International Welcome Desk

If you are an EU citizen, this process does not concern you. 

Depending on your nationality, your situation and the length of your stay, you may be able to obtain a visa to study or conduct research in France or to return here after you graduate. 

There is an official website for visa application to France: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/ . You will find all information you need to prepare your stay in France. 

For complete information about the documents you must submit and to make an appointment, contact the French Consulate of your country of residence. 

To find out more, visit: 

https://www.campusfrance.org/en/the-different-types-of-visas  

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/visa-application-guidelines  

Important: This process can take several months depending on the country, start it as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.  

Once you arrive in France, you need to validate your Visa online (only for long-stay visas VLS-TS) : https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/  

• You are a citizen of the EU/EEA: apply for your European health insurance card (EHIC) in your home country. It needs to cover the period of your studies in France. 

• You are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA State: in preparation for your arrival in France for your studies, you must register for Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) on the Assurance Maladie website etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. 

To find out more, visit: 

Primary Health Insurance Fund
The French social security registration process for foreign students

Social security

As an international student in France, you may be elegible for financial support.

For more information, contact your nearest Campus France office or the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department (Service de coopération et d'action culturelle) of the French embassy or the French consulate in your country of residence.

Below are a couple of links to help you with the process:

• Campus France - Grants intended for Foreign Students in France (in French)
• Campus France - Catalogue of Grants classed by nationality (in French)
• Etudiant.gouv.fr - Financial Support for International Students (in French)
• Etudiant.gouv.fr - Financial support and grants (in English) - Please note that this page was last updated in 2020 and lacks a lot of information present on the French page
• France Diplomatie - Financing your studies in France (in French)

Coming soon.

Home insurance is mandatory for tenants. It enables you to receive compensation from your insurance company in the event of a claim in your home (fire, burglary, water damage...). 

Remember to check that your bank account and credit card can be used in France. Otherwise, you can open a bank account at any bank. 

You will need the following three documents: 

• Your ID 
• Proof of address 
• A certificate of enrollment or student card  

Also, consider international online banks which are convenient for currency conversion and making euro transfers without fees.

Check whether you can keep your home country's package in France. If not, once in France, go to an operator to get a new number with a SIM card.

coming soon