Studying abroad can be one of the best decisions of your life. You can discover a new culture, another language and meet people from all over the world !
You would like to study in France, but you are too afraid of all the bureaucracy? Here are the key steps to apply to a French university:
Step 1. Pass the language test (September – November)
Check out specific admission requirements of the universities that interest you. You must pass DELF B2 exam to apply to Bachelor’s degree and DALF C1 exam for the Master’s and PhD.
If your study program is internationally oriented, you should prove your skills in English language. Most of the universities require the C1 level in English. You can prove your English skills by passing the TOEFL or the IELTS exam.
The results for the IELTS and the TOEFL are valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.
Step 2. Prepare all the necessary documents (October-December)
Although the requirements vary from one university to another, generally the French universities require the following documents to apply:
- A recognized international language test score (DELF/DALF and IELTS/TOEFL)
- High School graduation transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts (if you’re applying to Master’s degree)
- Reference letter
- Motivation letter
- Resume
- Photocopies of your international passport
If your documents are written in another language than French, you need to provide an official translation of your documents.
Step 3. Fill out the application form and send it to the university
The procedure is done by traditional post or online. The application process depends on your nationality. The peculiarities of the application process for your nationality are available online at the website of the university (page « international admissions »).
Step 4. Get the letter of acceptance (March-June)
Once you have sent documents, wait for the letter of acceptance from the French university. All the information about your enrollment will be communicated in the letter.
Step 5. Purchase a student insurance
If you have a nationality of the country outside of the EU, you are not covered in France. If you are a student at the university, you will be covered as soon as you register. However, sometimes you have to wait before your administrative registration. If this is the case, it is better to subscribe an international student insurance in France to spend your time in France without risks.
Important! If you enroll in a language course, you must purchase an international student insurance like Europe Access Extension in order to obtain your visa.
Mondassur offers a comprehensive insurance tailored to your needs, meeting the requirements of student visa in France with a very good price-guarantee ratio: Europe Access Extension.
This insurance has the coverage of hospitalization, medical consultations, analyzes and pharmacy at 100% of real costs.
Mondassur offers you international insurance suited to your needs with very good value for money: Europe Access Extension.
The Essentials:
- Insurance complying with Visa Schengen or Long Stay Visa requirements
- Coverage throughout the European Union
- Reimbursement of medical expenses and hospitalization at 100%
- Repatriation assistance
- Personal liability and Personal Accident
- Emergency medical hotline available 24 X 7
- Immediate issuance of insurance certificate
- Requirements for student visa insurance (language courses, studies) in France:
- A letter with letterhead from an insurance company, indicating the country (s) covered, duration, validity, including medical care, hospitalization and repatriation valid for all Schengen States
- Coverage at 30000 €
It is very important to choose a student insurance in France that has all these criteria, like the Europe Access Extension insurance. Important! The duration and the validity of your student visa in France will depend on your student insurance.
Step 6. Have the interview at Campus France (May – July)
Once you have obtained your letter of acceptance from the French university, make an appointment for the interview at Campus France of your country. This interview aims to check your motivations for pursuing your studies in France.
Step 7. Apply for your student visa (June – July)
Once you have passed the interview at Campus France, apply for the student visa at the French Embassy. All the requirements are available on the official website of the French Embassy in your country. The visa fee is 99 euros.
Once in France
Step 8. Send the letter to the OFII (September)
Your long-stay visa is only valid when it’s confirm by the OFII. As soon as you arrive in France, you must:
- Complete the form entitled “OFII certificate application” which has been delivered to you with your visa
- Send this form to the OFII as soon as you arrive in France
It is better not to change your home address while you’re waiting for the response from the OFII.
Step 9. Final enrollment at the university (September)
Arrive at the university with all your documents to finish your enrollment. The letter of acceptance from your university in France is obligatory to enroll.
Step 10. The appointment at the Prefecture at your city of residence (October-November)
In two or three months following the day you sent the letter to the OFII, you will obtain the convocation from the prefecture. The official document « vignette » have to be with your passport. This document authorizes you to live in France until the end of validity of your visa.
Do not forget to purchase a top insurance in France that covers you at 100% of real costs! Our guarantees are exceptional with medical coverage adapted for studies in France. Save money while enjoying Long Stay Visa insurance!