Visa long séjour valant titre de séjour (VLS-TS) « étudiant »
A long-stay student visa that acts as a residence permit for the first year of higher education in France. Nationals of countries with the 'Études en France' procedure apply through it; others apply via France-Visas. After arrival the visa must be validated online and a tax paid.
Life in France
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
83
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
11–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20%
Per household share: 0% up to EUR 11,600, 45% above EUR 181,917 (2025 income, taxed 2026); plus 3-4% high-income contribution and 9.7% CSG/CRDS on most income.
Living
1
Happiness
#33 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU students admitted to higher education in France who have no other residence right.
Eligibility
Admission to higher education
You need enrolment or pre-enrolment in a French higher education programme.
Études en France procedureÉtudes en France countries
If you are a national of one of 72 listed countries, apply through the Études en France online platform when pre-registering.
- Used at the pre-registration stage
Official wording
Nationals of 72 listed countries must apply through the Études en France online platform when pre-registering.
Minimum resources
Show you have at least EUR 877.50 per month, unless you passed the entrance competition of a school with a state agreement.
From 1 August 2026EUR 877.50
Money to show per month
Official wording
At least EUR 877.50 per month for applications from 1 August 2026, unless you passed the entrance competition of a school with a state agreement.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementThird-country national
- Document checklistEnrolment or pre-enrolment certificate
- FeesStudent long-stay visa (Études en France / reduced rate)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 3 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 5 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Programs and scholarships Members
Study programs here that can lead to work and settlement, grouped by route and ranked for your background, with scholarships matched to your profile.
Places to visit in France
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to France
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- Work permitsCarte de séjour pluriannuelle « talent » (formerly Passeport Talent) - salarié qualifié and carte bleue européenne streams
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Asylum & protectionAsylum in France
- CitizenshipNaturalisation française par décret
Study in other countries
- United KingdomStudent visa
- GhanaResidence Permit
- GreeceNational long-stay visa (type D) for studies, followed by a residence permit for studies
- CroatiaTemporary stay for the purpose of university studies
- HungaryResidence permit for the purpose of studies
- IrelandStudent permission (Stamp 2) for full-time degree programmes
