Students who depart as planned, renew their permits, or change their visa category are eligible for a refund. However, failure to comply with departure conditions can result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Students who depart as planned, renew their permits, or change their visa category are eligible for a refund. However, failure to comply with departure conditions can result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
France has introduced a new visa requirement for non-European Union student visa applicants: a mandatory deposit. This deposit, intended to cover potential expenses during their stay in France, is refundable under certain conditions. The exact amount of the deposit has not been specified, leading to uncertainty among prospective students.
The refundable nature of the deposit is contingent on several factors. Students who depart as planned, renew their permits, or change their visa category are eligible for a refund. However, failure to comply with departure conditions can result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Uncertainty over refunds
Atharv Chodankar, a communications student at Mulund College of Commerce, believes this practice aligns with norms observed in other countries. “This isn’t unfamiliar territory. Many countries impose similar deposit requirements,” he said. While acknowledging the financial security it provides for students abroad, Chodankar also points out the challenges, particularly in arranging the initial funds.
Saurav M, a prospective student visa applicant preparing for his language proficiency exam, expressed concern over the purported ambiguity of the unspecified amount. This uncertainty adds a financial hurdle that was not anticipated in the planning stages of studying abroad.
Niranjan Rane, an information technology student considering a master’s program in France, suggested how visa consultants could alleviate the uncertainty surrounding this new requirement. “While the deposit adds a financial layer, its refundable nature is reassuring. Staying informed and liaising with visa consultants will ensure a smooth process,” Rane advised.
Annual proof of enrollment
In addition to the deposit requirement, the French government has instituted an annual proof of enrollment obligation for all long-term permit holders. This measure underscores the government’s intent to regulate and monitor the international student population more closely.
France’s position as a prime destination for international students is well-established. According to UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics, France ranks as the sixth-largest host country for international students. The top three countries of origin for these students are China, India, and Vietnam, with significant disparities in the number of students each country sends abroad. Over one million Chinese students study overseas, nearly double the number of Indian students (520,000) and eight times that of Vietnamese students (130,000).
France itself has seen a surge in the number of its students going abroad. In the past five years, the number of French students studying overseas has increased by 245%. This growth is indicative of the increasing globalization of education and the value placed on international academic experiences.
The number of international students in France rose by eight percentage points in the 2021-22 academic year, surpassing the 400,000 mark. This represents the most substantial growth in international student numbers in over 15 years. The increase is primarily attributed to a rise in European students, up 21 percentage points, and a 46% increase in exchange students during this period.
France as an international education hub
These developments reflect a dynamic shift in international education, highlighting France’s commitment to being a global education hub.
The new deposit requirement for non-EU student visa applicants is a significant policy change, emphasizing financial security and compliance. As with any new regulation, it poses challenges and uncertainties, especially for prospective students from countries with less financial flexibility.
The impact of this policy on France’s appeal as a study destination and its international student demographics will be an important area to monitor in the coming years.
