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Your passport (except for people from EU) must be valid through the end of your study period. You must apply for and obtain a long-term student visa. The French consular official will ask you to present:
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A certificate of prior acceptance or preenrollment issued by the French school of “n+i” Network that admitted you.
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Evidence of financial resources translated by a sworn translator, or a certificate of payment to EduFrance.
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Luggage
Do not bring too much luggage—you may have to pay excess baggage charges to the airline. France has a temperate climate. Summer temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius, depending on the area. Winter temperatures may be as low as –10 degrees Celsius. Plan to purchase clothing in France.
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Residency permit
International students coming to France for more than 3 months must apply, upon arrival, for a temporary student residency permit. The application is made at the local government centre (or préfecture) for the area in which the student resides. But the laws are adapting fast, and in a near future the residence permit will be given in the same time as the visa.
The residency permit expires when the student’s passport expires, when the student’s program ends, or after one year, whichever comes first. It can be renewed. Good performance on exams and other evidence of academic success make it more likely that the government will extend the permit.
« n+i »partners (intensive French centres, schools) will help you apply for your residency permit.
You must present your residency permit to your school’s administration in order to obtain a student ID.
Note: After your graduation (master) you may benefit from a work permit (green card) for 6 months in order to search for a job. In case of success the permit will be extended to 2 years.
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Social benefits
As a student in France you enjoy the same social benefits as French citizens. The “n+i” package also provides liability and repatriation insurance for the first months. You could also, when arrived in the engineering school in September, get a special insurance (mutuelle) to complement your student insurance (contact the school).
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Housing allowance
You may get allowance from the French government for your housing (type APL, Aide Personnalisée au Logement). Your institution can help you apply.
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Checking account
You may, thank to “n+i”, open a checking account as soon as you arrive in France. “Société Générale”, as the bank partner of the network offers, to “n+i” students, special services and advantages. Be prepare to deposit a minimum of 200 €.
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Driver’s license
If you think you will use a car in France, you will need international automobile insurance and a valid driver’s license. After a year, you must exchange your license for a French license. Your original license is returned when you leave France. Or you may obtain and use an international driver’s license.
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Other documents to be bring with you to France
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Recipients of French government scholarships must present a letter of introduction from the cultural service of the French embassy or consulate in their country of origin.
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Bring a dozen passport-sized photographs, 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
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Bring a birth certificate translated by a sworn translator.
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Bring originals of any supporting documents you showed to the embassy or consulate. You may be asked to show them at the border and when you apply for a residency permit.
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Bring 75 to 150 € in cash to cover your expenses for the first few days. You can get, with international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American express..) more cash from automatic teller machines.
For additional information before departure, please contact the cultural service of the French embassy or consulate
