If you are a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area, you do not require a residence permit (titre de séjour) or a visa. A valid identity card or passport is adequate. It must be valid for at least the next 6 months.
If you are a student of another nationality, you are required to have a Student long stay visa and a current passport.
You must obtain your visa before arriving in France! All students from outside of the European Economic Area and Switzerland must obtain a student long stay visa”D” (for stays in France longer than 3 months).
Applying for a Student long stay visa
Visas application is now booked online at the official Visa Website for France where you can also find useful information to prepare your arrival :
- For students coming from countries using the Campus France/EEF online procedure
You must register with your local Campus France office to apply for admission and obtain a student visa. Where to find Campus France’s offices in your country? - For students coming from other countries
To obtain a Student long stay visa, you must fill in a document at the Consulate of France (or at the visa service of the French Embassy) of your country. A list of the necessary documents will be given to you when you pick up your file. Do I need a visa ?
To guide you through this process, a Campus France video tutorial is available here
.Documents to present (other documents may also be required)
- Your passport. The validity of the passport must correspond to the duration of the visa requested.
- A proof of enrolment or pre-enrolment in our EHESP – School of Public Health.
- A proof that you have sufficient income to live in France during your stay. The French law demands a minimum monthly income of 615 euros. If you have a scholarship, you will have to supply a certificate specifying the amount and duration of the scholarship.
- A proof of residence in France.
Convert your visa to residence permit upon arrival in France
The student LS visa allows you to study in France for a period of 4 months to 1 year. It must be validated within 3 months upon your arrival. If you choose to continue your studies after it expires, you may apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) at the prefecture of your place of residence.
Upon your arrival in France, you must validate your visa online on the french authorities website within 3 months at the latest: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
How to complete your administrative procedure?
In Rennes
The CMI (Rennes International Mobility Centre) provides services and support for international students.
You can consult the CMI specific FAQ about residence permit procedure.
To contact the CMI : cmi@univ-rennes2.fr
To book an appointment with the CMI Rennes : https://cmi.univ-rennes.fr/en/s%C3%A9lection/book-appointment-cmi-rennes
Renewal of residence permit (for 2nd year)
This procedure is for those wishing to stay at least another year in France, to fulfill the conditions required by the Prefecture of the place of residence.
You must apply for a renewal three months before the current permit expires on the ANEF platform.
Note: You cannot start your renewal process (renouvellement du titre de séjour) earlier than 3 months before your visa expiration date. This process can take up to 6 weeks.
If you do an internship abroad or go home for the summer holidays, be aware that you will have to be in France for your appointment in July or August.
You will find additional information on the CMI Rennes website and the list of documents that you will need to present.
The CMI Rennes can help you with this process. To find out more, make an appointment with CMI Rennes here.