Embarking on an educational journey in France is an exciting opportunity. Before diving into the rich culture and top-tier education, securing your student visa is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information for a smooth application process. Let’s get you one step closer to your study-abroad dream!
Student Visa Documents checklist for VFS
Here’s a non-exhaustive checklist of documents required for the French student visa application.
- Long-Stay Visa Application Form (complete and download)
- Two passport-size photographs meeting set standards. One must be attached to the application form (Size 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, with a clear background)
- VFS Appointment Letter
- Campus France NOC e-mail
- Attestation Etudes en France (EEF Certificate)
- French University Admission Letter and(or) Certificate
- Receipt of partial or full tuition fee payment for the academic year.
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Passport (Original along with 2 copies of the front and last pages)
- Old passports: if you own one or more former passports, you must bring them
- 10th & 12th Class Marksheets, School Leaving Certificate
- Transcripts and Degree Certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Work-related Documents (only if you have work experience)
- Work Experience Certificate(s)
- Work Contract
- Letters of Recommendation
- Financial Proof (check the detailed article)
- Expense statement
- Bank statements from the last 3-6 months
- Student Loan sanction letter (if a bank loan is used)
- Scholarship certificate (if applicable)
- Your Salary Slips (if self-sponsored)
- Your Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years (if self-sponsored)
- Notarized affidavit for sponsorship from Parents or Relatives (if sponsored by them)
- Parents’ or Relatives’ proof of income like salary slips, company registration certificate, etc (if sponsored by them)
- Parents’ or Relatives’ Income Tax Returns for the last 2 years (if sponsored by them)
- Parents’ or Relatives’ Bank statements from the last 3-6 months (if sponsored by them)
- Proof of Accommodation (whichever is applicable)
- Rental Agreement
- Attestation de Residence from the college (Residence confirmation certificate). However, the college should be a recognized institution. You can check with your alumni about the acceptance of the accommodation certificate issued by your college.
- If you are hosted by someone free-of-charge, Attestation d’hebergement with ID proof, and a recent utility bill (less than 3 months) from the person in France.
- Attestation from Airbnb or Hotel (only when the booking is for a long term of at least 6 months. Use it only as a last-minute option)
- Schengen Travel Health Insurance for students (3 months)
- Flight Ticket (return not required)
Please ensure that you have originals of documents and photocopies of each for submission. The originals can be verified during the VFS appointment and they will be returned except the passport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I get the bank statements attested by the local bank or downloaded statements are accepted?.
- Yes, it is highly recommended to get the bank statements attested with a seal and signature from the local branch. Tis can be done 1-2 weeks before the VFS appointment.
- If you are very late and do not have sufficient time to visit the bank, then submit the downloaded bank statements.
Can I book dummy flight tickets for the visa application and later book the actual tickets?
- Dummy flight tickets are not advised for student visas.
- If you are doing everything in time including starting the visa application process 3 months from the date of departure, you can book a normal ticket. I did the same too.
- If you are going to submit a late application, you can book a flexible ticket which allows changes.
Indian Students Group
Since 2020, A non-profit telegram group for Indian students is actively managed by Indian alumni, who graduated in France. The group covers the various topics relevant to our Indian students enrolled in French colleges and universities.
References
- My own student visa experience and from hundreds of students.
- Visa application guidelines france-visas.gouv.fr
- Student visa documents in.ambafrance.org
- List of documents required – Long-stay Visa application for students lc.ambafrance.org
For Visa document submission only cover letter is enough (explaining my motivation, future plans, funding details..etc) or I have attach statement of purpose (SOP) also.
Can you please clarify both SOP and Cover letter required.
If possible can you please share samples since im preparing for my visa document submission.
Hello, A SOP is only required for the admission process. Please follow the documents mentioned in the checklist.
Hi Prasanth, Just an update that we got from Campus France this year during a pre-departure session. Flight Ticket is not a mandatory document for French Student Visa.
Hello, Thanks for the info. But I had mentioned flight ticket for a reason. So, I leave it to your choice.