France Raises Proof-of-Funds Requirement for Study Visas by 43%
Aug 12, 2026
International students planning to study in France will now need to demonstrate significantly more financial resources when applying for a long-stay student visa, following a major increase in the country’s minimum proof-of-funds requirement.
Effective August 1, 2026, students applying for a French long-stay student visa must demonstrate access to at least €877.50 per month, up from the previous requirement of €615 per month. This represents an increase of approximately 43% and could have a significant impact on the financial planning of students preparing to study in France.
Under the new requirement, applicants must demonstrate that they can meet the minimum financial threshold for the duration of their stay in France. The requirement is intended to demonstrate that international students have sufficient resources to support themselves while studying without facing financial difficulties.
Students can demonstrate their financial capacity through several sources, including personal savings, financial support from a guarantor, scholarships, or other forms of financial documentation accepted by the French authorities.
Campus France has advised prospective students to take the new requirement into account when planning their studies and preparing their visa applications. Students are also encouraged to ensure that their financial documents meet the new threshold before submitting their applications.
The increase comes at a time when the cost of studying in France is also changing for some international students. France is introducing higher tuition fees for many non-EU international students from the 2026/27 academic year, adding another financial consideration for students planning to pursue higher education in the country.
Despite these changes, France remains an attractive destination for international students. The country offers a strong academic and research environment, relatively affordable higher education compared with some other major study destinations, and an increasing number of programmes taught in English. Its location within Europe also allows international students to experience life and travel across the European Union.
The latest change forms part of a broader effort to strengthen France’s position as an international education destination under its “Choose France for Higher Education” strategy. As students increasingly consider destinations beyond traditional markets such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia, France has continued to attract attention from prospective international students.
For students planning to apply for a French student visa, the increased proof-of-funds requirement means financial preparation should begin well before the visa application is submitted. Applicants should carefully review their available funds, scholarship documentation, sponsorship arrangements and other supporting financial evidence to ensure they can meet the new threshold.
The change also highlights the importance of budgeting for the full cost of studying abroad. Students should consider not only tuition fees but also accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, visa costs and other living expenses when preparing for their studies in France.
With the new €877.50 monthly requirement now in effect, prospective international students should review their financial plans early and make sure their documentation accurately demonstrates their ability to support themselves throughout their stay. Careful preparation can help students avoid delays or complications when applying for their French study visa.
Source: The PIE News