Top 10 Reasons for Rejection of France Student Visa

A French student visa is required if you are willing to pursue a long-term academic degree in France. Generally, the application procedure for a French student visa starts after the student receives a confirmed seat or confirmation of admission to their esteemed program. However, this may not be the final step towards your "studying in France" dream, as during your visa application process, you may (or may not) have to face some setbacks. For this reason, we have come up with this article that lists the major popular reasons for the rejection of French student visa applications. 

France has, over the years, become one of the top study abroad destinations among Indian students because of its state-of-the-art quality education, complete with world-class infrastructure and student-friendly policies. The international student-friendly university campus, part-time work options in France, French post-study work permit and a large pool of Indian students have made France a viable destination for Indian students wanting to study abroad.

Candidates wanting to enter France for the purpose of education would be required to apply for a France student Visa. Candidates, upon successfully obtaining an admission letter from any French university/college, are required to submit their application for a French Student Visa. While most student visas are processed within the set time limit, at times the student visa process can take longer to process, and at other times the visa application may get rejected altogether. Students should not worry about their visa application being rejected, as students can always re-apply a second time for their student visa. They should just remember not to make the same errors as they had made in their previous visa application. Read "What to do if Your Student Visa Application Gets Rejected?" as this may help suggest to you some measures and still get a chance at your visa application. 

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Top 10 Reasons for French Student Visa Rejection 

Today, we are going to talk about some common mistakes that can be easily avoided while submitting your France Student visa application.

1. Insufficient funds

Candidates going to France are required to be able to pay their tuition fees, their living costs and every other necessary expenditure while living in the country. By law, candidates would be required to show funds that cover their tuition and living expenses for a year or for the entire duration of the course (whichever is longer), and the funds must have been significantly old in the account. A lot of times, these intricate details are left out by the candidate or taken lightly, thus leading to their Visa rejection. Candidates are advised to show more funds than the requisite amount by the authorities, as this gives confidence in the profile of the student.

2. Inadequate or fake documents

A lot of times, candidates underplay the importance of supporting documents. Along with their Visa Application form, candidates are expected to submit supporting documents to make their application stronger. Candidates should be extra careful to note that all the documents required by the agency must be submitted in order and attested if necessary. The documents should be in English and according to international standards. Candidates should never provide documents that are fake or include forged signatures or fake proofs. Their visa application form is bound to be rejected as the authorities will eventually find out the eventually about the ill practice adopted by the candidate. Candidates are advised against adopting any such unfair means.

3. Lack of a Clear Study Plan

Visa officers are looking for applicants who demonstrate a sincere dedication to pursuing their studies in France. They want to see that you have a deep understanding of the program you have selected and how it aligns with your future career aspirations. It is important to convey your genuine interest in the educational opportunities available in France and articulate how your chosen field of study will contribute to your professional development.

4. Falling short of academic achievements

Candidates looking to apply to the top universities in France are required to show academic achievements to be able to meet the exceptional academic standards maintained by the country.  If students are unable to match such standards, it could lead to the cancellation of their France Student Visa application. The student visa could also be rejected if the issuing administration feels the student would not be able to cope with the prevalent education system or if the student could experience a language barrier once in the country.

5. Providing Inaccurate Information

The most important document for students applying for a French Student Visa is a French student visa application form. A lot of times, candidates provide inaccurate information in their French student visa application form, which becomes the reason for the rejection of their application. The visa application form could be a complex document for first-timers, and candidates could tend to misinterpret questions. Hence, the probability of making an error is huge, and this should be avoided under all circumstances.

6. Itinerary not Provided

Your inability to provide your appropriate travel itinerary within the Schengen country or choosing the incorrect Embassy of a different Schengen Area can lead to a rejection of your application. It is also mandatory for you to book your accommodation for your planned destinations. All the applicants should possess a booked flight ticket (including internal flights & accommodation between the Schengen states) and travel tickets for all the planned destinations.

7. Wrong or Damaged Passport

Your visa can be rejected on the grounds of providing a damaged, wrong or expired passport. Make sure that no page of your passport is detached or missing, or the front cover is missing. The passport should have a valid period of three remaining months after the visit to the Schengen country and should not be older than 10 years.

8. Language Barrier 

A lot of the universities in France would require candidates to know the basics of the French language. Universities and colleges that teach in English would require candidates to know English; they would at the time of admission, requirements appear for one of the English language proficiency tests to prove their English language skills. The best way around this would always be to know a little French. Most schools in India offer students to study a third language. Students should opt for French. Even if the university you are admitted to is all English, knowing French could take you a long way during your job search in the country.

READ: MS in France - University, Colleges, Fees & Eligibility

9. Don't Know Much About the Host Country & Course

Candidates would definitely be required to explain their reason for choosing France as a destination of choice and a particular course. Hence, it is important for candidates to make sure that they know and provide accurate reasons for choosing France as a study destination above other destinations, and they should also have a reason for opting for that particular course. Candidates should note that they are not looking for Wikipedia answers. They should be able to provide genuine reasons for their choices.

10. The Intention of Returning is Paramount 

Candidates should always have a backup plan ready in India. Students should note that they are only travelling on a student visa. They would get a post-work-study visa, and if things don’t work in their favour, they would be required to come back. So they should be able to convince the authorities that once the legal tenure of stay is over, they plan to come back. Unable to show an intention that confirm their return to India after his stay could lead to the cancellation of the application.

11. Lack of interview skills

The interview round for the French Student Visa is extremely crucial and is a deciding factor for your student visa. Candidates should be able to exude confidence and charisma at the time of their interview. Candidates who go half-prepared or provide hesitant answers often miss out on the opportunity of getting their student visa. Candidates should be prepared with all the information as the interviewer expects the candidates to be aware of the country, state, city, university and study programs.

Candidates who are facing problems with their France Student Visa can contact our state-of-the-art counselling team to get their doubts cleared. Candidates should never display rude behaviour, uncouth tendencies, or use harsh language at any point of the interview, as any misbehaviour during the interview would lead to the cancellation of your application.

Note that candidates who have been rejected can always reapply for their France student visa after the cooling period is over. The cooling period of a visa is the time required to be maintained between the submissions of two visa applications.

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