Resources & FAQs

Students who have completed or are currently completing their higher secondary education, undergraduate degree, or postgraduate degree can apply to study in France depending on the course and university requirements.

France offers programs for:

• Undergraduate (Licence / Bachelor's)
• Postgraduate (Master's / MBA)
• Engineering and technology
• Business and management
• Design and creative arts
• Hospitality and tourism
• Health and life sciences

Yes. Many universities and schools in France offer English-taught programs, especially at postgraduate and MBA level.

However, learning basic French is strongly recommended because it helps with:

• Daily life and local administration
• Internships and job applications
• Finding and managing accommodation
• Part-time work opportunities

The primary intake in France is September. Some universities and private schools also offer January or February intakes for selected programs.

Students are usually advised to begin preparations several months in advance to meet application deadlines, visa timelines, and accommodation requirements.

Common application documents include:

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• CV or resume
• Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose
• Recommendation letters (if required by the institution)
• English or French language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF/DALF depending on program)
• Additional documents may be requested depending on the course and university

Campus France is the official French national agency that supports international students applying to study in France. It helps manage applications, student guidance and visa-related academic procedures for many universities and institutions.

Students from India and many other countries must register through Campus France as part of the France student visa process.

Études en France is the online application and student visa platform used by Campus France in countries such as India.

Through this platform, students:

• Upload application documents
• Submit university applications
• Complete important steps for the student visa process
• Manage their Campus France file and dossier

Many students applying through the Campus France process are required to attend an interview. The interview usually focuses on:

• Study plans and course selection rationale
• Future career goals and how France fits
• Financial preparation and means of support
• Reasons for choosing France
• Language ability and readiness for student life in France

Proper preparation is important because the interview plays a significant role in the outcome. Education Passage helps students prepare effectively.

The VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) is the long-stay student visa that allows international students to legally study and live in France for more than 90 days.

• Required for stays longer than 90 days
• Students must validate the visa online (OFII) after arriving in France
• Validation confirms legal residence status and is mandatory
• Failure to validate within the required period can affect legal status

Yes. Students are usually required to provide accommodation proof. Accepted documents include:

• Student residence booking confirmation
• Accommodation certificate from the university or residence
• Signed rental agreement or lease
• Temporary accommodation confirmation letter
• Any document clearly mentioning the student's name, address, and dates of stay

Students generally need to demonstrate they can financially support themselves during their stay. Accepted financial proof may include:

• Bank statements (personal or parental)
• Sponsor support letter with bank evidence
• Education loan approval letter
• Scholarship award letter or funding confirmation
• Blocked funds / bank deposit if applicable

Requirements may change — always verify through the official France-Visas portal or the French embassy in your home country.

A visa refusal does not mean the journey is over. Students can:

• Review the refusal letter carefully to understand the specific reason
• Identify whether financial proof needs to be strengthened
• Check if additional supporting documents would help
• Clarify any inconsistencies in the submitted application
• Reapply with improved documentation once the refusal reason is addressed

Education Passage helps students review refusal reasons and prepare a stronger reapplication where appropriate.

Students can choose from several accommodation options. Availability and pricing vary depending on the city and intake season:

• CROUS student residences — government-managed, most affordable
• Private student residences — modern facilities, managed buildings
• Shared apartments (colocation) — shared costs, social environment
• Studio apartments — private, self-contained
• Accommodation platforms — online search and booking
• Private landlords — direct rental, requires more preparation

A guarantor (garant) is a person or company that legally guarantees rent payment to the landlord if the tenant is unable to pay.

Guarantors are commonly required by landlords in France because international students may not have a French income history. Many private residences and apartments require one before confirming a booking.

These are the two most commonly used guarantor solutions for international students in France:

• Visale — a free, government-backed guarantor service widely accepted by landlords and student residences. Available to most eligible students under 30.
• GarantMe — a private paid guarantor service, accepted by many private landlords and residences where Visale may not apply.

Education Passage advises students on which option is most suitable for their accommodation type and situation.

Most accommodations in France require a security deposit (dépôt de garantie) of one to two months' rent, depending on the residence type or landlord.

• The deposit is held for the duration of the tenancy
• Returned after the end-of-tenancy inspection, minus any deductions
• Always get a receipt for deposit payments
• Keep copies of all accommodation documentation

The first weeks after arrival involve several important administrative steps:

• Move into confirmed accommodation
• Validate your visa (OFII) online — mandatory for VLS-TS holders
• Open a French bank account
• Get a local SIM card for mobile and internet access
• Register for French healthcare coverage (Sécurité Sociale)
• Apply for CAF/APL housing financial support
• Set up transport subscriptions (student discount cards)

Education Passage provides a step-by-step arrival support guide to help students complete these steps efficiently.

Students who arrive in France on a VLS-TS student visa must complete the online visa validation process with OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration) after arrival.

• Confirms legal residence status in France
• Mandatory — must be completed within the required timeframe
• Involves an online form and sometimes a medical appointment
• Failure to validate can affect the student's legal right to stay in France

CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) is the French family and housing benefits system. Eligible students can receive APL — a monthly housing support payment.

• Available to eligible students paying rent in France
• Application submitted online through the CAF website
• Processing typically takes several weeks after submission
• Amount depends on the rent, city, and student situation
• Students need a French bank account to receive CAF payments

A French bank account is essential for daily life, receiving salary, and managing CAF payments. Students generally need:

• Valid passport
• VLS-TS visa or residence document
• Proof of French address
• University enrollment certificate

Several banks and online options (Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Lydia, N26) offer student-friendly accounts. Education Passage provides guidance on the most straightforward options.

Yes. International students must register for French healthcare coverage (Sécurité Sociale / CPAM) after arriving in France.

• Registration is mandatory for all students studying in France
• Provides access to the French healthcare reimbursement system
• A top-up insurance (mutuelle) is strongly recommended to cover costs not reimbursed by the state
• Many universities offer a student health service on campus

Yes. International students on a valid student visa are allowed to work part-time in France within the legal limits:

• 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week)
• Work is permitted alongside full-time studies
• Many students find internships (stages) or alternance opportunities related to their field
• Campus jobs and student work contracts are also available

Education Passage provides career orientation support to help students identify and prepare for work and internship opportunities in France.

Yes. Education Passage helps students prepare for internships and professional opportunities through:

• CV writing and adaptation for the European and French job market
• LinkedIn profile guidance and optimisation
• Interview preparation and confidence coaching
• Internship and alternance readiness guidance
• Career orientation and professional pathway support
• AI-enabled employability coaching and future skills development

Education Passage supports students at every stage of their journey:

• University and course discovery guidance
• Application and document preparation support
• Campus France and Études en France assistance
• Student visa preparation
• Accommodation guidance and guarantor support
• Post-arrival settlement and administrative steps
• Career and employability preparation
• AI learning and future skills development
• Mentorship, community, and cultural integration support

Yes. Students can choose support based on their individual needs and stage of preparation.

We offer flexible support so students are never required to purchase more than they need. Whether you need help with one specific area or want end-to-end support, Education Passage can accommodate your requirements.

Education Passage follows responsible data handling practices and respects GDPR standards for the privacy and protection of student information.

• Student data is never sold or shared with third parties without consent
• Information is only shared with universities or authorities as required for the service
• Students may request access, correction, or deletion of their data at any time
• All digital processes follow EU data protection standards

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Yes. Education Passage actively works with:

• Universities and educational institutions
• Student accommodation providers
• Education agencies and student recruitment partners
• Industry partners, mentors, and employability networks
• Startup and innovation communities

If you are an institution or organisation interested in collaboration, please contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.