Applying for a French student visa from Pakistan in 2027? The process has two parts: the Campus France procedure (Études en France), then the long-stay student visa. Here is the full path, the documents and the timeline for Pakistani students admitted to an English-taught programme.
From Pakistan, the French student visa involves two separate organisations: Campus France Pakistan reviews your academic project, then the French Embassy in Islamabad decides on the visa after an appointment arranged by AEG. This page explains how each stage works in practice, using the calendar Campus France Pakistan has published for 2026-2027.
Step by step
Get your admission letter; at AI2, after a file review and an online interview.
Create your account on Études en France and complete your academic file.
Attend your Campus France Pakistan interview; prepare with our Campus France interview questions.
Book your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) appointment through France-Visas.
Submit your documents and biometrics, then wait for the decision.
After arrival, validate your visa on the ANEF portal within three months and register with the French health insurance.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport.
- Admission letter from your French institution.
- Completed Études en France procedure.
- Proof of resources: at least €877.50 a month (about €10,530 a year), from savings, a sponsor or a scholarship.
- Proof of accommodation for your first months; see student accommodation in Paris.
- Academic transcripts and English proof.
- Photos and the visa fee.
Always check the official checklist on France-Visas and Campus France Pakistan before your appointment: requirements can change.
Avoid a refusal
Most refusals come from unclear funds, an incoherent study plan or a weak interview. Read the 12 most common reasons for a French student visa rejection.
The Pakistani procedure in detail
Stage 1: pick the right Études en France route
Campus France Pakistan runs two campaigns. The Candidature route serves programmes listed in the Études en France catalogue, mostly public institutions. The Pre-consular route is for students already admitted by an institution outside the catalogue; for private schools, Campus France Pakistan considers the admission final once tuition has been paid. You upload your admission letter and documents under “My Pre-consular file” in My Student Hub, then wait for a payment request.
Stage 2: fee, file review and academic interview
- Pay the Études en France fee only after Campus France Pakistan requests it, and within one week, by bank transfer or deposit to Alliance Française Karachi. AEG’s checklist names the Askari Bank account and asks for your full name and application number (format PKXX-XXXXXX) on the transfer.
- If reviewers ask for corrections, resubmit within two working days.
- Once the file is validated, attend the in-person academic interview at the Alliance Française nearest the address in your file.
- After the interview, Campus France emails a confirmation with your receipt. With the Études en France certificate, this is what AEG asks to see before giving a visa appointment.
Stage 3: AEG and the embassy interview
AEG issues appointments for the French Embassy on a first-come, first-served basis and asks applicants not to use travel agents or other third parties. Its service charge per file depends on the province and is paid in cash, in rupees, at its centres. Students then appear in person at the French Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave, reached on the Diplomatic Shuttle Service from 3rd Avenue, G-5; AEG asks you to arrive 30 minutes before your slot. The visa processing fee is collected in rupees at the chancellery rate, so bring the exact amount, and remember it is not refunded after a refusal.
Documents particular to Pakistan
- Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA.
- Bank statements covering the last six months, or a guarantor’s affidavit together with the guarantor’s own statements and ID.
- Original CNIC, your current passport and all previous passports.
- Original SSC, HSSC and degree transcripts, with copies as Campus France Pakistan requires.
- A letter explaining any gap of more than six months in your studies or career.
- The OFII form with its upper half completed, a CV with dates and a motivation letter.
Check your passport early: the pre-consular page asks for validity of at least 18 months after the start of your programme.
Fees and calendar
| Fee in the Pakistani procedure | Amount | PKR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Études en France (Campus France Pakistan), non-refundable | about €97 | PKR 30,000 |
| AEG service charge per file, depending on province | €8.12 to €11.50 | about PKR 2,500 to 3,600 |
| French visa processing fee | set by France | exact amount in PKR at the chancellery rate |
| Academic intake | Applications close | Campus France review |
|---|---|---|
| January to March 2027 | 30 December 2026 | December 2026 to March 2027 |
| September to November 2027 | 30 August 2027 | May to September 2027 |
This calendar does not cover a May start, so if you are aiming for AI2’s May intake, ask Campus France Pakistan how your file will be scheduled. France-Visas adds that a long-stay visa takes at least 30 days after the embassy interview, on top of the wait for an AEG appointment. Once admitted, you can apply online for your place and start in parallel.
Sources checked in October 2026: Campus France Pakistan: pre-consular application · Campus France Pakistan: long-stay student visa · Campus France Pakistan: EeF application rules · AEG Pakistan: French visa services · France-Visas: applying in Pakistan · Campus France Pakistan: offices and contact
Frequently asked questions
Can a travel agent book my French visa appointment?
AEG says it does not authorise travel agents or third parties. You must appear yourself, or a blood relative can book on your behalf.
Where is the student visa interview held?
At the French Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad. Applicants board the Diplomatic Shuttle Service near Quaid-e-Azam University Road in G-5 about 30 minutes before the appointment.
When do I pay the PKR 30,000 Campus France fee?
Only once Campus France Pakistan sends a payment request, and within a week of it. The money goes to Alliance Française Karachi and is not refundable.
Can I reapply in the same year after a visa refusal?
Not to the same programme: Campus France Pakistan’s rules exclude reapplying to the same programme in the same academic year after a rejection. A later intake is the usual way forward.
Also read: masters in France for Pakistani students · Karachi · Lahore · Islamabad · top-up after an HND · visa guidance.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
