Masters in France
By admin 24/10/2026 21/10/2026
Every Indian student going to France for a degree passes through one step before the visa: Campus France. It is not a university or an agent. It is the French government's agency for promoting higher education, and in India its “Études en France” procedure is the gateway to a long-stay student visa. Many students lose time because they treat it as a formality. This guide walks you through the Campus France process for 2027 intakes, from creating your account to the interview, the visa and arrival.
What this guide covers
- What Campus France does
- Who must follow the procedure
- The Campus France process, step by step
- Documents checklist
- The Campus France interview
- From Campus France to the student visa
- Timeline for 2027 intakes
- FAQs
What Campus France does for Indian students
Campus France India has three roles
- Information: it runs education fairs and gives free guidance on French programmes and scholarships.
- Pre-consular check: through the Études en France platform it reviews your academic file, checks your motivation in an interview and confirms your plan is coherent.
- Visa link: once your file is approved, it is passed to the visa section, and you then apply for your visa through the official France-Visas system.
In short, a complete and well-prepared Campus France file makes the visa stage much smoother.
Who must follow the Campus France procedure?
Indian students applying for a long-stay student visa for a degree programme in France generally need to complete the Études en France procedure. This covers bachelor's, master's, MBA, MIM and PhD students. Short courses and some exchange programmes may follow a different route, so check with Campus France India if your programme is less than a full degree.
There are two ways to use it
- Applying through Études en France: some French institutions, especially public universities, accept applications directly through the platform.
- Already admitted: if you applied directly to a business school or “Grande École” and have an admission letter, you use the platform to complete the pre-consular procedure only.
The Campus France process, step by step
- Create your Études en France account on the Campus France India website with your passport details.
- Fill in your profile: academic history from Class 10 onwards, language scores, work experience and your study plan.
- Upload documents in the required format (see the checklist below).
- Add your programmes or your admission letter, depending on your route.
- Pay the Campus France processing fee. The amount is set by Campus France India and can change, so check the current fee on the official site before paying.
- Submit your file for review and book your interview slot when invited.
- Attend the interview (in person or online, as instructed).
- Receive approval on the platform and move to the visa application.
Campus France documents checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for the full study period plus a margin |
| Class 10 and 12 marksheets | Scanned originals |
| Degree certificate and all semester transcripts | Provisional certificate if the degree is not yet awarded |
| CV | One or two pages, academic and work history |
| Statement of purpose | Clear link between past studies, chosen programme and career plan |
| English or French test score | IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes; DELF or DALF for French-taught |
| Admission letter | If already admitted |
| Work experience letters | If applicable, especially for MBA and MIM |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements, loan sanction letter or scholarship letter |
Name spellings and dates must match your passport across all documents. Gaps in education should be explained in your CV or SOP.
The Campus France interview
The interview is a conversation, not an exam. The counsellor wants to understand whether your plan is clear and realistic. Common questions include:
- Why France, and why this programme?
- How does it connect with your bachelor's degree or work experience?
- Who is funding your studies and how much will it cost?
- What do you plan to do after the programme?
- Do you know any French? Are you willing to learn?
Answer in your own words, keep answers consistent with your SOP and know the exact name, city and duration of your programme. Learning basic French before you go is not mandatory for English-taught programmes, but it shows commitment and helps with part-time work.
From Campus France to the French student visa
After approval, apply for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) on the official France-Visas website and book an appointment at the visa application centre. You will typically need:
- Your Campus France approval and admission letter
- Proof of resources of at least €615 per month for your stay
- Proof of accommodation for the first months, if requested
- Passport, photographs and the visa fee
After arriving in France, you validate your VLS-TS online within the first three months. Our guides on English-taught masters in France and affordable universities in France help you choose where to apply.
Campus France timeline for 2027 intakes
| Intake | Start applications | Campus France and interview | Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2027 (business schools) | August to October 2026 | October to November 2026 | November to December 2026 |
| September 2027 (main intake) | November 2026 to March 2027 | March to June 2027 | June to August 2027 |
Public university deadlines on Études en France often fall early in the year, so the September 2027 intake needs planning now. Allow at least three to four months from starting your Campus France file to receiving your visa.
FAQs on the Campus France process
Is Campus France mandatory for Indian students?
For a long-stay student visa for a degree programme, Indian students generally need to complete the Études en France procedure first.
How much is the Campus France fee?
Campus France India sets the processing fee and may revise it. Check the current amount on the official Campus France India website before paying.
How long does the Campus France process take?
Usually a few weeks from submission to approval, depending on the season. Peak months (May to July) take longer.
Do I need French for the Campus France interview?
No, for English-taught programmes the interview can be in English. Basic French helps show motivation.
Can Campus France reject my application?
It can give an unfavourable opinion if your file is incomplete or your plan is unclear. A coherent SOP and consistent documents are the best protection.
Get your Campus France file right the first time
The Campus France process rewards students who prepare a clear, consistent story. Once it is approved, the visa step is usually straightforward.
edbgo helps Indian students who want to study in France choose programmes, prepare Études en France files and SOPs, practise for the interview and complete the visa. Contact our Chennai team to plan your 2027 intake.
Post Tags: # Campus France # France Student Visa # Study in France
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