Preparing to study in France is an exciting adventure. But before you can embark on your new life, it's essential to understand the administrative formalities you'll need to complete, especially those related to your student visa. At Hexagone Aviation School, we know that these steps can seem complex. That's why we provide you with clear, structured information and personalized support to help you get through each step with confidence.
Obtaining a visa, registering with the relevant authorities, subscribing to social security, opening a bank account and obtaining a residence permit are all obligations that form an integral part of your journey. But far from being an obstacle, this organization is also the first step towards your autonomy and integration into French society.
It all depends on your nationality. If you are a citizen of a member country of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, no visa is required. You can settle and study in France without any special formalities, provided you have health insurance and sufficient resources.
On the other hand, if you come from a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland country, a long-stay visa for study purposes is required for any course exceeding 90 days. This visa is essential for admission to Hexagone Aviation School, whether for a short or long course. It is generally issued for a period of one year, and allows you to stay legally in France during your studies.
Obtaining a student visa begins long before your departure. As soon as you receive your official letter of admission to Hexagone, you can start the procedure. In most cases, students have to go through the Études en France platform, managed by Campus France, before they can apply for their visa at the French consulate or embassy in their country.
This platform centralizes the dispatch of your documents, enables you to schedule any educational interviews you may have, and speeds up the processing of your application by the French authorities. It is essential to submit a well-prepared application, including all the supporting documents requested, such as proof of admission, financial resources, proof of accommodation or reserved housing, a valid passport and health insurance.
Once your application has been validated by Campus France, you will be invited to make an appointment with the consulate to receive your visa. Processing times may vary, but we strongly recommend that you take this step several months before the start of the academic year.
The visa long séjour valant titre de séjour (VLS-TS) is the most common form of residence permit for international students. It authorizes you to stay in France for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Once in France, this visa must be validated online with the Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration (OFII) within three months of your arrival. This validation is compulsory. It ensures that you are in good standing with the French authorities, and that you benefit from the rights associated with your status, such as access to social security, the possibility of working part-time, and the right to apply for renewal of your residence permit after the first year.
If your training continues beyond one year, as is the case for many of the courses offered by Hexagone Aviation School, you will need to apply to renew your residence permit with the prefecture of your place of residence.
The procedure can be carried out online via the Ministry of the Interior's official platform. You'll need to provide supporting documents such as your attendance records, proof that you are continuing your studies, proof of sufficient financial resources, proof of address and a social security certificate.
Hexagone offers personalized support for this step. We help you prepare your application, anticipate deadlines, and understand the specific requirements of the prefectures.
All international students must register with the French social security system on arrival, unless they already have valid European coverage (EHIC) or an equivalent scheme recognized by the French authorities.
You can register online, free of charge, via the etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr portal. You'll need to provide proof of identity, your visa or residence permit, proof of enrolment at the school, proof of address, and a bank statement (RIB).
Once you've registered, you'll receive a provisional and then a definitive social security number. This gives you access to partial reimbursement of your medical expenses. It is strongly recommended that you take out a complementary health insurance plan to cover the remainder.
Opening a bank account is essential for managing your expenses, receiving transfers (scholarship, family, student job), paying rent or taking out a cell phone subscription. Most banks have special offers for foreign students, with adapted services, a multilingual interface and personalized assistance.
You'll need to provide proof of identity, a residence permit or visa, proof of address, proof of school attendance and, if applicable, proof of income. Hexagone works in partnership with several banking establishments to guide you and facilitate the process.
In addition to the main procedures, there are other formalities that may concern you, such as :
- Registration at the town hall in certain communes
- Mandatory home insurance if you rent a property
- Subscription to a cell phone service with a French line
- Transfer of your driver's license if you plan to drive in France
- Registering with student employment platforms or Pôle Emploi for internships
Hexagone provides you with a comprehensive installation guide and a team available to answer all your questions as soon as you are admitted.
We know that navigating the administrative procedures abroad can be a source of stress. That's why Hexagone has chosen to support its international students proactively, well beyond entry formalities.
As soon as your registration has been confirmed, we'll send you a detailed timetable of the steps to be taken, the necessary documents, official links and useful contacts. We also offer individual appointments to help you prepare your documents, and remote assistance for those who have not yet arrived in France.
In the event of any particular difficulty, our team is ready to listen, in French, English and other languages as required. The integration of our students is based on a rigorous, friendly welcome that respects your plans, your culture and your background.
Here are a few tips to help you acclimatize quickly and serenely in France:
- Learn a little French: even though Hexagone Aviation School's training is in English, a few notions of French will make your integration easier. Free courses are available on Frantastique.
- Get in touch with student associations: they are often a great help in orienting yourself in a new city and meeting other international students. You can explore associations on Etudiant.gouv.fr.
- Use local apps: apps like Citymapper or Uber are handy for getting around major French cities easily.
