To study in France for more than three months, Moroccan students need a long-stay student visa, usually a VLS-TS. You apply for it once your Campus France procedure is complete and you have accepted an admission.
Key takeaways
- The visa comes after the Campus France procedure and a final admission.
- You fill in the application on France-Visas, then submit your file and biometrics at the visa application centre.
- You must prove a minimum monthly amount of resources, set by French authorities.
- After arrival, the VLS-TS must be validated online within the deadline.
The steps of the French student visa
- Complete the Campus France Maroc procedure and accept an admission for good.
- Create your application on France-Visas and choose the long-stay student visa.
- Book an appointment at the visa application centre indicated at the end of the online form.
- Submit your file, give your fingerprints and pay the fees.
- Collect your passport with the visa, then travel before the start of classes.
Documents usually requested
- A valid passport and recent photos.
- The France-Visas application form and its receipt.
- Your admission or pre-registration from the French institution.
- Proof of financial resources: your own bank statements, or a sponsorship commitment from your parents with their statements.
- Proof of accommodation for the first months.
- Diplomas and transcripts, translated into French where needed.
The exact list is the one displayed at the end of your France-Visas application: follow it document by document.
After arrival: validating the VLS-TS
The VLS-TS acts as a residence permit only once it has been validated online on the official website, within the deadline indicated, with payment of a fee. Do it as soon as you have an address in France: without validation, your stay is not regular.
Common reasons for refusal
- Financial documents that are incomplete, too recent or inconsistent with the declared sponsor.
- A study project that is hard to follow: a program with no link to previous studies, or vague career plans.
- Missing translations or documents that do not match each other (names, dates, amounts).
- Applying too late, so that the appointment or the decision comes after the start of classes.
Frequently asked questions
How long before the start of classes should I apply?
As soon as your admission is final, usually in late spring or early summer. Appointments fill up quickly before September.
How much money must I show?
French authorities set a minimum monthly amount, which can change. Check the current figure on France-Visas or Campus France before preparing your bank documents.
Can my parents be my sponsors?
Yes, it is the most common case. Prepare a sponsorship commitment, their identity documents and bank statements that show regular, explainable resources.
How ProTrain can help
ProTrain helps Moroccan students build a complete and consistent student visa file, prepare the financial documents with their parents and get ready for the appointment or interview, through our student visa support. See also our France page, or book a consultation in Guéliz, Marrakech, or online.
Official sources
- France-Visas: student visa application and list of documents.
- Campus France Maroc: the Études en France procedure before the visa.