This is not required for students from the European Union member countries. They need to have an identity card or valid passport.

Students from outside the European Union will need to request a residence permit as soon as they arrive in France. The DRI assists with the administrative steps to apply for a residents' permit. The students should have a valid passport stamped with a long stay visa, a civil status document (family record book or original birth certificate showing direct descent) together with the translation of confirmation of resources and health insurance.