After Selection: Surviving Your First Month in France

The arrival dependency chain

Each step depends on the previous one, so follow this order exactly.

1. 1
   Accept the scholarship offer

   Respond within the deadline. Sign and return the acceptance forms.

2. 2
   Apply for your visa (VLS-TS)

   You need your admission letter and scholarship letter. Book TLS Contact early. See the visa guide.

3. 3
   Secure housing

   A CROUS application or a private rental, with a Visale guarantee. Start the moment you accept.

4. 4
   Arrive in France

   Bring all original documents and cash for the first week, with your housing address confirmed.

5. 5
   Within 3 months

   OFII validation

   Validate your visa online on the official ANEF platform and pay the €100 tax for a student VLS-TS. This turns your VLS-TS into a residence permit.

6. 6
   Open a bank account

   You need your passport, proof of address and student ID. Try BNP, Société Générale or an online bank such as Boursorama. Eiffel scholars receive their first payment via Western Union, then by transfer to a French account.

7. 7
   Register for social security (Ameli)

   At etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr — free health coverage for all students. Eiffel scholars must send their certificate to Campus France within two months of arrival.

8. Pay the CVEC and enrol

   The €105 CVEC fee (2026/27) is paid at cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr. Then complete your university enrolment.

Pre-departure checklist