Applying for a Bachelor's degree in France as an international student requires meeting specific admission and visa requirements.
This guide covers the France student visa requirements for Bachelor degree applicants, including high school equivalency, language proficiency, financial resources, the Campus France procedure (for affected countries), and the application process.
Whether you are applying directly to a French university or through the DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable) procedure for first-year undergraduate studies, this guide provides everything you need to know.
Do Bachelor Applicants Need a Student Visa for France?
Yes. Non-European students need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) to pursue a Bachelor's degree in France[citation:1].
The VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) is valid for 4 months to 1 year and serves as both your entry visa and your initial residence permit[citation:5].
After the first year, you can renew your residence permit for the remaining duration of your Bachelor's program (up to 3-4 years total)[citation:5].
Pathways to Bachelor's Admission: Direct vs. DAP Procedure
There are two primary pathways for Bachelor applicants, depending on your country of origin and the year of study:
Direct Admission (for most years)
For admission to Bachelor's programs in the 2nd, 3rd, or later years, you can apply directly to universities through the Campus France "Études en France" platform (if your country is subject to this procedure) or through the university's own application portal[citation:9].
DAP Procedure (for first-year Bachelor's - Licence 1)
International students applying for the first year of a Bachelor's degree (Licence 1) in France may need to go through the DAP (Demande d'Admission Préalable) procedure[citation:8].
This applies to students who are not from countries subject to the EEF procedure, who do not hold a French Baccalaureate, and who are applying for Licence 1[citation:8].
There are two types:
- DAP Blanc: For candidates who do not reside in France
- DAP Vert: For candidates who reside in France
The DAP procedure typically opens on October 1 and closes on December 15 for the following academic year[citation:8].
Results are announced by April 30.
High School Equivalency for Bachelor's Admission
To be admitted to a French Bachelor's program, your secondary school certificate must be recognized as equivalent to the French Baccalaureate.
Recognition varies by country:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Widely accepted
- Cambridge A-Levels: Accepted with appropriate subjects and grades
- US High School Diploma + APs or SATs: May be accepted
- Other national certificates: May require evaluation by ENIC-NARIC France
Some universities may require a French language level of C1 for direct admission[citation:9].
Step 1: Campus France Procedure (If Applicable)
If you are from one of the 72 countries subject to the "Études en France" procedure, you must complete this step before applying for a visa[citation:5][citation:8].
This includes creating a profile, uploading academic documents, and participating in an academic interview[citation:1][citation:3].
Step 2: Essential Documents for Bachelor Applicants
After receiving admission and completing any required Campus France procedure, you will need to gather the following documents for your visa application:
Identification Documents
- Valid passport: Must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
- Two biometric passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm)
- Completed and signed long-stay visa application form from France-Visas[citation:1]
Academic Documents
- University admission letter: Official acceptance from a recognized French institution for Bachelor's studies
- High school diploma (secondary school leaving certificate) and transcripts
- Higher secondary or intermediate certificates (if applicable)
- Language proficiency certificate:
- For French-taught programs: DELF B2 or DALF C1. Some programs may accept TCF with B2 level.
- For English-taught programs: IELTS Academic (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (80-90)[citation:4].
Financial Documents
The minimum financial requirement is €615 per month (approximately €7,380 per year)[citation:5][citation:6]. This covers living expenses.
Acceptable proof includes:
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Sponsorship letter from parents with their bank statements
- Scholarship award letter
Accommodation and Travel Documents
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Travel health insurance (€30,000 coverage minimum)[citation:4]
- Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter) explaining why you want to pursue this Bachelor's degree in France[citation:1]
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Step 3: Submit Visa Application through VFS Global
Most international students submit their French student visa applications through VFS Global in their country of residence.
The process includes completing the France-Visas online application, booking an appointment at VFS Global, attending to submit documents and biometrics, and paying the €75 visa fee[citation:1].
Step 4: Visa Processing Time and Decision
The standard processing time is 2 to 4 weeks. Track your application through VFS Global's tracking system.
Step 5: After Arrival in France – Validate Your VLS-TS
After arriving in France, Bachelor students must:
- Validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival on the ANEF platform
- Pay the validation fee of €150[citation:5][citation:6]
Work Rights for Bachelor Students
Bachelor students on a VLS-TS visa can work part-time (up to 964 hours per year, or approximately 20 hours per week) during their studies[citation:1].
This allows you to gain work experience and supplement your income while studying.
Important Note: Bachelor applicants should start the application process at least 8-10 months before their intended start date, especially if they need to complete the DAP procedure (deadline December 15) or the Campus France procedure.
Check whether your country is subject to the "Études en France" procedure on the official Campus France website.
Always verify specific requirements with the French Embassy in your country.