FAQ for international students

When should I apply for my visa?

As soon as possible. The time it takes to get an appointment with the French consular services varies from country to country, and processing a visa application can take up to several months.

Don't hesitate to consult our web page on consular procedures to find out how to apply for a visa.

Which visa should I apply for?

If you haven't found the answer on our visa procedures page, we recommend you use the simulator on the government website France-Visas! You'll be able to check whether you really need a visa, find out which one you need, the list of supporting documents you'll need and the steps to follow in the procedure.

How much does a visa cost?

The cost of a visa depends on your country of origin.
To find out, consult the Applicable fees section of the France-Visas Wizard country pages.

Can the university speed up my visa application?

No, we don't have a dedicated contact at the French consulate or embassy in every country in the world.
However, we do work with our partner Studely, who can help you give more weight to your visa application.
Studely is an alternative to local banks (in the student's country of origin) for issuing irrevocable standing orders for bank transfers, or AVI (Attestation de virement Irrévocable) (blocked bank account). You can enclose this unique proof of resources with your visa application.

Where can I find the French consulate or embassy in my country of residence?

Consult the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the addresses of French consulates and embassies abroad.

I need to provide an address in France for my visa application, but I haven't found a place to live yet. What should I do?

You can use the address of a close friend or relative. You can also use a temporary address, such as a hotel or Airbnb accommodation.
Do you have any other questions about accommodation? Check out our dedicated FAQ!

What should I do if I make a mistake on my visa application form?

You must complete a new form without deleting the previous one.

What should I do if my visa is delayed?

Sometimes visa issuance can take a long time. Contact your school to inform them of your situation as soon as possible and ask them about the date of your late arrival.

What should I do if my visa is refused?

If your visa has been refused, you will not be able to come to France. You can try to renew your application at the consulate, or you can appeal to the Commission de recours contre les décisions de refus de visa d'entrée en France (CRRV). This appeal can be lodged by you, your lawyer, or by anyone with a legitimate interest in contesting the visa refusal (for example, a family member).
There is no charge for lodging an appeal, but if you use the services of a lawyer, he or she may charge you for the time spent, so be sure to clarify this with him or her beforehand.

Do I have to validate my visa on arrival in France?

Yes, you must validate your visa within 3 months of your arrival in France if you hold one of the following visas:

• "ETUDIANT"; "ETUDIANT-MOBILITE" or "ETUDIANT-MOBIL." "STUDENT SEEKING EMPLOYMENT"; "TRAINEE"; "TRAINEE"; "STUDENT".
• "STAGIAIRE"; "STAGIAIRE ICT" or "STAG. ICT"; "ICT FAMILY TRAINEE".

You do not need to validate your visa if you are a minor or if :

• you have a D visa marked "CARTE A SOLLICITER DANS LES DEUX MOIS" or "C.SEJ A SOLLIC" ;
• you have a short-stay visa (type C)

Why do I have to validate my visa when I arrive in France?

It's compulsory by law. Only once your visa has been validated will you be completely legal on French territory. Validating your visa also enables you to benefit from the social benefits to which you are entitled, and to register with the French social security system for access to healthcare.

How do I pay for the tax stamp? How much is it?

The student visa tax stamp costs €50. You can buy them online on the government website ("titre pour étrangers") or at a tobacconist's, which is equipped to issue tax stamps. In this case, you'll need to enter the stamp number on the website.

Consult the government website for more information on the steps to follow.

What should I do if I change address?

You must declare your new address within 3 months of moving house and request a duplicate. You can do this online via the government website.

What should I do if I have dual or triple nationality?

You must enter the nationality shown on your passport.

What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?

You must submit your request for a duplicate residence permit online via the government website.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must first lodge a complaint and then contact the embassy or consulate of your country of origin to obtain a new passport.

What documents do I need to present at the border police (airport)?

What documents do I need to present at the border police (airport)?

You may be asked to produce a number of documents when you pass through the border police: identity and civil status documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient financial resources, and travel/repatriation insurance. We strongly advise you to have these documents with you in both digital and paper format.
For more information, visit the France Visas website.

Where can I find accommodation?

Finding accommodation can be complicated for many international students, so we've put together a list of links on our website to help you find your accommodation !

We also invite you to use the Studapart housing platform.

How do I apply for a room at CROUS?

First of all, you need to create an account on the mes services étudiants website. Then, in mid-July, you can apply for a room on the CROUS website. / We would remind you, however, that international students can only obtain a room in a CROUS hall of residence from Master's level upwards.

If you have not yet found accommodation before arriving in France, we strongly recommend that you book a hotel room for the first week or more. The hotel reservation is also valid as proof of accommodation for your visa application.

What does a CROUS room include?

There are different types of room depending on the city or residence, but all CROUS rooms have a bed, desk, wardrobe, refrigerator, shower, sink and toilet (some residences have shared toilets). The kitchen is shared.
Electricity, water and Internet are included in the room rent.

What supporting documents do I need to include in my rental file?

The list of documents varies according to the type of accommodation and the requirements of your future landlord, but in general, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• A photocopy of your valid identity card;
• A photocopy of your valid residence permit (VLS-TS, carte de séjour) if you have come to France on a visa;
• A photocopy of your student card or certificate of enrolment for the current year;
• A certificate of home insurance;
• A letter from your guarantor, his or her identity card, last 3 pay slips and last tax return.

What is a guarantor?

A guarantor is a natural or legal person who stands surety for you. This means that he or she undertakes to pay your rent if you are no longer able to do so. In France, almost all landlords, whether French or foreign, will ask you for a guarantor. It's a way for them to make sure they'll get the rent, whatever happens.

What if I don't have a guarantor?

If you don't have a relative who can act as a guarantor, there are other ways of obtaining one:

• The VISALEscheme : is a free rental deposit set up by the government that you can subscribe to. To make it easier for you to find accommodation in France, we recommend that you take the VISALE steps before you even arrive in France. You don't need to know your address in France to obtain your VISALE eligibility certificate (known as a "VISALE visa").
• The GARANTME scheme : this is a paying deposit scheme for tenants without a guarantor.
  Please note that this scheme is not accepted by CROUS!

Do I need home insurance?

Yes. Whatever type of accommodation you choose, you'll be legally obliged to take out a home insurance policy covering at least water and fire damage. This will enable you to be compensated by your insurance company in the event of a claim in your home.

Who needs to take out home insurance for shared flats?

In the case of a shared tenancy, each tenant must either take out a deposit or take out a single deposit contract for all the tenants.

Where can I take out home insurance?

To take out home insurance, you can contact :

• Heyme,
• CROUS housing department,
• or any other private institution (bank or insurance company).

What is a security deposit?

The security deposit is the amount you pay your landlord in addition to your first rent to cover any unpaid rent or charges, and any damage you may cause to the accommodation.
It's equivalent to one month's rent, and can't be more.
This sum is legally reimbursed to you in full when you leave, and after an inventory of fixtures if you return the property in its original condition.

Do I qualify for housing assistance?

Students can receive financial assistance for housing (APL / ALS) by applying on the Caisse des Allocations Familiales (CAF) website. The amount of assistance varies according to the rent and the student's status.

To find out more, see our FAQ AIDES SOCIALES page.

Can I live in Marseille and study in Aix-en-Provence?

Yes, as housing in Marseille is less expensive than in Aix-en-Provence, this can be a good way to save money. The "LeCar" shuttles run every day and provide a regular service between the bus stations in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.

For more information on transport in the region and how to take out a season ticket, visit our 'Getting around in the region' page !

What to do in the event of water damage?

In the event of water damage, you must notify your insurance company within 5 days, and fill in an accident report describing the damage. Your insurer may ask for an expert report before paying out. Their contact details can be found on your receipts or in your policy.
Depending on the circumstances, you can make your claim by telephone or by visiting your insurer's branch office. Some insurers also allow you to make a claim online. Check this option on their website. If you can't do it online, it's best to send a declaration by post, preferably by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, to your insurer.

What should I do if I have a dispute with my landlord?

ContactADIL13.
Their mission is to provide users with free information on their rights and obligations, and on the housing solutions best suited to them. The advice provided by ADILs is based on the skills of legal experts trained in all aspects of housing.

What should I do if I want to leave my home?

As a tenant, you can leave your property at any time. You need to inform your landlord (or estate agent if the property is managed by an agency) in advance.
To do this, you must give notice and respect a notice period. The notice period depends on whether the property is rented empty or furnished. Check your rental contract!

What social assistance can I apply for from the Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF)?

The Caisse d'Allocations Familiales (CAF) offers several types of financial aid for housing, the APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) being the most commonly requested by students. We advise you to apply as soon as you arrive in France, even if you don't have all the required documents. You can submit them at a later date.

The Aide Personnalisée au Logement (APL) is a financial aid designed to reduce your rent. It is paid on the basis of your housing situation, whatever your family situation: single, married, with or without dependents. The conditions for entitlement differ depending on whether you are renting or living in a hostel.

Can I benefit from CAF social assistance?

Online simulator: You can estimate the amount of your housing benefit using the online simulator available on the CAF website.

How do I apply for CAF housing benefit?

You can apply directly online on the CAF website, by creating your personal space.

To build up your file, you'll need the following supporting documents:

• E-mail address
• Rental contract
• Income for the last 2 years
• Parents' social security number, if applicable
• Lessor's contact details, rent amount, Siret number if the lessor is a company.

To help you apply for housing benefit on the CAF website, here's a tutorial:

How is my housing benefit calculated?

You are considered a student if you are under 28 years of age on September 1 of the current year, and if you are continuing your studies.

Personal housing assistance is calculated on the basis of several factors:

• Your family situation and the number of dependants,
• The nature and location of the accommodation you live in,
• The amount of rent,
• A minimum income,
• Your scholarship status.

If you are a scholarship holder, don't forget to declare it to your CAF directly via your Espace Mon Compte or on the CAF - Mon Compte mobile application .

What are the payment deadlines for housing benefit?

Your entitlement to housing benefit starts the month after you move in.

Housing subsidies are generally paid to the lessor (the owner). The amount of the subsidy will then be deducted from your rent. In some cases, assistance may be paid directly to the tenant.

What French government grants can I benefit from?

The French government has listed all the grants available to students directly online. Click on the government website to find out more.

Is there any help to finance my security deposit?

YES
The Loca-pass advance from Action Logement is a zero-interest loan designed to cover all or part of the security deposit required by the landlord when the tenant moves in. It is granted for the tenant's principal residence. The loan is interest-free and there are no application fees. To qualify, you must be under 30.
Test your eligibility for LOCA-PASS assistance online.

I'm on a work-study program. Can I get help to pay part of my rent?

YES
Action Logement's Mobili-Jeunes scheme is reserved for students under 30 on work-study contracts, and covers part of their rent. This aid can amount to a maximum of 110€ per month for 1 year.
Test your eligibility for Mobili-Jeunes directly on the Action Logement website.

I'm in financial difficulty, who can I turn to?

CROUS Aix-Marseille-Avignon 's social assistants can help you improve your living conditions. Make an appointment to find out about solutions adapted to your situation.
The General Council has set up a Housing Solidarity Fund. This service helps people in difficulty to gain access to housing or to remain in their accommodation, if they find themselves unable to meet their obligations relating to the payment of rent, service charges and rental insurance costs, as well as water and energy supplies.
Visit the Escale Marseille Etudiants website. The volunteers of this association welcome and support students in difficulty.

What can I do to avoid having my aid cut off?

You must notify the CAF immediately of any changes in your life.

Make sure you correct any typing errors, inaccuracies or mistakes in your file...

• a mistake concerning personal/work life = "Declare a change".
• a mistake in personal resources = "Contact my Caf" + "Send an e-mail".

What do I do if I change accommodation?

Make a new request with the new address on the "Simulate or request a benefit" page.

Up to what age can I receive housing benefit from CAF?

The maximum age for receiving APL is 30.

I'm a European student. How can I get CAF benefits if I don't have social security?

You need to go to your local CAF branch and apply for assistance directly there. A social security number will be issued to you, enabling you to log on to your personal CAF space. It will be different from your ameli.fr platform number.

I'm staying in a home, can I get APL aid from the CAF?

You may be entitled to housing assistance if you meet certain conditions:
- You pay rent,
- You are renting a property of at least 9m2,
- You occupy the property as your main residence for at least 8 months of the year,
- You are not related to the landlord and have a lease in your name or that of your legal representative.

To make sure you're eligible for housing benefit, visit the CAF website to run a simulation of your entitlement, or contact one of our advisors. You can also go directly to your nearest branch, or make an appointment with an advisor who will guide you through the process.

I'm renting Airbnb accommodation, can I get APL aid from the CAF?

No, Airbnb rentals are not eligible for personalized housing assistance.

I have a small student job (baby-sitter type), do I have to declare what I earn?

As a student under the age of 28, only the student flat-rate will be applied when calculating your entitlement to personalized housing assistance, whether you work or not, and whatever your income.

Do I have to declare the financial support my parents give me each month?

Alimony payments are taxable income and must be declared.

How to apply to amU?

If you'd like to apply to Aix Marseille Université, find out how to apply according to your profile on our dedicated page.

I'm a displaced student from Ukraine. How do I register?

Against the backdrop of the conflict that broke out between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, Aix Marseille Université is renewing its support for displaced students from Ukraine for the start of the 2023/2024 academic year, by opening up a dedicated admission route to the university. Find out more!

Am I subject to registration fees at amU as an international student?

In November 2018, the French government voted to introduce differentiated registration fees for non-EU students enrolled in a higher education institution for a national degree (licence or master).
These fees will amount to €2770 for a Bachelor's degree and €3770 for a Master's degree. For more information, go to the page dedicated to registration fees.

A partial exemption from the differentiated registration fees will be applied under certain conditions.
For further information, please consult the page dedicated to differential tuition fees.

How do I pay my registration fees?

By credit card or by cheque made payable to the Agent Comptable Aix Marseille Université.
If your payment is over €300, you can pay by bank transfer, specifying your student number. If your payment is less than or equal to 300€, you can pay in cash to the Accounting Agency.

How do I request reimbursement of my registration fees?

You must obtain the "Request for cancellation of administrative registration" form from your school and return it duly completed.
If your request is made before the start of the academic year (01/09/N), reimbursement is automatic.
If the request is made after this date (from 01/09/N to 26/10/N), reimbursement is subject to a decision by the Vice-President Training.

How do I make an appointment with the Registrar's Office to finalize my registration?

Log on to the ERIS platform !

Don't forget to pay the CVEC (Contribution Vie Etudiante et de Campus) in advance on the government platform. You MUST present this certificate to validate your registration (whether the CVEC has been paid or exempted) at your appointment with the Registrar's Office.

How do I request an appeal?

If you wish to contest Aix Marseille Université's decision regarding your application, you must send an appeal to the President of the University of Aix Marseille within two months of being notified of this decision. Mailing address: Jardin du Pharo, 58 Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille

Can I register for the same diploma at two different establishments?

No. According to article D - 612-7 of the French Education Code, "No one may enroll in two public higher education establishments to prepare for the same degree".

How do I cancel my IZLY student card?

Consult the Izly card opposition tutorial!

I've lost my IZLY student card. What should I do?

Contact your school, they can renew your student card!

When can I pay my CVEC?

You can pay your CVEC online from your home country, or once you've arrived in France. We recommend that you make your payment as soon as possible after your administrative registration.
Payment can be made online from your home country or on arrival in France. Payment of the CVEC must be made before registration.

- Link to the CVEC website
- Link to CVEC FAQ
- Additional instructions for online payment

Do I need to validate my VISA before registering for amU?

No, you can register and validate your VISA afterwards. Once you arrive in France, you have a maximum of 3 months to validate your VISA.

Do I have to pre-register at the university?

No, there is no such thing as "pre-registration" at amU. There is an application phase from your home country, and then a committee will decide whether to admit or reject your application. If you are accepted, the University does not issue a pre-registration certificate, but an admission letter.

I have a problem with the EEF application platform. What should I do?

If you have any problems with the Etudes en France platform, please contact the Campus France office in your country.

Do I need to provide a certificate of participation in the Citizen Defense Day?

No, this document is for French nationals only.

Can I register for two amU courses at the same time?

Exceptionally, it is possible to register for two courses, subject to the agreement of the presidents of the pedagogical committee. Students must apply for and be accepted onto one course, which will be their main course. They must then apply to their main program for a second course. The heads of both courses must give their approval.

Can I change my major at university once I've arrived in France?

Depending on the year you are preparing, it is not possible to change course. EEF grants a visa for a particular course, university or city. The student undertakes to follow the course for at least one year. However, there is some tolerance for reorientations in the 1st year following the first semester. These are granted on the advice of the heads of the courses concerned.

How much should I budget for my first month in France?

To make sure you don't run into any difficulties, we advise you to budget around €1,500 for your installation costs (first rent and deposit, small furnishings, etc.).
Would you like more information on this subject?

How can I supplement my sources of income?

The DRI urges you to find a student job to supplement your source of income and enable you to pay your bills and leisure activities.
To find out more, go to the "Work" section of this FAQ!

Is there any assistance available to help me meet my monthly expenses?

Yes, go to the "Social assistance" section of this FAQ to find out more.

Where can I do my food shopping?

You'll find many supermarkets open in the region, where you can buy food, hygiene products and, optionally, all the everyday consumer goods you'll need. 
But be careful! In France, many supermarkets close on Sundays, but remain open on weekdays until 8pm at the latest.

We've listed all the local shops for you here!

Markets can sometimes be a great alternative for a selection of products. You'll find fresh, healthy, quality produce (fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and charcuterie, cheese, bread) in these public places where artisans, farmers and merchants gather.
Aix-en-Provence and Marseille are well known for their numerous markets. Find out more about the Provence markets on the My Provence website.

If you're having trouble making ends meet, there are a number of food associations and grocery stores in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence that can help you do your shopping on a budget.

• AGORAE : these are affordable grocery stores where students can buy food, cleaning products and school supplies at reduced prices (between 10% and 30% off the usual prices). For more information, visit the AGORAE website.
• AMAPs (Association pour le Maintien d'une Agriculture Paysanne): offer baskets of locally-produced organic fruit and vegetables for an average of €7 a week. For more information, visit the AMAP website.

Where can I eat on campus?

Students regularly visit CROUS university restaurants (RU) for both budgetary and practical reasons. The university restaurants offer a choice of varied and inexpensive menus:

• Traditional menu: balanced meal consisting of an appetizer, meat/fish, vegetable and cheese or dessert.
• Meal price: (1 euro for all students since May 4, 2026)

Find all CROUS university restaurants and cafeterias and their opening hours on the CROUS website.

How do I pay for my CROUS meal with my IZLY card?

Paying for your CROUS meal has never been easier with the IZLY card.
Find all the information you need on the IZLY website.

How do I take out a telephone and internet subscription?

There's a wide choice of services, prices and commitment periods. There are phone packages starting from €2 and phone + internet packages starting from €10.

Here are a few operators known for their lower prices:

• Prixtel
• Sosh
• Red by SFR
• Free

Here are some other popular operators:

• SFR
• Bouygues Télécom
• Orange

Can I play sports on my campus at a reduced price?

YES!
Thanks to the Pack SPORT and Pack SPORT +, amU students can choose from over 80 sports activities available on all Aix Marseille Université campuses. This Pack Sport entitles you to two free sports activities, which can be offered on several campuses, with several options, and either as free practice or as a bonus.