The different types of visas that are suitable for studies in France
Is a visa required in my situation?
Depending on your country of origin, obtaining a visa may be necessary if you plan to study and/or learn French while residing in France. However, citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area can stay and/or study in France without needing to apply for a visa beforehand.
For nationals of other countries without a French residence permit, obtaining a visa remains essential to stay in France for studies or learning the French language, whether for academic or personal purposes. The type of visa required then depends on your status as a student or not, and is also conditioned by the length of your stay in France.
Long-Stay Visa: Ideal for Studying in France
The long-stay visa is particularly suitable for students wishing to learn French, as it can be extended for higher education studies in France. Valid for 4 to 12 months, this visa exempts you from the obligation to apply for a residence permit and has various advantages: the holder can travel freely in the Schengen area, work part-time in France, and benefit from housing assistance provided by the CAF (Caisse des Allocations Familiales). However, holders of this visa wishing to extend their stay beyond its validity period must initiate the procedure for a residence permit at the prefecture, two months before the visa expires.
Furthermore, the long-stay visa, as a residence permit, is also intended for workers, trainees, and visitors, offering a flexible duration of 4 to 12 months during which they can learn French in France.
Temporary Long-Stay Visa
This temporary visa, lasting four to twelve months, differs from the long-stay visa in several essential characteristics: it is not subject to extension in France and does not give the holder the possibility to work part-time or apply for financial assistance from the CAF. It is therefore suitable for individuals planning a break of a few months or even a sabbatical year to learn French.
Working Holiday Visa or “Young Traveller”: Culture and Tourism
Intended for people aged 18 to 30 and applicable to 16 countries, the Working Holiday Visa or “Young Traveller” is granted as part of a tourist and cultural approach in France, including learning the French language. Limited to a maximum duration of one year, this visa cannot be extended, but does allow the holder to engage in paid employment.
