France Student Visa Requirements for Nigeria 2024

France is one of the most famous European tourist destinations for visitors worldwide.

France draws millions because of its coastline, mountains, historical sites, incredible museums and monuments, cuisine, and good wine.

Asides from this, studying in France is an excellent experience for any international student as the country is well known as a home of top-class universities globally.

If you are a Nigerian seeking to study in France, this article is for you.

Here, we will unveil the France student visa requirements for Nigerians, among other relevant information.

France Student Visa

Passport visa

The France student visa permits Nigerians to travel to France for their studies.

With the France student visa, you can stay in the country for up to six months or more, depending on your educational program.

In many cases, students can work with a student visa for several hours per week.

There are two types of France student visas available to Nigerians. First is the short-stay key for those studying for less than 90 days in the country.

The second is the long-stay visa for those looking for more than 90 days in the country.

If you go for the long-stay visa, which is the most common, you can choose either the one for a residence permit or the one for temporary long-term access.

The former allows you to stay in France for one year without requesting a residence permit and can be renewed.

It is further divided into the following;

  • The Student VLS-TS Visa
  • The Talent Passport VLS-TS Visa
  • The Internship VLS-TS Visa.

The latter allows you to stay in the country for a year and cannot be renewed.

France Student Visa Requirements

Cheerful surprised woman sitting with laptop

Nigerians who wish to obtain a French student visa must meet the following requirements:

  1. International Passport
  2. Passport Photographs
  3. French Student Visa Application Form
  4. Admission Letter
  5. Cover Letter
  6. Proof of Accommodation
  7. Proof of Financial Ability
  8. Travel Medical Insurance
  9. Academic Documents
  10. Flight Reservation
  11. Birth Certificate
  12. Visa Fee Receipt

International Passport

Applicants must have an international passport issued within the last ten years, valid until at least three months after their France student visa expires.

This passport must have a minimum of two blank pages where the visa stamps or stickers would be placed.

Applicants are also required to present a copy of the data page of their passport, which contains their details and photo.

Passport Photographs

Two passport photos taken in the last six months must be submitted.

Noteworthy, these photos must comply with the French visa photo guidelines.

Therefore, your passport photos must measure 35mm by 45mm and be taken on a plain or white background.

Additionally, the images must be coloured with neutral facial expressions, and no accessories or headwear must be except for religious purposes.

French Student Visa Application Form

You can download the free French student visa application form and fill it out correctly.

Please fill out the form appropriately, sign it and date it.

This application form must be submitted at the embassy or visa application centre, whatever the case.

Admission Letter

You must present your admission letter from a recognized university in France.

This letter must state relevant information such as full name, tuition fees, resumption date, graduation date, etc.

Cover Letter

Although this may not be necessary, you may provide a cover letter stating why you want to travel to France, how long you want to stay in France etc.

This letter must be well-drafted and state your intentions clearly.

Proof of Accommodation

You must present a document stating where you will stay once you arrive in France.

You can provide your hotel reservation or hostel receipt if you are staying in your university’s hall of residence in France.

If you have a friend or relative waiting in France, they can give you an invitation letter which is also acceptable.

Proof of Financial Ability

You need to show that you would be able to cover your needs financially and that of your dependents (if you would be moving with them) throughout your stay in France.

You must provide bank statements from the last three months to prove this or a sponsorship letter if a sponsor would cover your expenses.

If you would be going on a scholarship to study at a French university, then you must provide the scholarship letter given to you.

Travel Medical Insurance

You must provide a document confirming that you have travel medical insurance.

This must cover your health costs and be valid throughout your stay in France.

Academic Documents

You are to present to the visa authorities your academic documents, including transcripts, academic certificates such as original WAEC or NECO certificate, and your CV, among other documents.

Flight Reservation

You must prove that you will return to Nigeria after finishing your studies in France.

You need to provide a flight ticket that shows the date and time of your return trip.

However, it is advisable not to buy tickets before your visa is approved because you would be responsible for any losses if your visa application were ultimately denied.

Birth Certificate

You must provide a birth certificate for proper age verification.

You can present an affidavit if you do not have a birth certificate.

Noteworthy, you must be at least 18 years old before you can apply for a France student visa in Nigeria.

Visa Fee Receipt

You must provide the receipt which shows you have paid France student visa fees.

France Student Visa Application Guide

man and woman looking at a laptop

A description of how to apply for a France student visa

  1. Gain Admission

    You cannot apply for a France student visa if you have not gained Admission to a French university.

    This is because you need to submit your admission letter to the embassy.

    Hence, research the university you wish to attend, apply and wait for your Admission to be confirmed.

  2. Fill out the Application Form

    Please fill out the application form after downloading it, append your signature on the state and date it.

    Make sure you fill out the form correctly, as any errors could cause your application and your visa to be rejected.

    You can also photocopy this form in case it is needed.

  3. Prepare the Relevant Documents

    Prepare the supporting documents listed above and make photocopies as they may be helpful.

    Ensure that you check these documents correctly and that none is missing.

    If you fail to fit your documents and any of them properly are missing, it may cause problems in the course of your application.

  4. Visit the Embassy

    Visit the embassy and submit all your documents.

    Ensure that you come early so you can be attended to on time.

    Also, the embassy would collect your biometrics, and you would also be scheduled for an interview.

  5. Pay your Fees

    Pay your visa fees and other charges as they may apply at the embassy.

    Note that the France student visa costs €80.

  6. Collect your Passport

    As soon as your application has been confirmed, you will be notified.

    Then, you can go to the embassy and retrieve your passport and documents.

France Student Visa Interview

The interview stage is integral to your application process as it can make or mar your application.

You would be asked questions concerning your personal information, the purpose of travelling to France,  accommodation, your prospective French university etc.

Ensure you answer these questions clearly and honestly.

France Student Visa Processing Time

There is no specific time for processing your student visa application, but it may take about 15 days on average.

However, it may take a longer time, for instance, 30 days or more, depending on several factors; applying at least three months before you resume university is better.

France Student Visa Refusal

Several reasons may cause your France student visa to be denied. Some of these reasons include the following:

  • Criminal records
  • A damaged or invalid passport
  • Fake documents
  • Insufficient answers during your visa interview
  • Passport photographs that do not comply with the requirements.
  • Insufficient proof of financial ability
  • Invalid medical insurance etc.

Conclusion

France is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to go abroad for their education, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best.

However, you may find the process challenging and confusing, especially if you do not know how to go about the entire process.

The good thing is that we have discussed all you need to know, and following these steps in this article will help you in your application process.

Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.

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