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Studying in France: short stays without a visa (≤ 90 days) & the EEF procedure for long stays

Is your passport visa-exempt for short stays?Follow the official steps for a study stay. For > 90 days: EEF→ France-Visas → TLS/VFS → VLS-TS online validation
Is your passport visa-exempt for short stays?Follow the official steps for a study stay. For > 90 days: EEF→ France-Visas → TLS/VFS → VLS-TS online validation

1)What does “short stay without a visa + EEF for a long stay” mean?

If your passport is visa-exempt for short stays, you may enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 dayswithin any rolling 180-day period (tourism or short courses).

However, if you plan to study in France for more than 90 days, you must first create an Études en France (EEF)application with Campus France in your country, then apply on France-Visas for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)and provide biometrics at the visa centre (TLScontact or VFS, depending on the country).

⚠️ Note. If your country is not visa-exempt for stays ≤ 90 days, this article does not apply. See the companion guide: “Student visa guide for passports that are not visa-exempt.”

2) Stays ≤ 90 days: countries/territories visa-exempt (short study stays)

Who is this for? Holders of a passport exempt from a short-stay visa (≤ 90 days) coming to the Schengen area for a short course.

Reminder. Exemption is not unconditional → you must meet Schengen entry requirements (insurance, funds, accommodation, ticket, etc.) and respect the 90/180 rule.

Examples :

Americas


United States

Canada

Mexico

Argentina

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Peru

Asia (East & ASEAN)


Japan

South Korea

Singapore

Malaysia

Brunei

Macao (SAR)

Middle East / Asia & Eastern Europe

Israel

United Arab Emirates Hong Kong (SAR)

Taiwan*

Ukraine

Georgia

* Taiwan: passport with ID number, as per EU guidance.


Official, up-to-date full list:



3) Stays > 90 days: countries/territories subject to the EEF procedure (Études en France)

Decision rule. Whether EEF is required depends on the applicant’s country/territory of residence (not only the “visa-exempt short stay” status).

If your country/territory of residence is on the EEF list → EEF is mandatory before applying on France-Visas for a VLS-TS Étudiant.

If it is not on the list → you apply directly on France-Visas for the VLS-TS Étudiant.

Common examples on the EEF list:

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Ukraine, Georgia, etc.



Important. Local requirements (documents, timelines, modalities) depend on your consulate/centre.

Campus France. Always follow the most recent official instructions.


4) Short stay (≤ 90 days): rules & documents

Passport

Key points / What to prepare

Visa-exempt (≤ 90 days)

No visa required, but comply with the 90/180 rule. On entry it is recommended to have: letter of enrolment/admission, proof of accommodation, financial means + return ticket, Schengen medical insurance ≥ €30,000 covering the entire stay.

Visa required (≥ 90 days)

Apply for a Schengen C visa – Studies/training ≥ 90 days on France-Visas; you’ll receive a personalised checklist. Submit your file and biometrics via TLScontact/VFS.

Useful links:

TLScontact (country access): https://www.tlscontact.com/en/


5) More than 90 days: the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) pathway

Step 1 — Create your Études en France (EEF) file

Register with Campus France in your country; your EEF number is required in the visa form.

EEF overview: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/application-etudes-en-france-procedure

Step 2 — Complete the online form on France-Visas

Choose “Student (long stay)”, then print the application and the receipt. Prepare your documents in line with your personalised checklist.

Student (VLS-TS) page: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/student

Step 3 — Book an appointment & submit biometrics

Depending on your country, the partner centre will be TLScontact or VFS Global.

TLScontact: https://www.tlscontact.com/en/

VFS (portal example): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/fra/

Step 4 — After arriving in France: validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months

Validation is mandatory. Without it, you are not legally compliant and cannot re-enter Schengen.

Arrival in France & validation link (ANEF):https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/your-arrival-in-france


Typical documents for a student visa (overview)

  • Letter of admission/enrolment for a programme > 90 days (e.g. our Intensive or Extensive courses ≥ 3 months; see the attached brochure/to download for details)；

  • Proof of funds (amounts and formats as per your France-Visas checklist)；

  • Proof of accommodation；

  • Passport, photos, France-Visas application & receipt, EEF number, and any specific item required by Campus France / your visa centre.

Always follow your France-Visas personalised checklist and your Campus France country guidance.
















EDAM notice

This article is provided for information only, based on our experience. We are not the visa authority and cannot advise beyond this information. Please check with Campus France, France-Visas and your competent visa centre (TLScontact/VFS) for the rules in force and your personalised checklist.




 
 
 

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