Foreigners in France

Check-list

Prepare your arrival in France!

On the Campus France website, you will find all the necessary information on the steps to take when you arrive in France:

- how to go through the OFII procedure (validate your VLS-TS)
- how to open a bank account
- how to obtain a free Ameli insurance for international students

ATTENTION: students of French as a foreign language do not have to pay the CVEC.

Welcome guide - tips and tricks for your stay in France

This booklet will guide you through administrative procedures, help you to choose a cultural activity, provide you with information about life in France and much more.

The "Etudes en France" procedure

Students who reside in one of the 67 countries concerned by the "Etudes en France" procedure must make a specific request to register in a higher education institution.

The long-stay student visa

The long-stay visa validating a residence permit for "students", or VLS-TS "student", allows you to study in France for a period of four months to one year. When it expires, you must apply for a residence permit to stay in France.

If you are applying for a visa from abroad, we recommend that you first obtain a French diploma at least at the A2 level in order to avoid being refused a visa.

If you need to obtain a visa, you must enroll in an intensive course of at least 9 months which involves 20 hours of classes per week.

After paying the full tuition fee, you will receive the certificate of enrollment.

Choose a date when you are sure to start your course.

Check the data you have sent in the form: first and last name, email and phone number, address.

Pay attention to the last name and first name. Write your last name in capital letters.

The importance of transcripts and class attendance

The criteria are becoming increasingly specific, so put the chances on your side by attending as many courses as possible, participating in end-of-term evaluations and requesting your transcripts systematically.

Deadlines for submitting the necessary documents

We respond to all your requests within two working days. Transcripts are ready as soon as the session is over and we issue other certificates on request within a few working days. More information.

Housing

All ECLA residences are located near our language center and offer a 50% discount on entrance fees for IESIG and ILCI students until October 2025 included.

How do I make a reservation?

Students make their reservation requests on the website www.ecla.com. To register in Ecla residence and benefit from the discount on processing fees, it is necessary to provide proof of enrollment or a student ID.

Our refund policy in case of visa refusal for your international students:

We refund all fees up to 15 days before the arrival date.

Cancellations related to a visa refusal must be communicated in writing and accompanied by proof of refusal. However, depending on the timing, the following deductions may apply:

• Up to 15 days before the arrival date: no fee

• Between 14 days and the arrival date: 100% of the application fee

• Beyond that: 100% of the application fee + 1 month of rent.

You can also consult very useful information about housing on the website of our partner school ILCI.

In addition, we invite you to consult the information on finding housing on the CampusFrance website.

Why learning French?

Speaking French is an asset to increase your chances on the international job market in various sectors. Fluency in French is essential for anyone considering a career in international organizations.

Last but not least, French is both the working language and official language in the following structures:

• UN

• European Union

• UNESCO

• NATO

• Olympics International Committee

• Red Cross International

• numerous legal authorities
  

It is also the language of the three headquarters of the European institutions: Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg.

Knowledge of French opens the doors of French companies in France and abroad, particularly in all French-speaking countries such as Canada, Switzerland, Belgium and the African continent.

Professional perspectives

An international language

Work opportunities

It may seem obvious, but French society is more willing to accept a resident who speaks the language of Molière. Even if remarkable progress has been made to give English speakers a chance, you know what you have to do!

Integrate into French society

Where are we located?