Home > Practical Information

Getting ready

Immigration

European Union nationals are entitled to stay in France with their valid EU identification (passport). Non-EU nationals must acquire a long-stay visa before arriving in France and they must check the process with the consular authorities in their own country as it may depend upon particular agreements between France and the country concerned. To apply for a visa, it is necessary to meet several conditions and to present a certain number of documents: a valid passport as well as documentary evidence of the object of the stay (registration or pre-registration) and conditions of residence in France (resources, housing...). A long-stay visa is mandatory for non-EU nationals to apply for a residence permit later.

Health insurance

EU nationals must have a European Health Insurance card issued by the appropriate authorities of their originating country as well as a photocopy of this document (or the E128 form). Non-EU nationals will automatically have to join the French social security system upon registration. Complementary health insurance that covers the difference between medical costs incurred and the Social Security reimbursements is not mandatory but recommended.

Bank Account

The official French currency is the Euro. On arrival in France, before you establish a French bank account, you should be able to pay easily with your “home” credit card if it is one of the major names like Visa and MasterCard. However, students staying over three months will need a bank account to pay for essential services. A valid passport, proof of address, and residence permit for non-EU nationals are required to open a bank account.  

Learning French

Following admission and registration, international students are granted access to e-learning in order to start or improve their French and facilitate their integration upon arrival. This e-learning access remains available for one year.
Additional French lessons for foreigners are also available.

Extra links

You can find interesting information in English of scholarships offered by the French government at this link:
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france_159/studying-in-france_2192/index.html

And you can have all the foreign student's scholarships in this French link:
http://www.cnous.fr/_vie_47.htm

Have a look of the official website of Paris:
http://www.v1.paris.fr/en/Studying/