Enter and stay in France

Once the candidate has received the letter of admission into a French programme, he/she needs a number of documents in order to enter and stay in France.

Regulations for entering the country as a student for a long period of time are not the same as when you are visiting the country as a tourist.

STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS

Filipino students need to show the following in order to avail of a student visa:

1 - filled-out application form to be obtained from the French Embassy/Consulate close to your place of residence

2 - a valid passport; the passport must not expire before the end of your planned stay

3 - proof of resources allowing you to live in France for the stated period (for grant holders, this will mean a certificate stating the amount and duration of the grant)

4 - proof of preliminary acceptance (original) into the French program specifying course dates

Visa applications are carefully scrutinized by the consulate. They judge the validity of the projected study in France before rendering a final decision on the application.

For more information on the issuance of student visas, you may contact the cultural section of the French Embassy to the Philippines by writing an email to culturel@ambafrance-ph.org.

WORTH KNOWING:
- Do not underestimate the length of your stay!
- Define the duration of your stay at the time of application for the program; apply for visa accordingly.

If you leave for France on a short-stay visa and realize there that your course is going to last more than six months, you will not be able to renew it in France; you will have to return to the Philippines and apply for a new visa.

The long- term student visa allows you to obtain the residence permit (carte de séjour) in France.

Fore more information:

Ambassade de France aux Philippines