Visa
All non European students who will be in France studying for longer than 3 months must apply for a student visa. This must be done at your nearest French consulate or embassy no later than 3 months before your prospective arrival date.
All of the information below is meant to be a general introductory overview of the visa process for studying as an exchange or degree student at Audencia. For detailed information and guidelines, particular for regulations concerning your country of origin, please visit the France visa website as a start, the Campus France website, or visit the respective French embassy/consulate website for your country.
For stays longer than three months
In general, if you are planning to stay in France for more than three months, you will need to obtain a long-term student visa before your arrival. You should apply for your visa at the French embassy/consulate in your country of residence at least three months before your departure. Your passport should be valid for the entire length of your stay in France.
For stays shorter than three months
If you are staying in France for a shorter period than three months, you may still need a visa depending on your country of origin. Please refer to your nearest French Embassy/Consulate for the proper visa requirements.
Please note: A tourist visa (valid for stays of up to 3 months) may not be converted to a student visa once you have entered France. Please apply for the appropriate student visa if you will be studying at Audencia for a term longer than 3 months.
Student examination visa
A student examination visa allows you to enter France to sit for an entrance examination required as part of the process of applying for admission to a degree programme. If you pass the entrance exam, you may apply directly (without first returning home) for a renewable 1-year residency permit at the Nantes préfecture.
Entry visa for selected countries
For long and short-term stays, students from some countries may also need to obtain an entry visa in addition to their student visa to enter France. Entry requirements and visa procedures vary depending on your home country.
Please note: Residents of any EU country, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or San Marino do not require an entry visa.