France in Australia
Embassy and Consulate-General

Visa for students participating in a University exchange

This Visa concerns Australian students participating in an exchange between an Australian and a French university only. This exchange must have been recognised by the French authorities. Other type of students must follow the normal student procedure (see Student Visa).

Please note that, as a special exemption to the biometrics rules, applicants to this visa do not have an obligation to apply in person in Sydney and applications sent by mail will be accepted until the 31/12/2010.
This exemption concerns Australian citizens only. However, the Consulate General reserves the right to ask for an applicant to apply in person if considered necessary.

REQUIREMENTS PER APPLICANT

- 1 Long Stay Visa application form duly completed in French, dated and signed.

- 2 passport size photographs with one pasted on to the form

- 1 check-list duly completed

- 1 «Demande d’attestation OFII» with the first part « RUBRIQUES A REMPLIR LORS DE LA DEMANDE DE VISA » duly completed.

Original documents (to be presented in the following order) + 1 copy (in a separate set) of :

- Valid passport

- Enrolment certificate delivered by the French university (document signed and stamped with the official seal of the establishment), specifying the length and purpose of studies.

- Recent certificate issued by the Australian University confirming that the student is participating to an exchange program with a French University.

- Evidence of sufficient financial means (bank statement, professional advice from accountant, bank manager, financial adviser).

- Proof of accommodation in France covering whole stay.

- Police certificate(s) of country or countries of residence of more than one year over the last ten years :

  • for Australia, a National Criminal History Record Check (less than three months old) : standard disclosure - police name check - issued by the police authorities of your State or Territory.
  • for other countries, in the event of impossibility of obtaining a police certificate in less than two months, applicants must submit evidence of application thereof accompanied by a statutory declaration relating to conviction status and an undertaking to provide the document when available.

- Return tickets to France or full comprehensive travel itinerary issued by a Travel agent or an airline specifying the date of entry in France.

Applications should be lodged in person at the Consulate-General of France in Sydney with all the requirements in the order indicated above.

If you intend to ask for your passport to be returned by post, please provide a pre-paid, registered and completely filled out self-addressed envelope (preferably Platinum Express Post).

Processing visa fee : please see the list of applicable visa fees

Important: only credit card will be accepted

Processing time to obtain the visa : 2 weeks minimum for a complete application

Book an appointment here

Last updated 28/4/2010