The France student visa has one extra step Bangladeshi students often underestimate: Campus France. Every applicant from Bangladesh must clear the Études en France pre-consular procedure before VFS Global will even accept their visa file. Get the sequence wrong and you'll lose 4–6 weeks. This step-by-step guide gives you the exact order — from Campus France registration in Dhaka to landing in Paris. 100% free guidance from Teesta Tech — the top visa counsellor in Chittagong.
1. The France Visa System in One Diagram
Bangladeshi students apply for the VLS-TS étudiant — a long-stay student visa that doubles as a residence permit for the first year. Two French agencies are involved:
- Campus France Dhaka: Handles your academic application + interview + pre-consular clearance (Études en France procedure). Mandatory for everyone.
- VFS Global Dhaka: Handles biometrics and visa file submission on behalf of the French Embassy. You can't skip them either.
2. Step 1 — Campus France Registration
Register at bangladesh.campusfrance.org. Pay the €99 Campus France fee (BDT 13,000).
- Create your "Études en France" account
- Upload preliminary documents (passport, transcripts, certificates, CV, statement of purpose)
- Shortlist up to 7 programmes across French institutions
- Pay the Campus France fee (non-refundable)
3. Step 2 — Submit University Applications
For Master's programmes, French universities use the "Mon Master" platform (February–March for September intake). For Bachelor's, the "Études en France" platform itself is used.
- Submit through Campus France's Études en France portal
- Each programme has its own deadline (typically February–May for Sep intake)
- Track application status on the platform
- Receive acceptance letters from selected institutions
4. Step 3 — Campus France Interview
Once you have at least one acceptance, Campus France Dhaka invites you for an academic motivation interview. This is a key gatekeeping step.
What the interview covers
- Why you chose France over UK / Germany / Canada
- Why this specific programme and university
- How it connects to your past studies and future plans
- How you'll finance your studies
- Whether you plan to return to Bangladesh after studies
5. Step 4 — Get Your Campus France NOC
After a successful interview, Campus France issues your attestation (NOC) within 5–10 working days. This is mandatory for your visa file — VFS won't accept your application without it.
6. Step 5 — Documents for VLS-TS Visa
Collect these for your VFS Global Dhaka appointment:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with 2 blank pages
- Long-stay visa application form (VLS-TS) — completed and signed
- Campus France attestation (NOC) — original
- Acceptance letter from French institution — original
- Proof of financial means: €615/month × 12 = €7,380 (BDT 9.6 lakh) in your bank account, OR a notarised sponsorship letter + sponsor's 6-month bank statements
- Proof of accommodation in France: CROUS allocation, private rental contract, or hotel booking for first 3 months
- Health insurance: Covering travel until your French Social Security registration (€50,000+ coverage)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Bangladesh Police
- Academic transcripts and certificates — attested and translated (French or English)
- Birth certificate — translated
- 2 biometric photos (35×45mm, white background)
- Travel ticket reservation (don't buy until visa is approved)
7. Step 6 — VFS Global Appointment in Dhaka
Book your appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/fra. Appointments fill up quickly during peak season (May–August). Book at least 3 weeks ahead.
At the appointment
- Submit your visa file
- Provide fingerprints and photograph
- Pay €99 visa fee + €30 VFS service fee
- Receive collection receipt
8. Step 7 — Visa Decision & Collection
Processing time: 2–4 weeks in normal periods, up to 6 weeks during peak summer.
- Track status on VFS Global website with your reference number
- Collect passport from VFS Global Dhaka office (or pay for courier delivery to your address)
- Verify all details on the visa sticker before leaving
Don't risk a France visa rejection on a paperwork mistake
Our counsellors review your full file before submission — 100% free. We've helped Bangladeshi students secure VLS-TS visas across all major French universities.
Free Visa File Review →9. After Arrival in France — VLS-TS Validation
Critical post-arrival step that students often miss:
- Within 3 months of arrival: Validate your VLS-TS online at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
- Pay the €60 OFII medical fee
- Attend OFII medical examination (TB screening + general check-up)
- Receive your stamped residence card validation
Without validation, your VLS-TS becomes invalid after 3 months and you lose legal status.
10. Why France Visas Get Rejected
- Weak Campus France interview: Vague academic motivation or contradictory career story
- Insufficient funds: Less than €7,380 in your account, or unstable account history
- Suspicious sponsor documents: Sponsor's bank statements showing recent large deposits raise red flags
- Mismatched profile: Applying for an unrelated programme (e.g., engineering grad applying for fashion design without justification)
- Incomplete document set: Missing PCC, untranslated certificates, or expired insurance
- Previous Schengen rejection: Not disclosing it on the form is an automatic refusal