Step 1 : Visa
European Students
- A valid ID or passport is necessary to enter in France.
- Make sure that the period of validity of your ID or passport covers your whole stay in France.
This applies to EU27 + Swiss + Norway + Iceland + Liechtenstein
Non-European Students
Visa Processing
The Long Stay Visa, valid as Residence Permit for Students (Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour, mention Etudiant – “VLS-TS Etudiant”), is mandatory to study in France for a period over 4 months.
If you are not sure whether or not you need a visa, check here.
Firstly :
First, check if you are subject to the “Etudes en France” procedure. The list of the countries whose citizens are subject to the “Etudes en France” procedure is available here
If you are not subject to the “Etudes en France” procedure, please contact the French Consulate in your country. The list of French Embassies and consulates around the world is available here.
Secondly :
If you are subject to the “Etudes en France” procedure, you must create an online file on the “Etudes en France” website. This file is considered by the French Authorities as your application to study in France, even though you have previously applied or been accepted by Telecom SudParis. It is important to include your acceptance letter from Telecom SudParis in your file.
The French Authorities will first review your application from an academic perspective, more especially to evaluate the coherency between your educational and/or professional background and the studies you intend to follow at Telecom SudParis.
If the academic assessment is positive, your visa application will automatically be forwarded to the French Consulate in your country.
Thirdly :
During your visa process, you will be required to provide financial proof you can pay for your studies and sustain to your needs while in France.
You must have available a minimum of 615€ per month.
Watch the Campus France tutorial HERE for more information.
The following tutorial is dedicated on how to upload documents. Watch HERE.
Reminder:
Within the first month after your arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS and pay a visa tax. The process is fully online.
This process allows you maintain legal residence status and gives you the freedom to travel within the Schengen territory.
TIPS – Don’t forget to report any change of address to your local prefecture during your stay.
Step 2 : Accommodation
TELECOM Sudparis runs courses on 2 different campuses, so check which one you'll be attending.
Evry Campus
If you are studying on our Evry campus, you can stay at "La Maisel". It is an affordable and convenient residence within walking distance of your classes.
For more information about La Maisel and other facilities available on the Evry campus, please visit our Student Life section.
International students are guaranteed a room in the "La Maisel" residence on campus.
Palaiseau Campus
If you are studying at our Palaiseau campus, you have a choice of accommodation options.
Visale
Finding housing in France can be a little complicated, but don’t worry VISALE makes it easier to rent.
Watch the Campus France tutorial HERE for more information.
Accommodation Certificate
When you apply for a visa, you will be asked to provide proof of accommodation. If you have not yet received it, you can request it directly from the Admissions department by e-mail.
Home Insurance
Comprehensive home insurance ("Assurance habitation") covers expenses for fire, theft, water, etc., as well as damage you may cause to your neighbors’.
You must take out an insurance policy.
Step 3 : Registration at Télécom SudParis
After completing the immigration procedure and before arriving in France, you will need to take of some important steps to register.
CVEC
CVEC stands for « Contribution à la Vie Etudiante et de Campus » (Student and Campus Life Contribution). It is a mandatory government fee applicable to all higher education students in France, except exchange students. This fee aims at improving and boosting campus life.
All international students who will be awarded a degree from Telecom SudParis are required to pay this fee to finalize registration. This fee is due each academic year. Upon payment of this fee, a certificate will be issued to you. You will need to provide this certificate to finalize registration. Exchange students are exempted from this fee.
For more information on CVEC, please visit CVEC official page.
Watch the Campus France video tutorial HERE for more information
We advise you to wait until you have your visa to buy this tax, as it is non-refundable.
Telecom SudParis email account and IT access
Upon admission at Telecom SudParis, you will receive your login and password for computer access by email. You will also receive a Telecom SudParis email ID that has to be used for any future communication with your teachers and the Administration.
Do not forget to update your personal information on the Student Portal by using your login and password.
If you need assistance, please contact Helpdesk
Administrative instructions
To complete your registration with Telecom SudParis, you will have to register online directly on a link that will be sent to you at the beginning of July.
You will have to provide some the following documents :
→ Registration period usually open from June 15 and close September 15.
Note that while on the registration platform, you can save your progress as you go and come back at a later time to finish.
Prepare your budget
Studying in a foreign country implies additional expenses. To prepare you, we have compiled an estimated living in France:
→ “Foreign Student Cost of Living in France”.
Please note that this information is just an estimate and cost is subject to change.
During your stay in France, you will also be able to petition for housing assistance (CAF) directly to the French government. Kindly note that Telecom SudParis does not provide scholarships for incoming students. However, you may be able to find scholarship opportunities by exploring the following options:
Bank account
You can open a French bank account upon arrival. During Welcome Week, banking partner, will be there to assist you on the spot for your convenience.
Documents required: passport + accommodation certificate/proof
Tips: be careful when travelling, try not to carry too much cash with you. Be extra vigilant with your belongings while using public transportation.
→ Watch the Campus France tutorial HERE for more information.
Personal Liability :
The aim of a Personal Liability Insurance (“Assurance Responsabilité Civile”) is to cover the financial consequences of personal injuries, and material or financial damage you may cause to others (and not to yourself). While this insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
Personal Liability Insurance is generally included in a Supplementary Health Insurance policy and in Accommodation Insurance.
Step 4 : Your Trip
Flight and arrival information:
Before making any travel arrangements, make sure you have secured your visa (non-EU students) and that you know the date you need to report to campus. Try to arrive a few days in advance to help you settle in and overcome jet lag.
All international students must confirm their arrival date and time with the International Relations Office prior to arrival. To ensure a safe arrival, please provide us with your flight itinerary.
IMPORTANT: In case of delay with visa processing, students must inform the International Relations Office. Special authorization to start courses later has to be granted by the Dean of Studies. The school reserves the right to refuse authorization.
Welcom’
At Telecom SudParis, our students are thrilled to soon welcome you. We actually have a dedicated student organization named Welcom’ to welcome and guide international students during their journey.
If you have questions in regards to your stay, to guide you to come to Telecom SudParis, to liaison with “La Maisel”, please don’t hesitate to contact them
Arrival form
IMPORTANT: In case of delay with visa processing, students must inform the International Relations Office. Special authorization to start courses later has to be granted by the admissions office : admissions@telecom-sudparis.eu. The school reserves the right to refuse authorization.
Tips: Bring warm clothes for winter, which might be colder than in your home country. Also bring an adapter for electronic devices (computer, hair dryer, etc.) 220 volts plug for France.
Getting to Telecom SudParis
Navigo Pass
You can also book a transfer from the airport to Paris.
With a Navigo pass, you may travel on every Metro line, all RER (Regional Express Network) and Transilien train lines, all bus lines (except Orlybus and Roissybus) and all Tram lines in the Paris region. This is a convenient and affordable way to get around.
→ For more information, please visit Ile de France Mobilites.
Other transportation options
You can also book a transfer from the airport to Paris.
→ For directions on how to get to Evry Campus or Palaiseau Campus, visit our How to get to Telecom SudParis.
→ Need additional assistance? Contact our Welcom' association : association.welcom@imtbs-tsp.eu
Orientation: Welcome Week
Each year, Telecom SudParis hosts an orientation week event for new students.
During this event, new students will get to learn more about our campus, our teaching methods as well as other relevant information in regards to studying at Telecom SudParis.
Please be sure to arrive on campus in time to participate in Welcome Week.
Note that before classes start, an intensive FLE (French Language) program will be organized and complimentary to all international students.
Step 5 : Healthcare and Travel Insurance
Do not hesitate to talk about it and reach out to our Health Center for assistance.
French National Healthcare "Sécurité sociale":
Registration to the French National Healthcare known as « Sécurité Sociale » is free and mandatory. This will allow you to benefit from partial refund on your healthcare expenses, on average 60%. All the registration process is done online once you have obtained your visa. Please visit the Ameli page and Campus France page for more information.
⇒ Watch the Campus France tutorial HERE for more information.
European students (EU27 + Swiss + Norway + Iceland + Liechtenstein):
You are not required to enroll in the French National Healthcare IF you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC must be valid until the end of your stay. During your stay in France, your EHIC will allow you to get your healthcare expenses reimbursed under the same conditions as if you were in your country. You should obtain your EHIC in your home country prior to your arrival in France. European students who do not hold an EHIC must apply for the French National Healthcare (Sécurité Sociale) like other international students.
⇒ Watch the tutorial video is available for more information.
Supplemental Health Insurance “Mutuelle”:
To be fully reimbursed for medical expenses, you can purchase a supplemental health insurance policy known as “Mutuelle”. Supplemental health insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. If you are interested, you can check the websites of our partner service providers: HeyMe and SMENO.
Travel Insurance:
When petitioning for a long-stay visa, it is not required to enroll in travel insurance. If you come to France for more than 3 months, you will benefit from the “Sécurité Sociale” for your medical expenses.
However, it is highly recommended to enroll in travel insurance in the following situations:
- You will arrive in France before your registration in higher education is official and definitive. In that case, you will not be covered by the National French Healthcare until you have not obtained the student status.
- You are unable to pay in advance for your medical expenses while your registration with the “Sécurité Sociale” is being processed (usually registration can take a minimum of 3 months).
- You need repatriation insurance to your home country (highly recommended). Repatriation fees after an accident or an illness can be very expensive.
Step 6 : And much more...
Welcome to Paris and Ile de France
One of the great advantages to living in Paris and Ile de France is that you will always finds something to do. The cultural life here is rich yet affordable. You can find an array of activities at discounted rates and even sometimes free admission.
Here is a list of useful websites:
Don’t forget to also get involved through our numerous student clubs. No doubt, you will find the right one for you!
While studying abroad is an exciting and rewarding adventure, it can present some challenges. Cultural adjustment is one of them. It is normal. It may take you some time to get adjusted to French culture and daily life.
Campus France has put together a great guide with tips and practical information to help you with your future life in Paris and Ile de France.
Science Accueil
Science Accueil is an organization that, for the past 25 years, has been a specialist in hosting national and international scientists, students, and their families in the Ile-de-France Region.
Science Accueil supports research organizations, universities, higher education establishments, research centers, R&D centers, and start-ups. They can guide you through the immigration process, finding off-campus accommodations, petitioning for housing assistance, enrollment into French Healthcare System, and more.
To request assistance, you can email Science Accueil at evry@science-accueil.org or directly submit a request for assistance.
Phone
With a French permanent address, you can order a local phone number online and get your sim card by post.
Documents required: passport + accommodation certificate/proof + bank details (RIB)
Student Job
If your visa allows you, it is possible to have a student job while studying in France. Be aware that the amount of hours is limited and set by government guidelines. Keep also in mind that your main purpose for being in France is to study, so make sure that working would not affect negatively your academic success.
