Do you need a French Schengen Visa?

Nationals from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Areas (EEA) do not require a visa to travel to France for tourist purposes if their stay does not exceed 90 days.

EU & EEA Countries:

Austria . Belgium . Cyprus . Czech Republic . Denmark . Estonia . Finland . Germany . Great-Britian . Greece . Hungary . Ireland . Italy . Latvia . Lithuania . Luxembourg . Malta . Netherlands . Norway . Poland . Portugal . Slovakia . Slovenia . Spain . Sweden .

Nationals from the following Non EU / EEA do not require a visa to travel to France for tourist purposes if their stay does not exceed 90 days:

Andorra . Argentina . Australia . Bermuda . Bolivia . Brazil . Brunei . Bulgaria . Canada . Chile . Costa Rica . Croatia . El Salvador . Guatemala . Honduras . Iceland . Israel . Japan . Liechtenstein . Macau . Malaysia . Mexico . Monaco . New Zealand . Nicaragua . Panama . Paraguay . Romania . San-Marino . Singapore . South Korea . Switzerland . U.S.A . Uruguay . The Vatican . Venezuela

As from June the 1st 2009, nationals from Mauritius, Seychelles, Barbados, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Christopher and Nevis are exempted from visa for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen States and the european territories of France

As from the 2nd of Dec 2008 are allowed to enter without a visa in the DOM (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guyana & Reunion) and COM (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthelemy)

All other nationals are considered Visa Nationals and are required to obtain a visa in order to enter France

NATIONALITY APPLICATION EXTENDED PROCESSING TIMES:

Nationals from the following countries should take into consideration the longer visa application processing time when booking travel itineraries:

Afghanistan . Algeria . Bangladesh . Belarussian . Burma . Burundi . Colombia . Congo(Zaire) . Egypt . Indonesia . Iran . Iraq . Jordan . Kuwait . North Korea . Lebanon . Libya . Myanmar . Nigeria . Oman . Pakistan . Palestine . Philippines . Qatar . Rwanda . Somalia . Sudan . Surinam . Syria . Tunisia .United Arab Emirates . Vietnam . Yemen . Zimbabwe

The French embassy's processing time for the above passport holders/nationals is 2 - 3 WEEKS.

Source : http://www.visafrance.co.uk/doYouNeedAFrenchVisa.php

Germany Student Visa

Germany is ideal place for students and you would get a student visa if you are preparation to study in Germany. If you have been accepted at German University then it is advisable you apply for a student visa in person for at least 3 months in advance before going to Germany.

All your documents and application will be sending to the Immigration Office (Ausländeramt) where you will study. After the application gets approved by the Immigration Office the consulate will issue you a residence permit in the form of visa. You are required to register upon your first arrival in Germany.

Document Requirement for Germany Student Visa:

1. Completed application form
2. Valid Passport (read our page on passport requirements)
3. 2 photographs (strict requirements, read our photo requirements page)
4. Letter of Admission
5. Transcript of academic record
6. Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Germany
7. Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted

You will also need to provide photocopies of all these documents get appropriate insurance and pay a fee of 60 Euros for the visa

 How and where to apply?

 You would apply from your home country’s German Embassy. Except for rare instances you have to submit the application along with the required documents in person. It is recommended you apply for a visa very well in advance before your departure because the application of student visas can take up to 25 days to be processed.

Visa Fee: 

Applicants have to pay the visa fees by a bank transfer. Student visa as of 2008 is 60 Euro. Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. The money order must be in the name of the Consulate in your home country and not older than two months.

Please be aware that you will not get reimburse the visa fee if your application for a student visa gets rejected.

Source: http://www.germany-visa.org/student-visa/