France increases minimum financial requirements for student visas

As of August 1, 2026, the minimum monthly financial resources required for students applying for a long-stay student visa in France have increased by approximately 42.7%. Candidates must now demonstrate monthly resources of 877.50 euros, up from the previous requirement of 615 euros.

This change follows a decree published on June 22, 2026, which indexes the minimum resource level to 47% of the French gross monthly minimum wage (SMIC). On an annual basis, the required reference amount has risen from 7,380 euros to 10,530 euros, representing an additional financial burden of 3,150 euros.

The increase significantly impacts students from Africa, who constitute a large portion of the foreign student population in France. Data from Campus France for the 2023-2024 academic year indicates that North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa together account for 53% of the 419,694 foreign students in the country. Major student populations include those from Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cameroon.