Under no circumstances may a tourist visa be converted into a student visa. This is true throughout the European Union

International students of all nationalities intending to stay in France for more than 3 months must obtain a student identification card

CATEGORIES OF STUDENT VISA

Étudiant-concours visa: This is a special visa that exists for prospective students. With it you are granted a stay of no more than 90 days. It is appropriate for those needing to take an entrance examination or wanting to visit institutions of a higher education. Prospective students who pass their examination receive a full student visa without returning to their country of origin. The prospective student visa may also be granted to students whose admission to a higher education institution is contingent upon their completion of a short course of remedial or refresher

Long stay visa: This visa is appropriate f or any study programme of a period greater than three months. It must be obtained before your arrival in France. The long stay visa is stamped "student” which permits you to reside in France with a student status. This visa needs to be updated after three months.

Residence permit (carte de séjour): This permit is delivered by the Préfecture de police of the area where you would be residing. The permit would enable you to stay for a period of one academic year. Renewal of the card is granted by the same "Préfecture de police" upon proof of continuation of studies in France.

Temporary long stay visa: Students going to France for a duration lasting between 3 months to 6 months will be given a temporary long stay visa. They will not receive a residence permit.

PERMISSION TO WORK

Students can work up to 10-20 hours a week during the school year and 20-39 hours during the summer. If you want to make money keep in mind that teaching pays better than almost any other part-time job.

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS

The following documents are required (make 2 sets of photocopies for each on A4-size paper):

A letter of registration or admission from a French academic institution or a proof of financial resources is needed. Either 12 months at 415 euros per month to cover living expenses during one academic year (or the duration of the course) or a sponsorship letter for accommodation and supporting documents showing availability of a minimum of 206 euros per month for living expenses during one academic year (or the duration of the course)

Proof of accommodation in France for your period of stay is needed

A brief CV with three passport sized photographs is needed

You will need copies of degrees/diplomas and certificates

Your passport needs to be valid for your entire period of stay in France (2 photocopies of the relevant pages)

Air ticket or a reservation printout

Medical Insurance–for a short duration the student should subscribe to a comprehensive medical insurance policy (a copy of this needs to be attached to your air tickets or reservation printout)

You need a repatriation cover of a minimum amount of 30 000 Euros