Applying for a Visa to Study in France

France offers a variety programs and degrees for international students. Many of them are in English. You can find a comprehensive list of these programs at this link. If you are a United States citizen, you will need to apply for a visa to study in France. Last year, I received a long stay student visa after an interview at the French Consulate in Boston. The process is not difficult if you prepare ahead of time. 

First, I applied to a school in France (for a Master of Law in my case). After receiving the acceptance letter, the next step is to register with Campus France. Next, after completing the registration, Campus France requires you to then submit an application on its website and mail a payment. After about a month, you will receive a letter telling you that you can now register for a visa appointment at the French consulate. You must bring this notification letter to your visa appointment. You cannot make a visa appointment more than 90 days before you leave for France, but the appointments fill quickly on the consulate's website, so it is a good idea to make the appointment before you receive the letter from Campus France. 

On the day of your consulate interview, you will need to have all of the required documents and the completed application. All of the required information is listed on each consulate's website. Typically, if your visa is approved, you will be notified within a week. Now you are ready to go to France!