When students think of Europe, they often compare Germany or Netherlands. But there is one visa that stands out as the most student-friendly, financially supportive, and future-oriented: the French VLS-TS (Visa Long SĂ©jour valant Titre de SĂ©jour).
This visa is more than a simple study permit—it is your gateway to education, work, social benefits, European travel, and even long-term residency. Let’s dive deep into why the VLS-TS is the best student visa in Europe.
🎓 1. Study in France, Live Like a Local
In many destinations, being an international student means living on the sidelines—restricted rights, limited benefits, and higher costs than locals. France breaks that pattern. With the VLS-TS student visa, you step into the country as a recognized resident, not a temporary visitor.
đź’Ľ 2. Work Legally While You Study
The VLS-TS gives you the right to work part-time 964 hours per year (20 hours per week)—enough to support living costs while gaining experience.
Paid internships are fully allowed.
Many French programs (especially Masters/MBA) include mandatory internships, making your work experience official and valuable.
Students in France also enjoy a minimum wage protection (SMIC).
👉 Compare this to the UK where hours are limited during term time and student jobs are harder to find—France clearly offers more balance between study and work.
🏠3. CAF Housing Allowance (A Benefit Rarely Found Elsewhere)
One of the most powerful advantages of studying in France is access to CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) housing aid.
International students can claim 30–40% rent reduction each month.
Applies to both student residences (CROUS) and private apartments.
No discrimination: French and international students get the same benefit.
💡 Few countries in Europe directly subsidize student rent for foreigners—France does.
❤️ 4. Health Insurance Like a Citizen
With the VLS-TS, you’re automatically eligible for the French national healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante):
Free or low-cost enrollment.
Covers doctor visits, hospitals, prescriptions, and partial dental/eye care.
You can also add private student insurance (“mutuelle”) for extra coverage.
Compare this to the US (where insurance costs $1,000s) or the UK (where you pay a high NHS surcharge)—France offers world-class healthcare nearly free of charge.
🌍 5. Free Travel Across Europe
The VLS-TS is a Schengen visa. This means:
You can freely travel across 26+ Schengen countries (Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, etc.) during your studies.
Perfect for weekend trips, cultural exposure, and building global networks.
Your French student life is not just in France—it’s in all of Europe.
🔑 6. A Clear Path to PR and Citizenship
Unlike in many countries, the French VLS-TS visa is not a dead end—it’s the first step towards permanent settlement.
- During studies: You hold the status of a legal resident.
- After graduation: Apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour), giving you 1–2 years to find a job or start a business.
- Work visa transition: Once employed, you can switch to a Talent Passport or residence permit.
đź“Ś Popular Post-Study Pathways
| Pathway | Eligibility | Validity | Work Rights | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RECE (Job Seeking) | Master’s degree, recent graduate, or APS holder | Up to 12 months | ❌ No | Counts toward 5-year residency |
| Salarié (Employee) | CDI or qualifying CDD; ≥1.5 × SMIC salary | Typically 1 year (renewable) | ✅ Yes | Employer-sponsored; pathway to PR |
| Talent Passport – Young Graduate | Master’s+ degree, innovative employer, high salary | Multi-year | ✅ Yes | Smooth route; high salary & innovation requirement |
Citizenship opportunity: After 5 years of PR or 10 years of residence, you may be eligible to apply for French nationality.
⚖️ 7. Almost Equal to Citizens (Even Before PR)
Even while on VLS-TS, you already enjoy rights similar to French citizens:
Affordable tuition fees.
Access to CAF rent subsidies.
Coverage under national health insurance.
Discounts on transportation, museums, theaters, cinemas, and restaurants.
Right to work part-time with legal protections.
Equal access to public libraries, sports facilities, and student unions.
In short: You live like a French student citizen from day one.
✨ Final Word
The VLS-TS student visa is not just an entry ticket to French universities—it’s a comprehensive package of rights and opportunities that few other countries offer. From subsidized housing and healthcare to legal work, Schengen travel, dependent benefits, and a clear path to PR and citizenship, it is no exaggeration to say:
“The French VLS-TS is the strongest and most student-friendly visa in Europe”.