Key facts
- Procedure
- The Études en France (Campus France) portal is mandatory before a French school can issue a final acceptance, with an interview at your local Campus France office.
- Visa / permit
- VLS-TS Étudiant, the long-stay visa that also acts as your residence permit
- Erasmus & exchange
- Exchange and short mobility students nominated by a partner university follow a lighter path: no Campus France file in many cases, but you still need the long-stay visa if you stay over 90 days.
- Money to prove
- You must show around €615 per month of stay — roughly €7,380 for an academic year — in your name or a sponsor's, with an affidavit of support.
- Region
- Americas
The procedure, step by step
1. Check whether Campus France applies to you
The Études en France (Campus France) portal is mandatory before a French school can issue a final acceptance, with an interview at your local Campus France office.
2. Build the academic file
Transcripts, diplomas, language proof (DELF/TCF for French-taught, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught), CV and statement of purpose with no unexplained gaps.
3. Acceptance, then the visa appointment
Once the school accepts you, book the consulate or VFS/TLScontact appointment with acceptance letter, proof of funds, accommodation proof, insurance and travel booking.
4. Within 90 days of arrival
Validate the VLS-TS online on ANEF, register with CPAM for health cover, apply for CAF housing aid and open a French bank account.
Frequently asked questions
Do students from Chile need a visa to study in France?
Yes. For programmes longer than 90 days you need the VLS-TS Étudiant long-stay visa, which you validate online within three months of arriving.
Is Campus France mandatory for Chile?
Yes — Chile is connected to the Études en France platform, so the online file and the Campus France interview come before any final acceptance.
How much money do I need to show from Chile?
You must show around €615 per month of stay — roughly €7,380 for an academic year — in your name or a sponsor's, with an affidavit of support.
Can I come to France on Erasmus+ from Chile?
Exchange and short mobility students nominated by a partner university follow a lighter path: no Campus France file in many cases, but you still need the long-stay visa if you stay over 90 days.
Can students from Chile work in France?
Yes, up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours a week) on a student residence permit.
No paywall
Tell us your situation, we answer directly
Nothing here is locked. If the article does not cover your exact case, write it below — a real person reads it and replies. No sales call, no blah blah.