France Long Term Study visa after tourist visa [closed]

I'm an Aussie planning on going to Paris and to look around and become more familiar with the language, and am considering applying to a university there afterwards - whether for further language studies, or to continue my degree.

I've searched and haven't found the answer to this specific situation - if I stay in Paris for <90 days, am I able to then go back to Australia at the end of that period and apply for a long term student visa? My main concern is the 90/180 rule for the Schengen Area. I've seen one source that says changing visa status resets it, but i don't want to take any risks and would love a confirmation and/or further information.

Edit: Does this also hold true for the long stay visitor visa?