Student Visas
European students
A visa is not required for students who are citizens of the following countries or zones:
• the European Union (EU)
• the European Economic Area (EEA)
• Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican.
Non-European students
If you reside outside the European Union, you will need to obtain a long-term student visa before your arrival in France. The request for the form must be made at the French consular services in your country of residence at least 3 months before your departure or at your local Campus France.
In order to obtain your visa, you will be asked for the following documents:
• A valid passport
• Proof of your admission or pre-enrolment at the Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique (use your official letter of acceptance sent by post)
• Proof of your monthly income of at least €615
• Proof of your accommodation in France (once your residence is confirmed, we will be able to send this to you).
With your visa, you will receive a form, which you will need to complete upon your arrival in France and send to the OFII, the French immigration office. The school will help you with these procedures. You will then receive a certificate from the OFII, which you will need to keep safe and you will be called for a medical examination and an interview. You will also have to pay a tax of €55 by purchasing an OMI stamp.
If your visa carries the mention, "Dispense temporaire de carte de séjour" (temporaire exemption or the residence permit), you will not receive any form and do not have to go to the OFII.
Health insurance
Regarding health insurance, all students are entitled to coverage under the French national student health insurance scheme ("sécurité sociale étudiante").
European Students
If you already have health insurance coverage in your country, you do not need to sign up for the French State health insurance. In this case, you must bring your European health insurance card.
Non-European students
If you are under 28 years old, you are obliged to sign up for the French social security system, which covers costs for your health care. The cost of French State health insurance is approximately 200 Euros for one year. We will help you sign up when you arrive.
If you are 28 years old or over, you will have the opportunity to buy a private insurance in France, or you can obtain health insurance in your own country before you arrive. If this is the case, please bring proof of this insurance with you.
Housing
Various student housing and appartments are available in the area. We reserve a limited number of student accomodations for our incoming foreign students each year. If you wish for us to assist you in booking accomodations, please inform us as soon as you have been accepted.
Before you can move into your accommodation, you are required to purchase a compulsory housing insurance (SMEBA/ 40 Euros ). We can sell you this insurance at the school when you arrive.
For more information, please download the international student practical guide.
