Administrative formalities for international students in France - Study in France

Do administrative formalities in France make you feel anxious and uncertain? At KEDGE, we understand that it may be challenging for international students to prepare all the required documentation for their studies abroad. There are often many questions about different types of student visas, French healthcare system, home insurance policy, the opening of a French bank account, and the CVEC fee. That is why we are here to explain the administrative procedures, guide you with all the formalities, and find all possible solutions for your specific case.

Student visa

Find out about different types of French student visas, necessary documents, and steps to follow to get your visa.

Health insurance

At KEDGE, we can guide you through the registration process for health insurance in France.

Home insurance

KEDGE is here to inform you of all the nuances of home insurance in France.

Bank account

Find out how to open a French bank account as an international student, what options you have, and what documents are required for the procedure.

Student Life and Campus Contribution (CVEC)

Find out what is the CVEC and how to pay it.

Prepare your stay at KEDGE Business School: administrative "to-do" list

At KEDGE, we foster and welcome diversity and inclusiveness. A quarter of our students are international and come from four parts of the world for their business studies. They all have different procedures to follow and documents to prepare for their arrival in France. That is why we provide them with personalised support and guidance with all the administrative formalities.

You are now certain that you will begin the upcoming academic year studying in France. Information is power. Here is the "to-do" list you need to feel powerful and confident while finalising your stay in France:

Prepare all the necessary documents. Most administrative procedures require a valid passport/ID card, school certificate confirming your enrolment, passport-type photos, civil status proof, etc.

Start your search for student accommodation in France. It can be very complicated to find a place to stay at the beginning of the academic year. You can complete some procedures from abroad.

Apply for a student visa at least one month before your arrival. There exist different types of visas, depending on your country of origin, situation, and the length of your studies in France. You can usually begin the process online and finish it at your local French Embassy/Consulate/VAC. You can find out the type of visa you need on the official website.

Book your transportation and buy your aeroplane tickets. You will need to know your departure dates to finalise some visa/permit formalities.

Do not forget to contribute to your student life in France. French and international students are required to pay an administrative fee known as the CVEC (Student Life and Campus Contribution). That will help to reinforce the social, health, cultural, and sports support of students in the country.

Open a bank account in France. Having a French bank account may be necessary to pay for your rent, receive the CAF financial aid, get refunded for medical expenses with the French social security system, pay for your electricity or gas, etc.

Validate your residence permit. If you came to France on a long stay visa used as residence permit (VLS-TS), you must validate it within three months after your arrival.

Register for the French social security system. The registration is free of charge and mandatory if you are coming to the country for more than 3 months. French health insurance will help you partially cover your medical expenses in France.

Conclude a contract for your student home insurance. Whether you are going to live in a student residence, room, or studio, you need to insure your rented accommodation against certain risks. Similarly, all French residents are required to have civil liability insurance. It will protect you and help with expenses if any harm has been done to a third party or their property.

Financial requirements to study in France

International students must prove they have a sufficient budget for their studies in France (i.e., €615), which is 100% of the basic monthly maintenance allowance for foreign students on scholarships by the French government. This requirement applies to students who do not receive scholarships or financial aid from the French government, foreign governments, international bodies, or EU programmes.

Business studies for international students in France

Do you want to study business abroad? KEDGE Business School offers 23 international programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate, and exchange students. These are open enrolment and personalised training courses specifically designed to meet the needs of international students, institutional partners, companies, and clients. You can also apply for one of our high-quality short-term programmes such as International Summer School and International Winter School. All of them will provide you with a first-rate higher education, boosting your future employability. On 4 December 2019, KEDGE was awarded the “Bienvenue en France” (Welcome to France) quality label by the Campus France Committee.

Whether you decide to pursue your business studies in Bordeaux, Paris, Marseille, or Toulon, KEDGE will support and mentor you through all the necessary procedures. Besides French administrative formalities, we can assist you with your arrival in France, transportation, pick-up assistance, and integration. You can find the relevant information in our student handbooks for each city: Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris, and Toulon.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you need help with your student accommodation in France or more information regarding scholarships and financial aid. All you should know after your admission can be found on our Welcome page for international students at KEDGE Business School.

To learn more about your KEDGE campus and its facilities, do not hesitate to view our pages for Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris, and Toulon campuses.