France asks long-stay student visa applicants to prove they have at least €877.50 for every month of their stay. The rule applies to applications made from 1 August 2026.
This is not a new announcement. The rule has been in force for more than two months, but some students may still plan with the old figure. Here is a clear reminder for students from Gujarat and across India.
What Changed?
Until 31 July 2026, the minimum proof of funds for a French student visa was €615 per month. From 1 August 2026, it is €877.50 per month. That is €262.50 more every month.
According to immigration sources, the new figure is linked to France’s gross minimum wage, known as the SMIC. Campus France India has also posted a notice about the change on its website.
How Much Is That Over a Full Stay?
Here is a simple way to work it out:
- 9 months of study: €7,897.50
- 12 months of study: €10,530
This amount is the proof of funds for living costs. It is separate from your tuition fee, accommodation and visa fee. Paying one does not reduce the other, so plan for all of them.
A Simple Budget Example
Say a scholarship gives you €500 per month. The rule still asks for €877.50 per month. You would need to show how you will cover the other €377.50, for example through savings or a guarantor. The same idea applies to any part of the amount that another source does not cover.
Who Should Check?
Every student applying for a French long-stay student visa should check this rule. Reports say it applies to all applications submitted from 1 August 2026. Immigration sources also say the same threshold applies when a student renews a student residence permit in France.
Campus France says funds can be shown through personal savings, a financial guarantor, a scholarship or other documents that French authorities accept. If a scholarship covers only part of the amount, you may need to show how you will cover the rest.
What To Do Now
- Work out your budget using €877.50 per month for your full stay.
- Decide how you will show the funds: savings, a guarantor, a scholarship or a mix.
- Keep your bank statements and sponsor papers clear, recent and easy to read.
- Do not mix up this amount with your tuition fee or visa fee. They are separate costs.
- Convert euros at the current exchange rate, because the rupee value changes often.
- Check the Campus France and France-Visas websites before you apply, and start early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the old €615 figure from an older blog or video
- Counting tuition money as part of the living-cost proof
- Sending bank or sponsor papers that are old, unclear or incomplete
- Converting euros at an old exchange rate
Because the figure is linked to the minimum wage, it may change if the minimum wage changes. Check the latest number before you apply.
Why It Matters for Students From Ahmedabad and Surat
France is a popular choice for students who want a European degree. A higher funds figure changes the family budget, so it is better to know it before you pick a course and a city.
If you are still comparing countries, read our Study in France guide. Other countries have also changed their costs lately, as our update on Australia student visa charges and rules shows. You can also meet our team in person at the Study Abroad Fair in Surat on 24 October, which covers Spain, France and the UK, or at the Ahmedabad fair on 23 October.
Bottom Line
France now asks for proof of €877.50 per month for a long-stay student visa. The rule has been in place since 1 August 2026. Plan your funds early, keep your papers ready, and confirm the final rules on the official French websites.
FAQs
What is the minimum fund requirement for a France student visa?
It is €877.50 per month from 1 August 2026. The old figure was €615 per month.
Is this a new rule announced on 13 October?
No. It is an existing rule that has applied since 1 August 2026. This article is a reminder.
How much do I need to show for one year?
For 12 months, the amount is €10,530.
Does this amount cover my tuition fee?
No. It is proof of funds for living costs. Tuition, accommodation and the visa fee are separate.
Plan Your France Study With SWEC
SWEC Visa Consultant helps students in Ahmedabad, Surat and across Gujarat with:
- Course and university selection in France
- Campus France and student visa file preparation
- Proof of funds and financial planning
- Pre-departure guidance
Book a free consultation through our contact page. Always confirm the final requirements on the official French websites before you apply.
Sources
- Campus France India, France Visa – Important announcement, updated 24 July 2026
- Campus France Singapore, Student Visa: Changes Effective from 1 August 2026
- France Immigration, France Student Visa: Income Threshold Now €877/Month, updated 7 August 2026
- Official site to check: France-Visas
