Key facts
- Procedure
- Études en France (India) — mandatory for all degree programmes
- Visa type
- VLS-TS Étudiant (long-stay student visa, valid as residence permit)
- Cost
- Campus France fee ₹19,000 approx. + visa fee €50 (paid in INR at VFS)
- Timeline
- Campus France interview 2–4 weeks, VFS visa decision 10–21 days
- Proof of funds
- €615/month × duration — usually a blocked or savings account showing ~€7,380 for a year
The procedure, step by step
1. Create your Études en France account
Register on the India portal, fill the academic timeline with no gaps, upload 10th, 12th, bachelor transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL/DELF and your SOP. Every unexplained gap year must have a document (work certificate, exam attempt letter).
2. Pay the Campus France fee and book your interview
The fee is non-refundable and paid online. Your interview happens at the regional office (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Ahmedabad) or online. Expect questions on programme choice, funding source, and post-study plans.
3. Accept the admission and apply for the visa
After the school issues the acceptance letter, Campus France validates your file, then you book the VFS Global appointment for the VLS-TS Étudiant. Carry admission letter, accommodation proof, financial proof, flight reservation and insurance.
4. Validate your VLS-TS within 3 months of arrival
Validation is online on the ANEF portal, costs €225 in tax stamps, and must be done before day 90 or your visa lapses. Then apply for CPAM social security, CAF housing aid and open a French bank account.
Consulates and Campus France offices
New Delhi · Mumbai · Bengaluru · Kolkata · Pondicherry
Popular destinations for Indian students
Paris · Lyon · Toulouse · Grenoble · Nice
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance is needed for a French student visa from India?
You must show at least €615 per month of stay, so roughly €7,380 (about ₹7 lakh) for one academic year, held in your name or your sponsor's with an affidavit of support.
Is IELTS mandatory for France from India?
Not always. English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80+, but several schools accept a Medium of Instruction letter. French-taught programmes ask for DELF B2.
Can Indian students work while studying in France?
Yes, up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours a week) on a student residence permit, at the French minimum wage.
How long does the Campus France interview take for Indian students?
The interview itself is 15–25 minutes; the whole Études en France cycle from account creation to visa stamping typically takes 8–12 weeks.
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