As of September 2026, foreign students applying to study in France will need to show a monthly bank balance of at least €615, up from €430, a 42.7% increase. The new threshold, set by the French Ministry of the Interior, applies to all new student visa applications and renewals.
The change was announced in the Journal Officiel on August 20, 2026. The ministry stated that the adjustment reflects the rising cost of living in France and aims to ensure that international students can support themselves without resorting to unauthorized work.
Student unions and international education groups have criticized the move, arguing that it may deter students from lower-income countries. However, the government maintains that the new amount is still below the national poverty line and that scholarships and other financial aid can be counted toward the requirement.
Current students already in France will not be affected until their next renewal, but they must then meet the new threshold. The measure is part of a broader review of immigration and student policies in France.
