For admitted higher-education students; applicants in China use the applicable Études en France/Campus France procedure alongside consular visa steps.
Route overview
Long-stay student visa / VLS-TS étudiant
Typical timeline / duration: VLS-TS student visa allows studies for 4 months to 1 year and must be validated after arrival.
Important notes
Obtain course admission/enrolment and complete the applicable Études en France/Campus France process for China before the visa-file stage.
France-Visas requires proof of at least €877.50 per month for long-stay student applications submitted from 1 August 2026.
Follow the visa wizard and China handling channel for passport, photographs, accommodation, funds, course and other personal evidence; a Vietnam or Caribbean bank checklist is not automatically China's.
France-Visas' dated student banner supports the August 1 threshold; this is before the audit's August 3 baseline, not a new October increase.
Validate an issued student VLS-TS online within three months after arrival. If continuing studies beyond validity, apply for the residence title in its separate renewal window.
The usual non-EU student employment limit is 964 hours per year, with special categories/exceptions. It is supplementary income, not a guaranteed means of covering all study costs.
In China, TLScontact receives applications; the French consular authorities decide them. Acceptance by a school or completion of Campus France does not guarantee a visa.
Preparation checklist
Complete your China study application procedure and obtain the institution's enrolment evidence.
Generate your personal document list in the visa wizard instead of copying another country's checklist.
Collect financial records meeting the current student minimum and the locally accepted proof format.
Book the authorised China submission appointment and retain the application receipt.
After arrival, complete VLS-TS validation and note the residence renewal window if the course continues.