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 with 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"; "TRAINEE".
• "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 from 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 passing 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!

Why open a bank account in France?

Opening a bank account in France is not compulsory, but it will make your daily life easier and help you with all your administrative formalities:

• Pay bills and subscriptions
• Receive a salary
• Pay your day-to-day expenses by credit card at no extra cost
• Receive social assistance from the CAF (housing) or healthcare reimbursements (CPAM)

Opening a bank account will also enable you to keep your money safe and avoid carrying too much cash.

What documents do I need to open a bank account?

• Copy of valid residence permit
• Proof of schooling
• Proof of address (you can choose between an electricity, gas, water or telephone bill, or a CROUS accommodation certificate or one from your host family).

Do I really need a bank card in France?

Bank cards are widely used in France.

It allows you to :

• make online payments, using the card number on the back and the expiry date and security code on the back.
• make in-store purchases via a credit card payment terminal.

You must insert your card into the terminal and enter your 4-digit PIN code to make a payment, or (if activated on your card) you can make "contactless" payments by bringing your card close to the terminal, up to a maximum amount of €50.

Can I use my home country's bank card?

The vast majority of international cards are accepted in France. However, the bank in your home country may charge you fees for payments in France. These fees can quickly become significant. If you wish to use your foreign card in France, we recommend that you inform your bank in your home country so that it does not block payments for security reasons.

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

If you lose your bank card or it is stolen in France or abroad, the first step is to stop payment as soon as possible, in order to block future payments.

To do this, you need to make your stop payment request by telephone:

• via the number provided by your bank
• or via the interbank opposition service on 0 892 705 705 (open 24/7), a surcharged number (cost of a call to a landline number + €0.34 incl. tax/min. from a landline or cell phone).

When you call, you'll be given a registration number. You should keep this number, as it provides a dated record of your opposition, invaluable in the event of a dispute. The opposition procedure triggers an immediate block on bankcard payments. If a payment order is made after this date, this would constitute a fault on the part of your bank, which you would be entitled to contest. It should also be noted that the opposition procedure is an irreversible operation, even if you recover your card. You will therefore need to apply for a new bank card.

Why open a bank account in France?

Opening a bank account in France is not compulsory, but it will make your daily life easier and help you with all your administrative formalities:

• Pay bills and subscriptions
• Receive a salary
• Pay your day-to-day expenses by credit card at no extra cost
• Receive social assistance from the CAF (housing) or healthcare reimbursements (CPAM)

Opening a bank account will also enable you to keep your money safe and avoid carrying too much cash.

What documents do I need to open a bank account?

• Copy of valid residence permit
• Proof of schooling
• Proof of address (you can choose between an electricity, gas, water or telephone bill, or a CROUS accommodation certificate or one from your host family).

Do I really need a bank card in France?

Bank cards are widely used in France.

It allows you to :

• make online payments, using the card number on the back and the expiry date and security code on the back.
• make in-store purchases via a credit card payment terminal.

You must insert your card into the terminal and enter your 4-digit PIN code to make a payment, or (if activated on your card) you can make "contactless" payments by bringing your card close to the terminal, up to a maximum amount of €50.

Can I use my home country's bank card?

The vast majority of international cards are accepted in France. However, the bank in your home country may charge you fees for payments in France. These fees can quickly become significant. If you wish to use your foreign card in France, we recommend that you inform your bank in your home country so that it does not block payments for security reasons.

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

If you lose your bank card or it is stolen in France or abroad, the first step is to stop payment as soon as possible, in order to block future payments.

To do this, you need to make your stop payment request by telephone:

• via the number provided by your bank
• or via the interbank opposition service on 0 892 705 705 (open 24/7), a surcharged number (cost of a call to a landline number + €0.34 incl. tax/min. from a landline or cell phone).

When you call, you'll be given a registration number. You should keep this number, as it provides a dated record of your opposition, invaluable in the event of a dispute. The opposition procedure triggers an immediate block on bankcard payments. If a payment order is made after this date, this would constitute a fault on the part of your bank, which you would be entitled to contest. It should also be noted that the opposition procedure is an irreversible operation, even if you recover your card. You will therefore need to apply for a new bank card.

Why open a bank account in France?

Opening a bank account in France is not compulsory, but it will make your daily life easier and help you with all your administrative formalities:

• Pay bills and subscriptions
• Receive a salary
• Pay your day-to-day expenses by credit card at no extra cost
• Receive social assistance from the CAF (housing) or healthcare reimbursements (CPAM)

Opening a bank account will also enable you to keep your money safe and avoid carrying too much cash.

What documents do I need to open a bank account?

• Copy of valid residence permit
• Proof of schooling
• Proof of address (you can choose between an electricity, gas, water or telephone bill, or a CROUS accommodation certificate or one from your host family).

Do I really need a bank card in France?

Bank cards are widely used in France.

It allows you to :

• make online payments, using the card number on the back and the expiry date and security code on the back.
• make in-store purchases via a credit card payment terminal.

You must insert your card into the terminal and enter your 4-digit PIN code to make a payment, or (if activated on your card) you can make "contactless" payments by bringing your card close to the terminal, up to a maximum amount of €50.

Can I use my home country's bank card?

The vast majority of international cards are accepted in France. However, the bank in your home country may charge you fees for payments in France. These fees can quickly become significant. If you wish to use your foreign card in France, we recommend that you inform your bank in your home country so that it does not block payments for security reasons.

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

If you lose your bank card or it is stolen in France or abroad, the first step is to stop payment as soon as possible, in order to block future payments.

To do this, you need to make your stop payment request by telephone:

• via the number provided by your bank
• or via the interbank opposition service on 0 892 705 705 (open 24/7), a surcharged number (cost of a call to a landline number + €0.34 incl. tax/min. from a landline or cell phone).

When you call, you'll be given a registration number. You should keep this number, as it provides a dated record of your opposition, invaluable in the event of a dispute. The opposition procedure triggers an immediate block on bankcard payments. If a payment order is made after this date, this would constitute a fault on the part of your bank, which you would be entitled to contest. It should also be noted that the opposition procedure is an irreversible operation, even if you recover your card. You will therefore need to apply for a new bank card.