For international education agents, helping a student choose a French language programme is only part of the journey. Understanding the visa requirements that may apply to their nationality, course duration and study plans is just as important.
Paris remains one of the world's most attractive destinations for learning French, but students need to understand the administrative requirements before making travel arrangements. For agents, having clear and reliable information to share with students can make the enrolment process considerably smoother.
ACCORD Paris has put together guidance covering some of the most common questions about studying French in France, from visa requirements and course duration to enrolment documents and what happens if a visa application is refused.
Students do not need a visa simply to book a French course at ACCORD Paris.
However, depending on their nationality and the length of their stay, they may need a visa to enter France.
Students who are citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland do not need a visa to enter France.
For students from other countries, visa requirements depend largely on nationality and the intended length of stay. Agents should encourage students to check their individual requirements through the official French visa authorities before making travel arrangements.
For students travelling to France from outside the European Union, the visa required will depend on the duration and nature of their stay.
Students staying for a shorter period may require a short stay visa, depending on their nationality.
This can include a Uniform Schengen visa for travel within the Schengen Area, as well as specific short stay visas for certain French territories.
Students and agents can check the latest information through the official France Visas website.
Students planning to remain in France for more than 90 days generally need to apply for a long stay visa before travelling.
This is an important consideration for students booking longer French language programmes, particularly those planning several months of intensive study in Paris.
Agents should always encourage students to begin the visa process well ahead of their intended departure date, as processing times and documentation requirements can vary.
Financial requirements are an important part of the long stay visa application process.
According to the information provided by ACCORD Paris, applications submitted from 1 August 2026 require proof of income corresponding to a minimum of €877.50 per month.
Visa requirements can change, so students should verify the current financial requirements and supporting documentation directly with the French authorities before submitting an application.
No. ACCORD Paris does not issue visas.
French language schools are not responsible for granting visas, and the final decision rests with the relevant French authorities.
Students with questions about their individual visa circumstances should contact the French Embassy or Consulate responsible for their application and, where applicable, the nearest Campus France office.
This distinction is particularly important for education agents. A school can provide supporting enrolment documentation, but it cannot guarantee that a student's visa application will be approved.
Yes.
Once ACCORD Paris has received a student's completed registration and the required payment, the school can provide an official invitation or acceptance letter for submission as part of the visa application.
Students remain responsible for gathering all other documents required by the relevant authorities.
These may include:
Agents should remind students that receiving an acceptance letter from a language school does not automatically mean that a visa will be granted.
The official France Visas website provides a visa assistant where students can check whether they need a visa based on their nationality, circumstances and intended stay.
This should be the first point of reference for students before they begin preparing their application.
Students can also submit their visa application online through the official France Visas platform.
The application process begins online through the France Visas website.
Students should provide accurate information and carefully check the documentation required for their individual circumstances.
For agents, it is worth encouraging students to start this process early. Waiting until shortly before the planned course start date can create unnecessary pressure and may affect travel arrangements.
The school can provide the documents relating to the student's course, but the responsibility for completing the visa application and meeting the eligibility requirements remains with the student.
Not necessarily.
For students applying for a visa to study French, the required number of study hours can be an important consideration.
According to ACCORD Paris, French Embassies and Campus France offices will usually ask for a course involving a minimum of 20 hours of study per week.
ACCORD recommends its Morning Intensive Course A, offering 20 hours or 26 lessons per week, or its PM2 afternoon course, which also offers 20 hours or 26 lessons per week.
For students considering a longer stay, agents should check that the selected programme is appropriate for the student's visa circumstances before confirming their plans.
Course fees vary depending on the programme, duration and year of study.
For example, ACCORD's published prices include the following rates for longer programmes:
Students should always check the latest published prices before registering, as fees may change.
Students can begin their enrolment by completing ACCORD Paris's online registration form.
After receiving the registration form, the school will contact the student regarding the documentation required, which can include a copy of their passport.
ACCORD will then provide bank details so the student can make payment for the programme or the required non refundable deposit.
Once the necessary documents and payment have been received, ACCORD can issue the relevant registration documentation.
Students who have paid the full course fees receive a certificate of registration, while those who have paid the non refundable deposit receive a certificate of pre registration.
ACCORD may cancel an enrolment if payment has not been received one month before the requested course start date.
Once full payment has been received, students will also receive a placement test. This should be completed and returned at least one week before the course begins so that the student can be placed in the appropriate class.
Students who already have some knowledge of French can generally start their course on any Monday.
Beginners have specific starting dates, generally at the beginning of each month.
Agents working with students should therefore check the published beginner start dates before confirming travel arrangements.
The latest course dates and prices are published by ACCORD Paris and can be checked before booking.
Visa refusal is understandably a major concern for students planning to study abroad.
If a student's visa application is refused, ACCORD Paris requires the original visa refusal document issued by the French authorities before processing a refund.
Students can initially send a copy of the refusal by email to notify the school of the situation. However, the original document must subsequently be sent by post for the refund to be processed.
Any refund is subject to the school's terms and conditions, including applicable registration fees and bank charges.
Agents should make sure students understand these conditions before making payment.
When supporting a student who wants to study French in Paris, it is worth checking the following before the student books flights:
For agents, visa guidance is an important part of setting the right expectations before a student travels.
Paris offers an exciting opportunity for students to develop their French language skills while experiencing life in one of Europe's most iconic cities. With the administrative side properly planned, students can arrive feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed.
ACCORD Paris supports students by providing the course documentation required for their visa application and by guiding them through the enrolment process. The visa application itself remains the responsibility of the student and the relevant French authorities.
For agents considering ACCORD Paris for their students, understanding these requirements can help make the journey from initial enquiry to arrival in France much smoother.
Useful resources for agents and students:
France Visas: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/accueil
France Visas Assistant: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/assistant-visa
France Visas Application: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/demande-de-visa
ACCORD Paris Courses: https://www.accord-langues.com/french-courses-for-adults-in-paris/
ACCORD Paris Dates and Prices: https://www.accord-langues.com/accord-dates-and-prices/
ACCORD Paris Terms and Conditions: https://www.accord-langues.com/accord-terms-and-conditions/
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