Student Visas for PhD in France

Let's be honest, most students choose France not only for its academic excellence, advanced research environment, and strong career practice, but also for its outstanding beauty and charm. If you are seeking a strong educational background and an aesthetic, high-quality lifestyle, then France is your best choice. 

Studying for a PhD in France remains one of the best choices you can make for your future educational journey, as well as for managing a successful career within a professional community. If you are looking for exciting and rewarding experiences as an international student in 2025, pursuing a doctoral degree in France is your best choice.  

Why Study a PhD in France?

Engaging in a PhD program is a wholesome experience, requiring a stable quality of life, a strong academic environment, and thriving opportunities to follow your interests and goals. France has been well-known for its world-class research institutions for centuries, not just decades. So you can see the historical value and importance of education and academic excellence in France. 

The tradition of prioritizing education has continued to this day, as evidenced by affordable tuition fees and a global academic reputation. Additionally, France is home to top scholars and supervisors, helping students pursue both intellectual growth and cultural enrichment.  

Before applying, it is essential to understand the visa acceptance process in France and how it provides clear and structured visa pathways for international PhD candidates. These pathways are primarily offered through the VLS-TS long-stay student visa and the researcher visa, designed for students who engage in academic research under a formal host agreement. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about a student visa for PhD international students. 

Read more: Phd Positions in France

Understanding the Types of Visas for International PhD Candidates

Firstly, it is essential to note that France offers a range of visa categories for international students. Still, two are most relevant for PhD applicants: the VLS-TS student visa and the researcher visa.

What Is the VLS-TS Long-Stay Student Visa?

The VLS-TS (“Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour”) is the most common visa type for PhD students, often serving as both a long-stay visa and a temporary residence permit. This type of visa allows international students in France to stay there for up to one year without the need to apply for a separate residence card. 

However, each program may require a different time period or residence, which varies from one university to another.  It's essential to validate your visa online within three months of arriving in France to obtain the necessary authorization to study, work part-time, and access public services. When it expires, you can renew it annually or switch to a longer-term student residence permit known as the Carte de Séjour Étudiant.

If you are applying to be a doctoral candidate or are officially enrolled in a French university or research institution, this visa is the one you need. Additionally, it is required for students receiving a fellowship, scholarship, or institutional funding. 

Student Visa vs. Researcher Visa

If you are confused about the difference between a student visa and a researcher visa, a quick guide is available to help clarify the distinction. For those applying as students to conduct full-time research under a formal hosting agreement (convention d’accueil), the Researcher (Chercheur–Scientifique) visa is often the more suitable option. Although they may seem similar, they are different, and you need to decide which type of student, or better phrase, researcher you want to be. 

Contrary to a student visa, researcher-based residential permits give you more flexibility for professional collaborations and paid research work. The good news is that both options allow you to travel safely and efficiently within Schengen countries. If you are still uncertain, you can utilize the ApplyKite AI search tool, which is specifically designed for academic applications and visas. Upload your resume or provide a brief explanation of your situation, and receive thorough feedback quickly. 

PhD Student Visa for France 2025 

Key Requirements of France’s Non-EU PhD Students' Visa 

Before applying, it’s essential to understand the required documents and qualifications. This step is critically important, as your file can be rejected due to missing documents or even a minor error in them. French authorities maintain transparent but detailed requirements to ensure students are academically and financially prepared for their studies.

Admission and University Acceptance

The most crucial part of getting a student or researcher visa for France is having the official acceptance letter from the university you have chosen. Without this letter, your file will be rejected immediately. The official admission letter from a French university or doctoral school confirms your enrollment and the name of your academic supervisor or research group. 

In this way, the embassy knows your file is valid and supported by an institution in France. All PhD candidates typically must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Having a well-defined research proposal and a straightforward supervision arrangement is often required, but it's not mandatory for all students and universities. 

It's better to verify the necessity of the proposal with your supervisor or directly through the university's website. Check the latest funded PhD positions in France and professional supervisors in your fields on ApplyKite. 

Read more: How to Apply for a PhD in France

Financial Proof, Accommodation, and Health Insurance

Financial proof is a crucial component of obtaining a visa. Although things may be slightly different for partially or fully funded positions, all PhD students are required to provide proof of their final ability, along with bank statements or a financial guarantee letter. The embassy requires official confirmation that you can support your stay for at least one month or approximately €800–€900 per month through scholarships or other means. 

Accommodation is also highly critical; you need to provide a valid address, such as a university housing confirmation or a rental contract, as proof that you have a place to stay upon arrival. 

Additionally, you should verify that your health insurance covers your stay in France. Ensure you have all the necessary documents before applying for a PhD student visa. You can check the details on the French Embassy website, or use the ApplyKite AI tool to ask it to prepare a checklist for you. 

Step-by-Step Application Process for 2025

Applying for a PhD visa in France follows a well-defined procedure, but timing and precision are crucial. The process involves both online and in-person steps.

Online Application via France-Visas

Your journey typically begins on the official France-Visas website, where you’ll create an account and complete the application form. You must be extremely careful when entering the information and ensure it is entered correctly. You need to select  “Studies” as your purpose of stay and specify “PhD student” as your category. Plus, you need to upload other donuts as well, including.

Passport

Acceptance letter

Proof of finances

Accommodation details

Insurance

Double-check that all documents are in the correct format and have been translated into French or English, as necessary. Bear in mind that even a minor error or piece of misinformation can result in rejection or delay your application. 

In-Person Appointment and Fee Payment

After completing the online application, the next step is to schedule an appointment at the French consulate or a visa application center to submit your original documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo), and pay the visa fee. According to recent updates, the visa fees are approximately €99 in 2025. Make sure to make a second copy of these documents, as you may need them in the future. 

Arrival in France and Visa Validation

Once you set foot in France, the most essential task is to validate your VLS-TS visa within three months of your arrival. This step officially activates your residency status and allows you to register for public health insurance, open a French bank account, and work part-time during your studies.

France’s approach to international education combines academic excellence with accessibility, making it an ideal destination for PhD students in 2025. The VLS-TS student visa and researcher visa systems are designed to simplify the transition from admission to residence, giving doctoral candidates the freedom to focus on their research rather than bureaucracy.

Conclusion 

If you plan carefully, prepare your documents thoroughly, and apply early, you’ll find the process manageable and rewarding. Once you arrive, you’ll be part of a vibrant international community where research, creativity, and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Your PhD journey in France isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about becoming part of a tradition of inquiry, innovation, and cultural depth that has shaped some of the world’s greatest thinkers. With the correct visa and preparation, that journey begins today. 

If you want to experience a clear and more professional path for a visa application, you can always rely on ApplyKite tools. Upload your resume and documents, and we will provide you with instant feedback on how to improve the process. Instead of wandering around the web and wasting time or money, you can get the latest information, including programs, available supervisors, and many more details, all on ApplyKite’s platform.