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By Olami, AbroadPilot · Reviewed September 2026
Quick summary: France requires proof of €877.50 per month for the duration of your stay — a figure that rose sharply from €615/month on 1 August 2026, under Décret n° 2026-526 du 22 juin 2026. Confirmed directly against Campus France USA’s official visa guidance, the agency that processes French student visa applications.
The published figure
| Period | Monthly requirement |
|---|---|
| Before 1 August 2026 | €615/month |
| From 1 August 2026 | €877.50/month |
This must be the amount you have at your disposal after paying all tuition, administrative, and program fees — both to your French institution and to any home institution involved, and after any travel costs already committed. If a partial scholarship covers €500/month, for example, you still need to show how you’ll cover the remaining €377.50/month.
What actually counts as proof
- Your own funds: the three most recent official bank statements from your checking and/or savings account, showing either a balance of at least €877.50 × the number of months you’ll be in France, or a steady monthly income above €877.50 (with proof it will continue, such as a valid employment contract covering your program period).
- A sponsor: a notarized Financial Guarantee Form completed by a parent, family member, or another individual agreeing to provide at least €877.50/month for your entire stay, plus that sponsor’s own bank statements proving they can actually do it.
- A scholarship or loan: an official letter from your university or the awarding institution confirming a scholarship or loan package worth at least €877.50 × the number of months, after all program and tuition fees are paid.
Accommodation proof, a separate requirement
You must also show adequate accommodation arranged for at least the first three months of your stay, with a French contact address — a signed lease, a hotel or apartment reservation, a student residence reservation, or a signed host statement with the host’s ID and proof of address. If you haven’t secured full accommodation yet, proof for at least your first week plus a letter explaining your concrete longer-term plan is accepted.
Visa fees, while you’re budgeting
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Etudes en France application fee | $270 or $460, depending on application type |
| TLS visa appointment fee | €220 (~$255) |
| Long-stay visa fee | €50 (~$58) |
Total cost across Campus France/Etudes en France, TLS, and the consulate typically runs $580–$775. Recipients of a qualifying scholarship, or applicants pursuing a licence, master, or doctorat degree in France, are exempt from the TLS fee — wait for your exemption letter before booking the appointment, since TLS payments made in error aren’t guaranteed to be reimbursed.
Processing time — the honest figure
For well-prepared applications, Campus France USA states the average processing time is 3 weeks from the date of your TLS appointment. Incomplete or flagged applications can take longer. There is no expedited visa processing service offered by the Visa Service of the French Consulate.
Frequently asked questions
Why did France’s proof-of-funds figure change so much in 2026?
The French government raised the required monthly amount from €615 to €877.50 — roughly a 43% increase — effective 1 August 2026, under Décret n° 2026-526 du 22 juin 2026. It applies to all international student visa applicants, regardless of when they started their application process.
Does the €877.50 figure include my tuition or housing costs?
No. It’s the amount you must have available for living expenses after tuition, administrative, and program fees are paid. Accommodation is a separate proof requirement covering your first three months in France.
Can a scholarship cover part of the requirement?
Yes, but you still need to show the shortfall is covered another way. If your scholarship provides less than €877.50/month, you must demonstrate how you’ll make up the difference — through your own funds or a sponsor.
How long does the French student visa take to process?
Campus France USA’s own guidance states an average of 3 weeks from your TLS appointment for well-prepared applications, though it can take longer. There’s no paid expedited option.
Free tools for this
- Budget Breakdown by Destination — keep locked figures separate from your own estimates
- Proof of Funds Calculator — the UK, Canada, US, Australia, and Germany figures in one place
Official sources
Checked directly against the official source as of September 2026:
- Campus France USA — Guidance for Student Visa Applicants (updated 25 June 2026)
Proof-of-funds figures and visa fees can change without much notice. Re-check the live page above before finalizing any budget or application based on this article.
Explore more on our Proof of Funds Requirements by Country hub, or our France Visa Guide for the full application process.
