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Meta title: French Student Visa 2026: VLS-TS, Funds, Deadlines | StudyU
Meta description: French student visa: VLS-TS via Études en France or France-Visas, ≈ $997 (€877.50) a month since August 2026, fees, documents, validation, work rules.
Last modified: 2026-09-24

# French Student Visa in 2026: VLS-TS, the New Funds Threshold and Validation After Arrival

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To study in France for more than 90 days, non-EU students need a long-stay VLS-TS "étudiant" visa, which also serves as a residence permit for 4 months to a year. If you live in one of the 73 Études en France countries (Russia included), you first complete that procedure, including a Campus France interview that Russian offices hold online, and confirm your admission in the online file; elsewhere you apply through France-Visas and the visa centre. Applications open no earlier than three months before classes start. The consular fee is ≈ $57 (€50) in Études en France countries and ≈ $113 (€99) elsewhere. Since 1 August 2026 you must show at least ≈ $997 (€877.50) for every month. Within three months of arrival you validate the visa online and pay ≈ $114 (€100). The French consulate decides on the visa.

This guide covers which visa fits your programme, the path from admission to visa for residents of Russia, Kazakhstan and other countries, documents, the money calculation, all fees, what to do after arrival, work rights, renewal and what to do after a refusal. How to pick an admission procedure in the first place is a separate question; here we start from the moment you have an offer.

Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 24 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1367).

The façade of the Gare du Nord, one of Europe's busiest railway stations, Paris, France. Photo: Lionel Allorge / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gare_du_Nord_à_Paris_le_17_juillet_2015_-_10.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## Which visa you need {#section-1}

| Situation | Visa | Key point |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Course or programme up to 90 days | Short-stay Schengen visa | Cannot be converted into a long-stay student visa in France or elsewhere in the EU |
| Travel for an entrance exam or competition | Short-stay "étudiant-concours" visa | After passing the entrance competition of an institution with a state agreement, you apply for a residence permit directly at the prefecture |
| Bachelor's, master's, long language courses | VLS-TS "étudiant", 4 months to 1 year | Online validation within 3 months; residence card after the first year |
| Under 18 at the start of studies | Long-stay visa for minors | A guardian in France is required; Campus France Russia cites about 4–6 weeks' processing |
| Doctorate under a contract or hosting agreement | "Passeport talent — chercheur" | No Études en France procedure |
| EU mobility programme | "Étudiant — programme de mobilité" | Its own validation deadlines |

For long French language courses, Campus France Russia adds a condition: at least A2, certified by DELF A2 or a TCF result.

The length of study, not the type of institution, decides the visa: a private school, a public university and a year-long language course all need a VLS-TS once they run beyond 90 days.

## The path to a visa in Études en France countries {#section-2}

Études en France covers 73 countries and territories, including Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, India, China, Brazil, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Campus France Russia makes the procedure compulsory for anyone living in Russia who will study in France for more than 90 days: public universities, private schools and language courses alike. The rule also covers foreign nationals, including citizens of other CIS countries, with long-term registration in Russia.

1. Admission. You receive an answer through the platform or a letter from an institution that is not connected to it. Campus France Russia requires such letters to be on letterhead, stamped and signed, with your details, the programme's title and level and exact start and end dates; for language courses, the number of teaching hours as well.
2. Confirmation in the file. Your choice must be recorded in your Études en France file; otherwise the visa application is not processed. If you were admitted directly, you create the file for the visa, no earlier than three months before your studies.
3. France-Visas form and appointment. Complete the application on France-Visas and book the visa centre.
4. Submission in person with biometrics. The window opens three months before classes start; the centre will not accept an earlier application.
5. Collection. Consulates do not publish a standard processing time; for a minor's visa Campus France Russia gives a guide of 4–6 weeks.

Russian citizens who live in another country apply through the Campus France office or French consulate of their country of residence.

Is Campus France operating in Russia? Yes, as of 24 September 2026. Campus France Russia has five offices, in Moscow, St Petersburg, Samara, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk; interviews are held online, and the St Petersburg office is temporarily closed to visitors and answers by email. Campus France does not handle visa questions: appointments, document lists and submission go through the French visa centre, and the consulate decides.

In Russia the Études en France fee for 2026/27 was ≈ $95 (8,000 roubles); other countries set their own fees.

## The path to a visa elsewhere {#section-3}

In countries outside Études en France, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, you complete the France-Visas application after admission, receive the document list for your case and book the visa centre (in Kazakhstan, VFS Global in Almaty and Astana). The consular fee is ≈ $113 (€99).

## Documents {#section-4}

France-Visas generates the exact list after you complete the form. The core set for a VLS-TS "étudiant":

| Document | Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| France-Visas application | Completed online, printed, signed |
| Passport | Valid for at least three months after your studies end |
| Photos | To the visa centre's standard |
| Proof of admission | From the Études en France file or an institution letter with the required details |
| Études en France receipt | In Études en France countries |
| Proof of funds | At least ≈ $997 (€877.50) per month |
| Accommodation | An address for the first three months or a permanent address |
| Education documents | Usually your latest diploma with a translation |
| Health insurance | Campus France Russia does not require it for applicants aged 18–28; France-Visas notes that French student social security is free and compulsory for non-EU students under 28 |
| Minors | Guardian's documents and parental consent per consulate list |

Campus France Russia is strict about translations: only translations certified in Russia or France are accepted, and supporting certificates are valid for one month.

## How much money to show {#section-5}

Since 1 August 2026, Decree 2026-526 sets the student resources threshold at 47% of the gross minimum wage (SMIC): ≈ $997 (€877.50) a month. The old figure was $700 (€615), and it still appears in outdated guides.

| Period | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| 1 month | ≈ $997 (€877.50) |
| 9 months | ≈ $8,977 (€7,897.50) |
| 12 months | ≈ $11,969 (€10,530) |

Service-Public lists acceptable proof: a French government or European programme scholarship; a home-country scholarship stating amount and duration; a bank statement showing a sufficient balance; or, if a third party supports you, their ID with bank evidence of scheduled transfers or a signed commitment to pay. Each source must be documented. Students who passed the entrance competition of an institution with a state agreement are exempt from the threshold.

Your real budget will be higher, especially in Paris; see our guide to the [cost of studying in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-france). If money comes from Russia, plan a legal payment route in advance: see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Fees {#section-6}

| Payment | Amount | To |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Études en France fee | Set by country; Russia 2026/27: ≈ $95 (8,000 roubles) | Campus France |
| VLS-TS consular fee | ≈ $57 (€50) in Études en France countries; ≈ $113 (€99) elsewhere | Consulate; in Russia paid in roubles at the consulate's rate |
| Visa centre services | Per centre tariff | Visa centre |
| VLS-TS validation | ≈ $114 (€100) | Online after arrival |
| One-year residence card | ≈ $114 (€100) | Prefecture |
| Multi-year residence card | ≈ $171 (€150) | Prefecture |
| Late renewal surcharge | ≈ $205 (€180) on top of the card fee | Prefecture |

French government scholars, such as winners of the French embassy master's scholarship in Russia, receive the visa free of charge (visa centre services excluded); see our guide to [scholarships in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-france).

## After arrival: validating the visa {#section-7}

Validate your VLS-TS online within three months of entry at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. You need an email address, your visa details (number, validity dates, issue date, purpose), your arrival date and French address, and ≈ $114 (€100) paid by electronic stamp, online by card or bought in cash at a tobacconist. You then download the validation confirmation and receive login details for your personal account.

For the first three months you may leave and re-enter France without validation. After that, an unvalidated visa means you need a new visa to return. Campus France Russia adds that travel within the Schengen area is possible once the visa is registered.

Also in the first weeks:

- pay the CVEC of ≈ $119 (€105) for 2026/27 and complete administrative and academic enrolment;
- open a French bank account (usually passport, visa, proof of address and enrolment);
- register free of charge with French health insurance at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr after enrolment;
- use the free Visale rental guarantee available to VLS-TS "étudiant" holders.

## Working during your studies {#section-8}

A VLS-TS or residence card "étudiant" allows up to 964 hours of work a year, 60% of the legal annual working time, about 20 hours a week, without a separate permit. The year runs from visa validation or card issue.

- Employers must file a named declaration with the prefecture at least two working days before you start.
- Exceeding the limit can lead to withdrawal or non-renewal of your permit.
- A student card does not allow self-employment as an auto-entrepreneur.
- An approved apprenticeship contract allows work beyond 964 hours; a professionalisation contract requires more than a year in France.

## Renewal after the first year {#section-9}

After a year on a VLS-TS you can obtain a multi-year student residence card for the remaining years of your current cycle: two years after completing L1, or until graduation at a grande école.

- When: no earlier than 4 months and no later than 2 months before your visa or card expires.
- Where: online on the same ANEF platform; you may need to attend the prefecture for fingerprints.
- Conditions: enrolment, resources of at least ≈ $997 (€877.50) a month and "real and serious" study, judged on attendance, exam results, diplomas and explanations for any change of course. Repeating one year per cycle is not a problem in itself.
- Documents: passport with visa or card, proof of address under 6 months old, digital photo, enrolment certificate, last year's transcripts, proof of funds and the signed contract to respect the principles of the Republic.
- Cost: ≈ $114–171 (€100–150) depending on the card; ≈ $205 (€180) extra if late.

If the prefecture does not reply within 90 days, the silence counts as a refusal, which can be challenged within two months.

## If your visa is refused {#section-10}

The consulate states its reasons in the document returned with your passport. You can reapply; in Russia, Campus France explains that if your institution and dates stay the same, you do not need to repeat Études en France, while a new institution or dates means asking Campus France to archive the file, updating it and paying the fee again. Common, avoidable reasons include insufficient funds (often calculated at the old $700 [€615]), a passport that does not cover your studies, an admission letter without exact dates and translations certified in the wrong country.

## After graduation {#section-11}

Graduates of a master's, an engineering school, a CGE-labelled MSc, a Mastère Spécialisé or a Licence professionnelle can, within 12 months of graduating, obtain a one-year "recherche d'emploi ou création d'entreprise" card; it costs ≈ $171 (€150) when issued in France. A job related to your degree paying more than ≈ $3,183 (€2,800.53) gross a month allows a change to employee status. See our guide to [master's degrees in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-france).

## Common mistakes {#section-12}

- Travelling on a short-stay visa and hoping to switch in France.
- Calculating funds with the old $700 (€615) monthly threshold instead of the current one.
- Applying before confirming your choice in the Études en France file.
- Missing the three-month validation window and travelling abroad.
- Filing the renewal later than two months before expiry.
- Working beyond 964 hours.
- Arriving at 17 without a guardian in France.

## How StudyU helps {#section-13}

Only the initial consultation is free. Programme choice, an admission and visa plan, document checks and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The consulate decides on the visa, the prefecture on residence and the institution on admission; StudyU cannot guarantee any of these decisions. See our overview of [studying in France](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-france).

## FAQ {#faq}

### How much money do I need for a French student visa in 2026?

At least ≈ $997 (€877.50) per month, or ≈ $11,969 (€10,530) for a year, since 1 August 2026. The threshold equals 47% of the gross minimum wage.

### When can I apply?

No earlier than three months before your studies start. In Études en France countries, you must first complete the procedure and confirm your choice in the file.

### How much does the visa cost?

≈ $57 (€50) in Études en France countries and ≈ $113 (€99) elsewhere, plus the Études en France fee where applicable, visa centre services and ≈ $114 (€100) for validation after arrival.

### Do I need health insurance for the visa?

Campus France Russia does not require insurance for visa applicants aged 18 to 28. After enrolment you register free of charge with French student health insurance. Applicants of other ages should check the requirement with the French visa centre.

### Is Campus France operating in Russia in 2026?

Yes. The Études en France procedure for residents of Russia is running, interviews take place online, and there are offices in Moscow, St Petersburg, Samara, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk. Visa applications go to the French visa centre, and the French consulate decides.

### Can I work on a student visa?

Yes, up to 964 hours a year without a separate permit; your employer declares you to the prefecture beforehand.

### Can I travel in Europe on a student visa?

After validation, yes, within the Schengen area. Without validation you can only leave and return during the first three months.

### Can I switch from a Schengen visa to a student visa in France?

No. The exception is the "étudiant-concours" visa after passing the entrance competition of an institution with a state agreement.

## Sources {#section-15}

- [Service-Public: student visa and residence, resources threshold, fees, renewal](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2231) (updated by Service-Public 1 Aug 2026) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Campus France: VLS-TS "étudiant"](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/visa-long-sejour-etudiant), [visa validation](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/comment-valider-votre-visa-long-sejour-a-votre-arrivee-en-france) and [renewal, Decree 2026-526](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/comment-renouveler-titre-sejour) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [France-Visas: student visa, $57 (€50) and $113 (€99) fees](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/web/france-visas/etudiant) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Campus France: Études en France countries](https://www.campusfrance.org/en/application-etudes-en-france-procedure) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Campus France Russia: visa information](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/vizovaya-informaciya), [2026/27 guides](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/zapis-v-vuzy-podacha-dokumentov) and [visa refusal FAQ](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/faq/mne-otkazali-v-vize-a-hocu-znat-na-kakom-osnovanii) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Campus France Russia: if you are already admitted](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/dlya-tekh-kto-uzhe-samostoyatelno-zapisan-vo-francuzskoe-uchebnoe-zavedenie), [health insurance](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/strahovanie-i-medicina), [travel in Europe](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/faq/mozno-li-s-dolgosrocnoi-studenceskoi-vizoi-putesestvovat-po-evrope) and [offices in Russia](https://www.russie.campusfrance.org/ru/kontakty-v-rossii) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Campus France Kazakhstan: visas](https://www.kazakhstan.campusfrance.org/ru/vizy-vo-franciyu) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Service-Public: student work, 964 hours](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2713) and [post-study permit](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17319) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [Campus France: health cover](https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/sante-securite-sociale-etudiants) and [Service-Public: CVEC 2026/27](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2865) — checked 24 Sep 2026
- [ECB euro reference rates](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/policy_and_exchange_rates/euro_reference_exchange_rates/html/index.en.html) — 24 Sep 2026, €1 = $1.1367

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Master's in France: Master, MSc and Grandes Écoles — How to Apply for 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-france)
- [Scholarships in France: Eiffel, French Embassy Scholarships and University Awards](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-france)
- [Cost of Studying in France in 2026/27: Tuition, Compulsory Fees and a Full-Year Budget](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-france)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [Studying in France for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-france)
- [Bachelor's in France: Licence, Private Bachelor Programmes and Admission After School](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-france)

Updated: September 2026