SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 182

Non-EU Nationals
Non-EU nationals who intend to study for a degree or
certificate must apply for the visa de long séjour mention
étudiant before your departure for France. You must already
have an attestation de pré-inscription (letter of admission)
or other forms of acceptance, for example, a certificat
d'inscription into an accredited institution. Upon arrival in
France, you should apply within 30 days for the carte de séjour
temporaire at the Cité Universitaire International de Paris,
Maison International at 17 boulevard Jourdan, 75014. Bring
the same documents you used to apply for the initial visa.
Occasionally the French cultural affairs officer will ask to
see academic credentials such as transcripts and diplomas.
If you are coming to France to study at a language school
for less than six months, you may be issued a special visa
d'étudiant pour six mois avec plusieurs entrées , which should
waive the regular student permit. Be prepared to show proof
of financial means, indicating that you have enough income
to maintain yourself while in France. A medical examination
and proof of health insurance are mandatory.
While in France, you will be expected to abide by all French
laws. Ignorance of a law will not be accepted as an excuse
for having violated it.
Health Insurance
Students must have health insurance. Coverage required
is extensive: hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, dental
care, medicines and medical evacuation. EU nationals
covered by their country's health plans must enclose a
French translation of the insurance coverage along with the
application. Remember that not all costs of treatment are
covered fully under the French health system. For health
and insurance information, see pages 123-126 .
Resource Information
For information on the French university system, you might
access the official websites of the Ministère de la Jeunesse, de
l'Education et de la Recherche (http://www.education.gouv.fr).
The official Campus France has extensive information