France Student Visa vs Tourist Visa for Indians: What’s the Difference?

If you’re an Indian citizen planning to visit France, one of the first questions you’ll face is: do I need a student visa or a tourist visa? The answer depends entirely on what you plan to do in France — and getting it wrong can lead to visa rejection or even deportation.

This guide breaks down the key differences between a France student visa and a tourist visa for Indians, so you can apply for the right one with confidence.

Quick Comparison: Student Visa vs Tourist Visa

What is a France Tourist Visa for Indians?

A France tourist visa — officially called a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — allows Indian citizens to visit France and 26 other European countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

You should apply for a tourist visa if you are:

• Visiting Paris and other French cities as a tourist
• Attending a business meeting or conference
• Visiting family or friends in France
• Attending a short-term training program (under 90 days)
• Transiting through France to another country

You cannot use a tourist visa to:

• Study in France for more than 90 days
• Work in France
• Stay longer than 90 days

What is a France Student Visa for Indians?

A France student visa — officially called a long-stay visa for studies (VLS-TS) — is required for any Indian student who plans to study in France for more than 90 days.

You must apply for a student visa if you are:

• Enrolling in a French university or grande école
• Attending a language school for more than 90 days
• Doing an internship lasting more than 90 days
• Pursuing a PhD or research program in France

Benefits of a student visa:

• Stay in France for the duration of your studies
• Work legally up to 964 hours per year
• Access French healthcare (Sécurité Sociale)
• Travel freely across all 26 Schengen countries
• Apply for a post-study work visa after graduation

Key Differences Explained

1. Duration of Stay

The biggest difference between the two visas is how long you can stay in France.

A tourist visa limits you to 90 days maximum within any 180-day period. This means if you enter France on January 1st, you must leave by April 1st at the latest.

A student visa allows you to stay in France for the entire duration of your academic program — whether that’s 1 year, 2 years, or longer. It is renewable as long as you remain enrolled in your studies.

2. Work Rights

On a tourist visa, you are strictly prohibited from working in France — not even part-time or unpaid internships that last more than 90 days.

On a student visa, you can work legally up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week during term time). At the French minimum wage of €11.65 per hour, this means you can earn approximately €11,000 per year to support your studies.

3. Campus France Registration

For a tourist visa, you apply directly through VFS Global in India. No Campus France registration is required.

For a student visa, you must first register on the Campus France India platform (india.campusfrance.org) and complete an interview before you can apply for your visa. This process takes 4-6 weeks, so plan ahead.

4. Health Insurance

For a tourist visa, you must purchase private travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for the duration of your stay.

For a student visa, you are automatically enrolled in the French national health system (Sécurité Sociale) after arrival, which covers 70-80% of medical costs — at no extra cost to you.

5. Path to Residency

A tourist visa does not lead to any form of residency in France. Once your 90 days are up, you must leave.

A student visa can be a stepping stone to long-term residency in France. After graduating, you can apply for the post-study work visa (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), which gives you 12 months to find a job or start a business. This can eventually lead to a work permit and permanent residency.

Can I Study in France on a Tourist Visa?

This is the most common question Indians ask — and the answer is: it depends on the duration.

Yes, you can study on a tourist visa if:

• Your course lasts less than 90 days
• You are attending a short language course or summer school
• You are doing a short-term exchange program

No, you cannot study on a tourist visa if:

• Your course lasts more than 90 days
• You are enrolled in a full degree program
• You plan to work alongside your studies

Which Visa Should You Apply For?

Apply for a Tourist Visa if:

• You are visiting France for holidays
• Your stay is less than 90 days
• You are attending a short course or conference
• You are visiting family or friends

Apply for a Student Visa if:

• You are enrolling in a French university
• Your studies last more than 90 days
• You want to work alongside your studies
• You are planning to stay in France long-term

How to Apply for Each Visa

Tourist Visa Application

1. Book your appointment at VFS Global
2. Fill in the Schengen visa application form
3. Gather your documents (passport, photos, insurance, bank statements, flight and hotel bookings)
4. Submit your application and biometrics
5. Wait 15 working days for processing

Student Visa Application

1. Register on Campus France India portal
2. Complete your Campus France interview
3. Get accepted by a French university
4. Apply for your VLS-TS visa at VFS Global
5. Gather your documents (passport, Campus France confirmation, university acceptance letter, proof of funds)
6. Wait 3-4 weeks for processing

Frequently Asked Questions