Step by Step on How to study in France from Nigeria

France is prominent for its culture, arts, and philosophy. Imagine studying and living in a country with picturesque landscapes, snow, dreamy French Alps, and impressive buildings. Besides offering a unique academic experience, France seems like a sophisticated and beautiful place to live. With over 1600 programs taught in English and affordable tuition fees, France offers a wide range of opportunities. If you’re looking to study in an interactive study environment with diverse training, a French university may be your best choice.

From choosing a study program to processing your student visa, below are steps to study in France from Nigeria.

Choose a study program
Consider the admission requirements
Submit your application
Wait for feedback
Apply for a France student visa
Arrive in Canada

How to apply for studies in France

1) Choose a study program

Your study program will likely define your life and career; hence you need to make the right choice. Visualize yourself in the future and consider some of the degrees you can successfully study in France. If you’re fashion-inclined, studying fashion management in France may seem like a good decision. French universities have a wide range of programs to choose from. Ensure you opt for a program that suits your needs and career path.

2) Consider the admission requirements

Depending on your study level and university of choice, admission requirements may vary. Typically, you’ll need to submit the following documents during application:

Duly signed and completed application form
Authorisation from Campus France
A valid passport
Passport-sized photographs
Academic transcripts
Previous education certificates (Translated in French)
Proof of funds indicating you can cater to your needs, including accommodation, tuition fees, etc.
Proof of payment of the application fee
Cover letter (if applicable)
Resume (if applicable)
Acceptance letter or proof of registration sent by the French university.
Language proficiency certificate (if applicable). If your program is French-taught, you’ll need to take language courses like DELF, DALF, and TCF. Furthermore, if you have DELF B2 in the French language, you are eligible to study in English or in French.
Statement of purpose (if applicable)

Depending on your program, you may need to present additional documents like a birth certificate, among others. Ensure you evaluate these documents before applying to your prospective university.

3) Submit your application

After making all the necessary documentation, it’s about time you apply to prospective universities. Some of the prestigious universities in France include PSL Research University, École Polytechnique, Sorbonne University, and the University of Montpellier, among others.

You can apply to 2 or 3 schools to increase your chance of acceptance. As a Nigerian student, you’ll have to submit your application through an online platform, Campus France. Campus France is a public institution concerned with helping international students with applications and study in France. Non-Europeans must pass the compulsory Preliminary Admission (“demande d’admission préalable” – DAP) to apply to French institutions. If the French government or French organization sponsors you, you’ll be exempted from DAP.

In addition, if you’re looking to study at a technical university, grandes écoles, or specialized schools, you’ll need to apply for Post-Bac ( a form of a second-level master’s degree) via an online platform, Parcoursup. The platform replaces the APB system, also called the Admission Post-Bac (APB) platform. You can apply for the spring or fall session. Depending on the degree and other factors, most universities’ Fall intake is usually around January and April. Based on the available spaces, some universities may enroll students in the Spring session. The application deadline for Post-Bac runs from January 22nd to March 13th.

You’ll be duly informed if your application is successful or not. Most universities reply to applicants regarding their applications. For programs beginning in October, applicants will likely receive feedback between June 15 and September 15. Hence, you’ll have just a month to prepare for your trip to France. Once you receive your acceptance letter, proceed to obtain your study visa.

5) Apply for a French student visa

As a non-EU student, you’ll need a visa type called VLT-TS (Visa de long séjour etudes). International students must register and apply for a France student visa through Campus France or the French Consulate. The long-term visa or VLT-TS is also used as the residence permit. With this study visa, you can study in France for over a year without getting a residence permit. If you’re going to study for more than a year, you’ll need to apply for a multi-annual residence permit. This visa type allows you to travel within the Schengen Area countries and work as a student in France. Upon your arrival in France, you should validate your visa.

The following documents are required for your visa application:

Valid passport issued less than 10 years ago with at least 2 blank pages. Validity should be at least 3 months longer than the expiry date of the visa.
Passport photographs
Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months (hotel reservation or hostel allocation by school)
Since Nigeria follows the EEF-Etudes en France procedure, you’ll need to present a pre-registration Certificate generated by the EEF-Pastel application, stating the EEF ID number.
Proof of funds/certificate of scholarship/ bank statement. The bank statement should show a deposit in a French bank account. Proof of funds may be in the form of a blocked account with an irrevocable transfer. If you’re sponsored by an individual, an undertaking bearing the guarantor’s name and details will be needed. The funds should be a minimum monthly income of €615.
Copy of sponsor’s ID document (if applicable)
Proof of payment for the application fee

Your visa application could be done onsite (at the French Consulate) or online. For more information about your visa application, check Campus France.

6) Arrive in France

Congratulations! You’re bound for France. There’s no doubt that you’re excited about your new learning experience in France. While you’re ecstatic about your trip, ensure you prepare adequately for the next phase of your life. Also, make sure you sort your accommodation and upkeep. There are various options available for housing in the country. Choose a good housing plan. Lots of fun and study experience awaits you in France.

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