What are the different types of student visas in France?

Long stay, short stay, "student" or "trainee", can be a bit confusing. We'll explain it all to you in this article 😉

To come and study in France, there are different types of visa. Whatever visa you need, it  depends on your projects and the length of your stay.

• I come to study for a period of less than 3 months
• I come to study for a period of more than 3 months

I am coming to study in France for a period of less than 3 months

Short stay student visa type C - "short stay student" visa

The "short stay student" visa allows you to follow a short course in France if it lasts less than 3 months. 

Student-in-competition short-stay visa

The student-in-competition short-stay visa only concerns non-European students. It allows you to take an entrance exam or an interview in a higher education institution in France.

If you are admitted, you can apply for a student residence permit at the prefecture without having to return to your country of residence. 

If you are not admitted, you will have to leave France as soon as the results are published. 

I am coming to study in France for a period of more than 3 months

Long-stay visa as a residence permit (VLS-TS)

The long-stay visa validating a residence permit (VLS-TS) allows you to study in France for a period ranging from 4 months to 1 year.

It must be validated within 3 months of your arrival in France, we explain how to do it in the dedicated article 😉

Temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T).

The temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) allows you to study in France for a period ranging from 4 to 6 months,

Unlike the VLS-TS, this visa does not need to be validated upon your arrival in France. 

Long-stay visa with the mention "talent passport" (VLS)

The long-stay visa "talent passport" (VLS) is for doctoral students, researchers, and teacher-researchers. It allows you to conduct research or teach at the university level within the framework of a hosting agreement.

Long-stay visa with the mention "trainee" or (VLS-TS trainee)

The long-stay visa with the mention "trainee" allows you to do an internship for a period of more than 3 months.

It must be validated within 3 months of your arrival in France, we explain how to do it on the dedicated article 😉