VISA

The following information is for all international students who are attending ESCE for any of the following programs: exchange, double degree, Summer programs or visiting semester.

Long-term stay in France (more than 3 months) – for Non-European Union citizens

If you are a citizen of a Non-European Union country, and if you are in France for your studies for more than 3 months, you will require a French long-term visa to study in Paris. Please contact the nearest French Embassy or the French Consulate in your city to obtain information on how to apply for the French Visa. Please note that the process may take a while, hence your early action is encouraged.

You are able to apply for the Visa as soon as you have received the official acceptance letter from Paris. This letter provides proof that you are indeed registered in the program and it specifies the dates you will physically need to be in Paris.

The necessary documents required to apply for the Visa may differ from country to country. However, your passport and the official acceptance letter from the school are always among the required documents. If you are a citizen of a European Union country, you normally do not need a visa to study in France for 6 months unless you hold a special status of citizenship or residency.

When in doubt, please contact the nearest French Embassy or the French Consulate in your city to obtain information on whether a visa is required for you. It is your responsibility to obtain this visa before your arrival in France.

Short-term stay in France (less than 3 months) – for Non-European Union citizens

If you are in France at ESCE for less than 3 months (Summer program), depending on your country of citizenship, you may or may not need a visa. Please contact the nearest French Consulate in your country to obtain information regarding your visa requirement well in advance before your departure date from home.

Please consult the Welcome Guide to receive more information on the types of visa to apply.

HOUSING

ESCE has partnerships with various private residence buildings near the school building. Please download the latest housing application with information on a specific residence here for more information or consult the Welcome Guide for more information.

Housing Subsidy (CAF)

Government housing subsidy is called “aide au logement” and it is under the category of “Caisse d’Allocations Familiales” or simply CAF.

Who is eligible for the Housing Subsidy?

Originally, the housing subsidy, “aide au logement”, is a benefit only enjoyed by French citizens. However, recently, the French government has allowed International students or other EU students who are studying in France and have a Temporary Stay permit to also gain from this benefit. Therefore, the main requirement for this subsidy is that you must have a temporary stay permit in France or must be an EU citizen. You must open a French bank account to be able to receive the payments. As an example, a typical 18 m² single person studio at monthly rent of 610€ can benefit about 180€ per month of subsidy. Please note that the subsidies will only be given starting from the 2nd month after the start of the housing contact.

When to Apply for CAF

If you are eligible for “aide au logement”, you will be able to apply for it upon your arrival in Paris. The school in Paris will guide you through the application procedures during your Orientation Session.

Please consult the Welcome Guide to receive more information on the specific documents required needed to apply for the housing subsidy.
International Orientation

International Student Orientation program is organized each semester to help the new international students integrate into the ESCE and the French school system and culture. During this week long program, sessions are organized to answer questions on: accommodation, health insurance, visa application, housing subsidy, course registration, course information, and various social activities are planned with the French students with adds to a valuable experience.

Please consult the Academic Calendar or the Welcome Guide for the next International Orientation scheduled.

COURSE SELECTION

Upon acceptance into ESCE, each international student will receive an email from our International Office with detailed instructions on how to register into courses and course information for the specific semester.

Please consult the course guide below for all courses offered within the ESCE program.