Prepare your departure budget
Deposit, first rent, the €100 fee on arrival, transport. Don't count on housing benefit (APL) if you have no scholarship.
VLS-TS student visa validation fee100 €By card online or electronic stamp at a tobacconist.
Verified on 07/10/2026 · Service-public A18881Source
Housing benefit (APL) for non-EU/EEA/Swiss studentsNeeds-based grant holders only, with exceptionsThis means the needs-based grant (CROUS): an Eiffel or French government scholarship does not open APL. Exceptions: professional activity, apprentices, professionalisation contracts, refugees, stateless persons, spouses.
Verified on 07/10/2026 · Service-public A18981Source
How to do it
Do not count on APL: since 01/07/2026, students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must hold a need-based scholarship, with some exceptions (professional activity, apprenticeship, professionalisation contract, refugees, stateless persons, spouses).
- 1List your expenses for the first weeks: deposit and first month's rent, plane ticket, CVEC, transport from the airport, food and things to set up your home.
- 2Set aside €100 for the validation tax on your VLS-TS visa, paid by card online or with an electronic stamp from a tobacconist (buraliste) after you arrive.
- 3Check the CVEC amount for your year on cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr and add it, unless you are exempt.
- 4Ask your bank whether your card works in France and for online payments, before you leave.
- 5If you are aiming for a work-study programme (alternance), plan to live without a salary until your contract is signed.
What you need
- Proof of funds prepared for the visa
- Bank card that works in France
- Rent and deposit amounts for your first accommodation
- CVEC certificate or exemption certificate
Tips
- The €877.50 per month required for the visa is a legal minimum, not a comfortable budget in Île-de-France.
- The first month costs more than the following ones: deposit, rent, visa tax and setting-up costs all come at the same time.
A question about this step?
“Prepare your departure budget”: ask Mbeng, the answer comes from the guides and official sources.