If you’re planning to study in France and you’re not a citizen of the European Union (EU), securing a VLS-TS student visa (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour – étudiant) is a critical first step before your departure. This long-stay visa allows non-EU students to stay in France for up to one year and acts as both a visa and residence permit. It can also be extended if your studies continue.
This guide explains how to get a VLS-TS student visa for France in 2025, including the application process, required documents, validation steps, fees, and more.
What Is the VLS-TS Student Visa?
The VLS-TS “Étudiant” is a long-term student visa that allows non-EU students to study in France for 4 to 12 months. It also serves as a residence permit, meaning you don’t need to apply separately for one after arrival.⚠️ Important: Once you arrive in France, you must validate your visa online within 3 months. Without this step, your stay in France is considered illegal even with a valid visa.
Who Needs a VLS-TS Student Visa?
You need a VLS-TS student visa if you:
- Are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country
- Plan to study in France for more than 90 days
- Are enrolling in a French higher education institution
Even if you’re currently living in another European country, non-EU citizens still need this visa to study in France.
How to Apply for the VLS-TS Student Visa
Step 1: Use the “Études en France” Platform (If Applicable)
If your country is part of the Études en France procedure, you must apply to French universities through their platform. Once accepted, your visa application will be forwarded automatically to the French consulate.
Check your country’s status on Études en France
Step 2: Apply via the French Consulate (If Not in Études en France)
If your country is not listed, you’ll need to apply directly through the French consular services in your home country.
- Start your application at: france-visas.gouv.fr
- Book an appointment at the French consulate
- Submit required documents (passport, enrollment letter, accommodation proof, etc.)
How to Validate Your VLS-TS Visa in France
Once in France, you must validate your visa online within 3 months of arrival.
Validation Link:
What You’ll Need:
- A valid email address
- Visa information (VLS-TS reference number)
- Your date of arrival
- Your residential address in France
- A bank card to pay the visa fee
No card? You can pay in cash by buying a timbre électronique (electronic stamp) at a kiosk or payment terminal
OFII Registration: Do You Need It?
Yes—if your visa includes the code “CESEDA R311-3 6°”, it is officially a VLS-TS visa and must be validated through the system.
Once you validate your visa online:
- Your data is automatically sent to OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration)
- Your visa confirmation PDF becomes your legal residence permit
Visa Fees and Costs
- The validation fee is typically €50–€99
- You can pay via credit/debit card or by purchasing an electronic stamp
Fees vary based on your nationality and student status
Also Read: How Student Loans Differ from Scholarships
Can You Extend the VLS-TS Student Visa?
Yes. If your studies continue beyond the visa’s validity, you can apply for a multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) at your local prefecture in France.
Prepare these documents:
- Your validated VLS-TS visa
- Proof of continued enrollment
- Housing and financial proof
- Health insurance
What Happens If You Don’t Validate Your Visa?
If you fail to validate your visa within 3 months of arrival, you will be illegally staying in France. This can lead to:
- Visa renewal denial
- Legal penalties
- Deportation risks
Always complete the online validation as soon as possible after arriving.
Final Checklist Before & After Arrival
- Apply via Études en France or your consulate
- Receive your VLS-TS visa
- Book your flight and secure housing in France
- Move to France and settle in
- Validate your visa online within 3 months
- Register automatically with OFII
- Save the PDF of your visa validation (acts as residence permit)
- Apply for a multi-year permit if needed
Helpful Resources
- France Visa Portal: france-visas.gouv.fr
- Visa Validation: interieur.gouv.fr
- Campus France Visa Guide: campusfrance.org