsor must provide an A4 sponsorship letter, as well as bank statements, previous year's income tax return, 3 months of salary statements, and an ID.
• If you are receiving a scholarship or grant, you must provide a certificate indicating the amount and duration of the grant on the letterhead of the organization providing it. If you are relying on a guarantor, your guarantor must provide a signed statement of financial responsibility, a photocopy of the guarantor's national identity card, and proof of the guarantor's own financial resources (e.g., three recent pay stubs and the guarantor's most recent tax return).

IMPORTANT! Only after you have been accepted to participate in the program at a French institution, you will be eligible to apply for a student visa to France.

As a foreigner staying in France for the purpose of studying, you usually need to obtain a student permit, also known as a residence permit or titre de séjour étudiant, to reside in the country legally. A student permit is an official document that allows you to stay in France for the duration of your studies;

Visa regime

Students from countries outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EA) and Switzerland are generally required to apply for a long-term student visa (visa de long séjour pour études) before entering France.

A long-term student visa is valid as an entry visa and allows you to stay in France for more than 90 days.

Upon arrival in France, you will need to confirm your long-term student visa and obtain a student permit.

Application process

1. To obtain a student permit, you will usually need to visit your local prefecture or the nearest French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFIl) within the first few months after your arrival in France.

2. The application process may vary depending on your specific circumstances, but generally involves submitting the required documents, filling out an application form, and paying the appropriate fees.

3. The required documents may include a passport, visa, proof of enrollment in a recognized French university, proof of financial means, proof of housing, health insurance, and sometimes a recent photograph.

Validity and renewal period

An initial residence permit is usually issued for the period of studying under an academic program.

You may need to apply for an extension before the permit expires if you plan to continue your studies in France or if the duration of your program exceeds the validity of the initial permit.

The renewal process should be started in advance and you will need to provide updated documentation to prove your continued study and financial solvency.

Terms and conditions

A student permit allows you to legally reside in France for the purpose of studying.

It provides you with certain rights, such as access to healthcare, the ability to work limited hours, and the right to certain student benefits.

It is important to comply with the terms and conditions specified in your student permit, for example, to continue your studies in your academic program and to update your contact information with the authorities

In France, there are preparatory programs for applicants, also known as "preparatory classes" or "prépas", which are designed to provide intensive academic preparation for future students. These programs are highly valued and aim to prepare students for competitive entrance exams to prestigious French higher education institutions, especially in the fields of science, technology and business;

Preparatory courses for large schools (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles, CPGE)

CPGE programs are highly selective and are usually offered in high school or specialized institutions

They focus on rigorous academic work and preparation for entrance exams to prestigious engineering schools (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles d'Ingénieurs) or business schools (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles de Commerce).

CPGE programs typically last two years and are known for their demanding curriculum and competitive environment.

BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) and DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie)

The BTS and DUT programs are two-year professional courses offered by French higher education institutions.

These programs provide practical and technical training in various fields such as business, engineering, computer science, tourism, etc.

The BTS and DUT programs focus on preparing students for specific professions and may include internships or apprenticeships.

First year programs

Some French universities and institutions offer first-year programs for international students who need additional academic preparation before entering a higher education institution.

These programs are designed to bridge the gap between secondary education in their home country and the requirements of the French higher education system.

The first-year programs provide language training, specialized coursework, and academic support to prepare students for their undergraduate studies.

Language and cultural programs

Language and cultural programs are available for international students who want to improve their French language skills and get acquainted with French culture before starting their studies.

These programs can be offered by language schools, universities, or cultural institutes and can last from a few weeks to several months.

Language and cultural programs aim to improve students' language proficiency, cultural understanding, and academic readiness.

What is the admission process for preparatory programs?

The admission process for preparatory programs in France, such as Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles (CPGE), BTS (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur), DUT (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie) and first-year programs, may vary depending on the specific program and institution.

General steps to apply:

1 Research and select programs.

Research and identify degree programs that match your academic interests and goals.

Take into account factors such as program length, specialization, location, admission requirements, and the reputation of the institution offering the program

2. Check the admission requirements

Check out the specific admission requirements for each program you are interested in.

Check if there are any pre-requisites, such as academic qualifications, language tests, or entrance exams.

3. Gather the necessary documents.

Prepare the necessary documents for the application, which may include:

• A completed application form (provided by the educational institution).
• Academic certificates and diplomas of previous studies.
• Language certificates, if any.
• Passport-size photos.
• Personal statement or motivation letter explaining your interest in the program.
• Letters of recommendation, if required.

4. Submit an application.

Check whether the institution requires you to apply online through its portal or send physical copies of documents.

5. Entrance exams.

Some preparatory programs, especially CPGE, may require entrance exams as part of the selection process.

Prepare for and take the required entrance exams, if applicable. The format and content of these exams may vary depending on the program and institution.

6. Attend interviews (if necessary).

Some preparatory programs may require an interview as part of the admission process.

If you are invited, attend the interview and prepare for it by studying the program and expressing your motivation and eligibility for the program.

7. Wait for the enrollment decision.

After submitting your application and passing all the required exams and interviews, wait for the institution to inform you of its admission decision.

This can take several weeks or months, depending on the program and the institution.

8. Acceptance and enrollment.

If you have received an offer of admission, please read the instructions and deadlines for enrollment carefully.

Follow the institution's instructions to secure a place in the program by submitting the necessary documents for admission and paying all required fees

France offers a number of scholarships and financial aid to support international students pursuing higher education in the country. These programs aim to promote educational exchange and attract talented students from around the world.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarships

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is offered by the Ministry of Europe of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attract international students to study at master's and doctoral programs in France.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and other benefits.

Candidates are nominated by French higher education institutions and applications are submitted through these institutions.

Requirements Eiffel Excellence Scholarships

1. Citizenship.

• Candidates do not have to be French citizens.
• Persons with dual citizenship, one of which is French, are not eligible to participate in the program.

2. Level of training.

• Eiffel scholarships are available for master's (including engineering) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs.
• Applications for bachelor's programs are not accepted

3. Field of study.

• The scholarship program covers a wide range of fields of study, including engineering, economics and management, law, political science, etc.
• Eligible sectors are determined by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

4. Academic performance.

• Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
• They must be in good academic standing and meet the minimum GPA requirements set by the program.

5. Admission to French educational institutions.

• Candidates must have applied or be enrolled in a French higher education institution offering the relevant program.
• Proof of admission or enrollment must be provided as part of the application.

6. Knowledge of the language.

• You need to be proficient in French or English, depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program.
• Specific language requirements may vary from institution to institution and program to program.

7. Age.

• For master's programs, candidates must be under 30 years old at the time of application.
• For postgraduate studies, candidates must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.

8. Obligations.

• Candidates are expected to commit to returning to their home country after completing their studies in France.
• They should contribute to the development and promotion of their country.

Submitting an application

To apply for an Eiffel Scholarship, follow these general steps:

1. Identify the master's or doctoral program you wish to pursue in France. Make sure that the program meets the Eiffel Scholarship criteria. Consult the official Eiffel Scholarship website or the French embassy or consulate in your country for a list of eligible programs.

2. Prepare the necessary documents.

Common documents include:

• Completed application form: Fill out the application form available on the official Eiffel Scholarship website.
• Curriculum vitae (CV): Prepare a comprehensive CV that highlights your educational background, research experience, and any relevant accomplishments.
• Motivation letter: Write a convincing letter explaining why you want to study in France, what your academic goals are, and how the Eiffel Scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Letters of recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic ability and potential.
• Academic transcripts and diplomas: Submit official transcripts and copies of diplomas from previous educational institutions.
• Certificate of language proficiency: Provide proof of your proficiency in French or English, depending on the language of instruction of your chosen program Proof of admission or enrollment: Enclose an official letter of acceptance or enrollment from the French higher education institution offering the relevant
• Passport: Provide a copy of your passport or other identification document.
  
• Research project proposal (for PhD candidates): if you are applying for a PhD program, prepare a research project proposal describing your planned topic and research methodology.

3. Gather all the necessary documents and submit your application by the deadline. The application process may vary depending on the French institution offering the program

Apply online, by email or by post, following the instructions provided by the institution.

4. The selection committee evaluates candidates based on their academic excellence, potential for research or professional development, and commitment to their country. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or additional assessment, depending on the institution's procedures.

5. Upon completion of the selection process, the institution administering the scholarship will notify the applicants of the results.

6. If you are awarded an Eiffel Scholarship, you will receive an official notification outlining the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

Erasmus+ scholarships

The Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, provides scholarships and mobility opportunities for students studying at European universities, including those in France.

It supports both short-term and long-term educational exchanges, allowing students to experience different European countries while receiving financial assistance.

Requirements for obtaining a scholarship Erasmus+

Specific requirements for Erasmus scholarships may differ from one institution to another and from one country to another.

General criteria for foreign students to receive scholarships under the Erasmus+ program:

1. Registered at an institution participating in the Erasmus+ program.

• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at a higher education institution participating in the Erasmus+ program.
• The institution must have a valid Erasmus+ Charter on Higher Education (ECHE).

2. Citizenship.

• You must be a citizen of a country participating in the Erasmus+ program.
• Erasmus+ is open to students from EU member states, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, EU candidate countries and some partner countries outside Europe.

3. Academic eligibility.

• You must be enrolled in a study program at your educational institution.

4. Knowledge of the language.

• You must have the necessary language skills to participate in academic activities at the host institution.
• The required level of language proficiency may vary depending on the language of instruction at the host institution and the curriculum.

5. Mobility period:

• The Erasmus+ program offers both short-term (several months) and long-term (up to one academic year) study or internship opportunities.
• You must be ready and able to undergo a period of mobility abroad, either for study or internship, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program.

Submitting an application

To apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship, follow these general steps:

1. Contact your school.

• Contact the international department or, Erasmus coordinator at your institution.
• They will provide you with information on available Erasmus+ scholarships, application procedures and deadlines.
• Attend any information sessions or meetings organized by your institution to learn more about the program and the application process.

2. Partner research institutions.

• Study the list of partner institutions with which your university cooperates under the Erasmus+ program.
• Pay attention to factors such as location, courses offered, language of instruction, and available scholarships at each partner institution.
• Consult with the Erasmus coordinator or academic advisor at your institution to identify suitable partner institutions for your studies or internships.

3. Prepare the necessary documents.

specific requirements may vary depending on your institution and the Erasmus program.

• Completed application form: Fill out the application form provided by your school.
• Learning agreement: Prepare a proposed study or internship plan in consultation with your educational institution and the host country.
• Transcript with grades: Provide an official academic transcript from your school.
• Language skills: Provide proof of language proficiency, such as a language certificate or official declaration.
• Motivation letter: Write a personal statement explaining why you want to participate in the Erasmus+ program, your goals and how this experience will benefit you academically and personally.
• Curriculum vitae/resume: Prepare a detailed resume that highlights your education, skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
• Letters of recommendation: Get letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to your academic ability and character.

4. Submit an application

• Fill out the application form and collect all the necessary documents.
• Submit your application to the international office or Erasmus coordinator at your institution by the deadline.
• Make sure that you provide all the required information accurately and comply with the required paperwork rules.

5. The selection process for Erasmus+ scholarships differs from institution to institution. Your application will be evaluated based on factors such as academic performance, language skills, motivation and program relevance

6. After completing the selection process, you will receive a notification of the results from the international department of your institution or the Erasmus coordinator.

7. If you are awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship, you will receive further instructions on the next steps, including signing the Grant Agreement.

Campus France scholarships

• Campus France, a government agency that promotes French higher education, offers scholarships specifically for international students.
• These scholarships are available at various levels of study, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
• Eligibility criteria and application process may vary depending on the scholarship program.

Requirements

The requirements for Campus France scholarships may vary depending on the specific program or scholarship you are applying for.

General requirements for receiving Campus France scholarships:

1. Citizenship.

• Campus France scholarships are usually available for students from countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland.
• Specific countries may vary depending on the scholarship program

2. Level of training

• Campus France scholarships are available for various levels of study, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.
• Specific scholarship programs may have restrictions or preferences regarding the level of study.

3. Academic performance.

• Candidates must have a strong academic background and demonstrate high academic achievement.

4. Knowledge of the language.

• Depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program, applicants may be required to demonstrate knowledge of French or English.
• The level of language proficiency can be assessed using language tests such as DELF/DALF (French) or TOEFL/IELTS (English).

5. Motivation letter.

• Applicants are usually required to submit a letter of motivation explaining their reasons for studying in France, their academic and career goals, and how the scholarship will contribute to their aspirations

6. Letters of recommendation.

• Some scholarship programs may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or professionals who can attest to their academic ability and character.

7. Financial capabilities.

• Some Campus France scholarships may take into account the financial situation of applicants.
• Candidates may be required to provide proof of their financial capabilities, such as bank statements or other supporting documents

Submitting an application

1. Check out the scholarship programs offered by Campus France on their official website.

• Read the eligibility criteria, requirements, and available funding options for each scholarship program.
• Identify scholarship programs that match your academic goals and meet your selection criteria

2. Prepare the necessary documents.

The specific documents required may vary depending on the scholarship program you are applying for. Common documents may include:

• Completed application form

Fill out the application form provided by Campus France or a specific scholarship program.

• Academic references.

Provide official transcripts or academic transcripts from previous educational institutions.

• Certificates of language proficiency.

Provide proof of your language skills (for example, DELF/DALF for French or TOEFL/IELTS for English)

• Curriculum vitae (CV).

Prepare a detailed resume that highlights your education, skills, work experience, and accomplishments.

• Motivation letter.

Write a personal statement explaining why you want to study in France, your academic goals, and how the scholarship will support your aspirations

• Letters of recommendation.

Obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or professionals who can attest to your academic ability and character.

• Financial documents.

Provide proof of your financial status, including bank statements or other relevant financial documents.

• Passport or identity documents..

Send a copy of your passport or identity dócuments.

3. Fill out the application form and collect all the necessary documents according to the instructions provided by Campus France or the specific schola program.

4. Submit your application through a special online platform or by mail, following the specified deadline.

5. The selection process for Campus France scholarships differs depending on the scholarship program. Your application will be evaluated based on cri academic achievement, language skills, motivation, and program fit.

6. Once the selection process is complete, you will receive notification of the scholarship results from Campus France or the scholarship program prov

7. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will receive further instructions on the next steps and conditions of the scholarship.

International students studying in France have several employment opportunities, including work-study programs, internships, and part-time employment.

Contrat 'Apprentissage or Contra de Professionnalization programs

• Internship programs allow students to combine academic study with practical work experience.
• Students work in the company on a part-time or full-time basis while studying.
• Internship programs are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
• The duration and conditions of the work-study program vary depending on the specific agreement between the student, the educational institution, and the employer.

Internships

• Students can do internships to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• Internships in France can be paid or unpaid, depending on the specific circumstances and company policy.
• Many educational programs in France include a mandatory or recommended internship as part of the curriculum.
• Students can look for internship opportunities through the career services of their educational institution, online job portals, or by contacting companies in their field of interest directly.

Part-time work

• International students in France can work part-time while studying
• Students from countries of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EA) have the same labor rights as French students.
• Students from non-EU/EA countries are generally allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week) without the need to obtain a separate work permit.
• Part-time jobs can be found in various sectors such as hospitality, retail, tutoring, language teaching, and administrative support.
• Students can look for part-time jobs through online job portals, local newspapers, or by contacting businesses located near the school.

Volunteering

• Volunteering can provide valuable experience and contribute to personal and professional development.
• Many organizations in France offer volunteer positions in areas such as community service, social work, environmental protection, and cultural activities.
• Volunteering can be a way to improve your language skills, gain insight into the culture, and build connections in the local community.

France provides a variety of support services and resources to help international students adapt to life in the country.

Medical services

• Many universities in France, such as the University of Paris, have special medical centers on campus, such as the University Health Center (Service Universitaire de Médecine Préventive et de Promotion de la Santé - SUMPPS).
• At SUMPPS, international students can access medical consultations, vaccinations, and health advice.
• SUMPPS also offers specialized services, such as gynecology, psychiatry, and sports medicine, catering to the different needs of students.
• Students are usually required to have health insurance, such as the French student health insurance (Sécurité SocialeÉtudiante), which allows them to use subsidized health services.

Counseling and psychological support

• The University of Strasbourg provides counseling services through its Service Universitaire de Médecine Préventive et de Promotion de la Santé (SUMPPS)
• SUMPPS offers confidential consultations with professional psychologists or counselors who are experienced in dealing with the challenges faced by international students.
• Students can seek support for issues such as homesickness, cultural adaptation, stress management, and academic problems.
• SUMPPS can also organize workshops and group sessions to promote mental wellbeing and personal development.

Orientation programs

• The University of Bordeaux organizes comprehensive orientation programs to help international students upon their arrival.
• The program includes informative sessions on academic policies, administrative procedures and practical aspects of life in France.
• Students receive guidance on visa requirements, residence permits, health insurance, and registration with local authorities.
• The orientation program also includes campus tours, social events, and opportunities to meet other international and local students.

International student associations

• The International Student Association at Sciences Po Paris is a student organization that aims to promote cultural exchange and support international students.
• The association organizes a wide range of activities, such as cultural festivals, language exchange programs, and city tours, to help students integrate into the French community.
• The Association serves as a platform for networking, meeting and participating in social events with students from different countries.

Language support

• The French Language Center at the University of Lyon offers language support services for international students.
• The center offers French language courses adapted to different levels of language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
• Students can join conversation groups, language workshops, and language exchange programs to practice their French language skills and improve their cultural understanding.

Cultural and social integration programs

• The University of Toulouse often organizes cultural events, excursions, and workshops through its international office and student services.
• These programs provide international students with the opportunity to explore French culture, visit historical sites, and participate in social events.
• International students can join organized trips to places such as the Louvre, local vineyards, or participate in intercultural seminars to learn more about French customs and traditions.

International offices and advisors

• The International Relations Department of the University of Grenoble-Alpes offers individual support to international students throughout their studies.
• The office provides advice on administrative procedures, visa issues and accommodation options.
• International advisors are available to answer students' questions, offer assistance with academic issues, and provide referrals to relevant resources