The Council Of European Jamaats

To come here in Paris, you have to consider visas, which are sometimes difficult to obtain. However, the difficulty of obtaining the visa depends on the country where you are coming from. [See Visa and Scholarship document.]

Obtain a visa

Students from outside Europe (that is, students from countries other than the 28 countries of the European Economic Zone, plus Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican) must obtain a long-term visa marked étudiant if they intend to study in France for more than 6 months.
After the first year of study, visas are automatically renewed, provided the student holding the visa is able to produce the required documentation. You will find more information on this web page: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/index.html .

There are three important points you must have in mind:
1.    A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa in France or in any other country of the European Union.

2.    If you plan to complete two programs in succession (such as a program in French as a foreign language, followed by an academic program), obtain admission to both programs before applying for your visa so that your visa will be valid for the duration of your period of study. French visas can not be extended in France.

3.    International students of all nationalities (except European Union nationals) residing in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student residency permit (which is distinct from a visa), within two months of their arrival in France.

If your program is shorter than 6 months, you will receive a temporary student visa. Under no circumstances may temporary student visas be renewed or converted into long-term student visas. A special 3-month visa (marked étudiant-concours) is granted to students travelling to France to sit for an entrance examination or receive preparatory training. Students who pass the examination and are admitted to an institution are entitled to apply for a long-term student visa without returning to their home country. The "étudiant-concours" visa may be used in cases where the student must complete a short period of preparatory training before being admitted to an institution.

No organization, individual, or entity has any role in the visa-granting process, which is the responsibility of the French consular service

Students from outside Europe (that is, students from countries other than the 28 countries of the European Economic Zone, plus Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican) must obtain a long-term visa marked étudiant if they intend to study in France for more than 6 months. After the first year of study, visas are automatically renewed, provided the student holding the visa is able to produce the required documentation.

Non-exhaustive list of document necessary for obtaining a visa

To obtain a visa, make an appointment with the nearest French consulate. We urge you to make early contact with the French consulate in your area. Familiarize yourself with the list of documents to be submitted and note whether they need to be translated or authenticated. Submit only one file, and make sure it is complete in every way. The following list is indicative and may not be exhaustive. Requirements vary from country to country:

1.    A passeport:
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in France.

2.    Proof of admission:
You must furnish either a positive response to your preliminary application for admission or a letter of admission from a public or private institution of higher education. The document must specify your discipline and level of study. Letters of admission from private institutions must specify the number of course hours and certify that tuition has been paid in full.

3.    Proof of financial support:

-The required level of financial resources is set by each embassy. The average is approximately 460 Euros per month.

-Scholarship students must provide documentation on the letterhead of the granting organization specifying the amount and duration of their grant.  

- If financial support will be provided by an individual residing in France, the student must furnish a signed statement of responsibility, a photocopy of the identity card of the guarantor, and evidence of adequate means to provide the promised support (such as the guarantor's 3 most recent paystubs and the most recent income tax return).

-If financial support will be provided from abroad, the student must furnish evidence of the opening of a bank account into which the necessary funds will be deposited and a written commitment from the guarantor to deposit the funds. The statement of commitment must be translated into French and bear a legalized (certified) signature. If the necessary funds will come from the student's home government, the government must provide a letter to that effect.

-Prospective students under 18 years of age must furnish written authorization from their parents or legal guardians.

4.    Vaccinations
The consulate may require proof of vaccination against certain diseases (such as yellow fever and cholera) before granting a visa if health conditions in the student's home country merit such a requirement.