France Student Visa 2026: New €877.50 Monthly Financial Requirement Explained
Last Updated: October 2026
France has introduced an important change for international students applying for a long-stay student visa in 2026. From August 1, 2026, students applying for a French long-stay student visa must demonstrate financial resources of at least €877.50 per month.
The required financial amount has increased from the previous reference amount of €615 per month to €877.50 per month and is particularly important for students preparing their visa applications, arranging financial documents, or planning to study in France during the 2026–2027 academic year. France-Visas and Campus France Pakistan both confirm the new €877.50 monthly financial requirement.
What Has Changed for France Student Visa Applicants?
The main change is the amount of financial resources applicants must demonstrate. Before August 1, 2026, the reference amount was €615 per month. For applications submitted from August 1, 2026 onward, the required amount has increased to €877.50 per month. This requirement is intended to demonstrate that students have sufficient resources to support themselves during their stay in France.
For example, a student planning a 12-month stay would need to demonstrate resources equivalent to:
€877.50 × 12 months = €10,530
This is a calculation of the monthly financial threshold for a 12-month period. Applicants should also consider tuition fees, travel, accommodation, insurance and other costs when preparing their overall study-abroad budget.
What Financial Proof Can Students Provide?
Students must provide appropriate evidence showing that they have sufficient funds available for their stay.
Depending on their circumstances, financial resources may be demonstrated through personal funds, a financial guarantor, scholarship documentation or other supporting evidence accepted by the French authorities. For Pakistani applicants, Campus France Pakistan lists a personal bank statement from the previous six months as one option. Applicants may also provide an affidavit of guarantor together with the guarantor’s bank statements and identification documents. Students should ensure that their financial documents are consistent, genuine and sufficient to meet the required amount. Having the required funds available does not by itself guarantee visa approval, as the French consular authorities assess the complete application.
What Does the New Requirement Mean for Pakistani Students?
The change is particularly relevant to Pakistani students planning to pursue bachelor’s, master’s or PhD-level studies in France. Campus France Pakistan states that Pakistani nationals residing in Pakistan who intend to study in France for more than three months generally apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS). The Etudes en France procedure is generally required for Pakistani applicants before starting the visa application process, subject to specific exceptions.
Students should therefore plan their academic application, Campus France process and financial documentation together rather than waiting until the final visa stage.
Does the €877.50 Include Tuition Fees?
The €877.50 figure represents the minimum monthly financial resources applicants must demonstrate for their stay in France. Students should not assume that this amount covers their tuition fees or other study-related expenses. Campus France Pakistan explains that financial statements are intended to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses, while the €877.50 monthly amount is the minimum financial-resource requirement for expenses in France.
Therefore, students should prepare a financial plan that considers:
- Tuition and university fees
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Travel costs
- Health insurance and other required expenses
- The €877.50 monthly financial-resource requirement
When Does the New Rule Apply?
The new threshold applies to long-stay student visa applications submitted from August 1, 2026.
France-Visas states that applications submitted from that date must include proof of resources corresponding to a minimum of €877.50 per month.
Students who are preparing applications for upcoming intakes should therefore use the new amount when planning their financial documentation.
What Students Should Do Before Applying
Students should prepare their financial, academic, Campus France/Études en France, and visa documents well in advance. Ensure bank statements or sponsorship documents clearly demonstrate sufficient funds and complete the applicable Études en France procedure before submitting the long-stay student visa application.
Final Takeaway
The €877.50 monthly financial requirement is an important France Student Visa update for 2026, effective for long-stay applications submitted from August 1, 2026. Students planning to study in France, including applicants from Pakistan, should prepare their financial documents carefully and ensure they meet the updated requirement. Before applying, applicants should verify the latest visa requirements through France-Visas and Campus France Pakistan to ensure their documentation is up to date.