Visa rules are not the whole story — approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show.
- Syrian passport: visa-required for most destinations, longer processing
Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) — France
- Max stay
- 1095days
- Processing
- 14–45days
- Fee
- €99.00≈ $116.43
Difficulty2/10·Realism5/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- -1Multi-week processing time (up to 45 days)
- -0.5Proof of funds required
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -1Long documentation list (8 items)
Approval realism
Approval depends on youApproval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
- -2Syrian passport — Syrian passport: visa-required for most destinations, longer processing
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
98+ days beforeMost countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
82+ days beforeYou'll need: Acceptance to a recognised French higher-education institution; Proof of funds — at least €615/month (~€7,380/year); Health insurance OR enrolment in French social-security student scheme; Long-stay visa equivalent to residence permit (VLS-TS) — validated online within 3 months of arrival via the ANEF portal; and others (see full list above).
- 3
Prepare proof of funds
82+ days beforeBank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.
- 4
Book a biometrics appointment (Destination embassy / consulate or Visa Application Centre)
75+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 5
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
68+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 6
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 14–45 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 7
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Acceptance to a recognised French higher-education institution
- Proof of funds — at least €615/month (~€7,380/year)
- Health insurance OR enrolment in French social-security student scheme
- Long-stay visa equivalent to residence permit (VLS-TS) — validated online within 3 months of arrival via the ANEF portal
- Apostilled diplomas with sworn French translations (or English for English-taught programmes)
- French B2 for French-taught programmes; English fluency for English-taught (Sciences Po, INSEAD, HEC, etc.)
- 20 hours/week of work permitted alongside studies
- Post-study APS visa: up to 24 months search permission for Master's+ graduates
Fee breakdown
- Student visa application fee€99.00≈ $116.43