To get a student visa for France, you must show that you can support yourself during your studies. The reference amount is €877.50 per month since 1 August 2026 (it was €615), or €10,530 for a twelve-month year.
Accepted documents
- An irrevocable transfer certificate (AVI) or a blocked account: the money is paid into an account that releases it to you monthly in France.
- A deposit certificate for a bank account in France.
- Sponsorship by a guarantor who shows sufficient, reliable and regular resources, with a copy of their ID.
- A scholarship certificate.
How to choose
The AVI reassures the consulate because the money is genuinely blocked and paid monthly: it is often the clearest option. A guarantor works if a relative has regular, documented income. Either way, what matters is consistency: the origin of the money must be clear and match what you say at the interview.
What the embassy really looks at
The French embassy stated in September 2026 that it does not require proof that tuition has been paid in full: it examines the financial consistency of each project. A large, sudden deposit with no explanation is more worrying than a fair, well-documented amount.
Key points
- €877.50 per month, or €10,530 for a year.
- AVI, blocked account, guarantor or scholarship.
- A consistent source of funds comes first.
