Applying for France student visa in Nigeria could be very challenging. You have to prepare well and take an interview. However, this article will guide you through the visa application process in Nigeria to help you save time and energy.
Many international students prefer studying in France because of the wide variety of cultures and languages in France. The country welcomes students from all over the world and these students get the rare opportunity to network with global citizens. France shares borders with many European countries. Therefore, schooling in France could give you the privilege of exploring other parts of Europe.
Ready to study in France? Read on to see how to apply for France student visa in Nigeria. This guide contains the France visa fee, visa application requirements and the visa application centre. Also, you would find answers to the frequently asked questions on how to apply for France student visa in Nigeria.
What is France Student Visa?
The French authorities established the France student visa to help you visit France for studies. You can reside in France with the student visa for up to six months or longer for your educational program. You do not require additional authorisations to live in France and study, within this period.
France student visa is a category of France Long Term Visa which is also known as the VLT-TS visa. The other categories of France Long Term Visas are Family Stay Visa, Employment Visa, Marriage Visa, Re-entry Visa and Medical Visa.
However, to stay and study in France for only three months or less, you should apply for the France short-stay study visa instead. Click here to see how.
Why study in France
As you may have discovered already, studying in France is a worthwhile experience for any international student. Because of the diversity of cultures and traditions of the people living in France, it is possible that you learn a lot from new way of life in France. This and the following are some of the reasons why you may study in France:
Great weather
It has been reported that many African international students, who have been to other parts of Europe, prefer the French weather. Such that for a student who has not travelled out of the African shores before, it is much easier to adapt to the new weather in France.
Great Social Life
Also, studying in France helps the student experience a terrific social life. Where people of diverse background can meet and share ideas from varying spectrums of life.
Opportunity to Explore Europe
The added advantage of studying in France is the endless opportunities of exploring other countries in Europe. With the France Schengen visa and the proximity of France to other parts of Europe (such as Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Monaco among others), you would find it easy to navigate round the entire Europe during your stay in France.
More English Courses
The French authorities in November 2018 announced their plans to introduce more English taught courses in their institution. Taking the number of courses offered in English to a never-before-documented numbers to attract international students who are English speakers. So, language barrier may no longer be a factor to discourage you from visiting France for studies.
France student visa requirements for Nigerian citizens
1- Study Admission
An admission to study at ta french institution in France is one of the most important requirements.
2- Financial means
The French authorities expect that an applicant for France student visa in Nigeria can show proof of funds to cater for their upkeep in France. The financial cost of the upkeep is pegged at EUR 615 (NGN 249,220 as at February 2019) per month.
You can show this by providing a bank statement of recent past three months. This can either be yours or your sponsor’s.
3- Birth certificate
This is necessary for applying for France student visa in Nigeria. If you do not have any birth certificate, an affidavit will suffice. You must be at least 18 years old before applying for the France student visa in Nigeria.
4- WAEC/University Transcript
5- International Passport
6- Accommodation certificate
The French authorities do not accept hotel reservations for France student visa application. Hence, you must submit a certificate of accommodation. This certificate must state your full names, your period of stay and the address of the accommodation. If you have a host in France, who is willing to accommodate you instead, you should provide the host’s mean of identification (that is international passport), and proof of accommodation (utility bills).
7- Travel insurance
A three-months France Schengen travel medical insurance is most appropriate for the application. You can get this for just NGN 21,800, click here. We have partnered with AXA Mansard Plc to provide you with affordable and embassy-approved insurance.
8- Flight reservation
This is a reservation document to show your entry plans to France and a unique PNR. On no grounds should you purchase an actual flight ticket without getting a visa from the embassy. Click here to get your flight reservation for free.
9- Attestation of sponsorship
If your education in France would be sponsored, you must provide an affidavit of sponsorship. Also, you should include a letter from the sponsor explaining your relationship with each other. Remember also that in this case, the sponsor’s bank statement would be included in the application.
10- Visa application form
This form is available at the consulate/embassy.
How to apply for France student visa: Step by Step
1- Secure an admission
The first step is to get an admission in any educational institution in France. The standard practice for gaining an admission is to apply to three to four schools to improve your chances of getting an admission.
2- Gather your supporting documents
3- Attend a preliminary interview
The program officer would have to interview you. This is done at the ‘Institut Francais du Nigeria’ in Abuja. To do this, you would ask that a file for student visa be prepared for you by sending an email to lagos@campusfrance.org or nigeria@campusfrance.org. The institute is at 52 Libreville Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.
4- Submit your application
You may visit the French consulate in Lagos at 1, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos to submit your application. During this stage, you would also give your biometry and pay the visa fee.
FAQs on How to Apply for France student visa in Nigeria
What is French Student visa processing time in Nigeria?
Generally, it could take up to one month to get the France student visa in Nigeria. The more reason why the embassy advises that you start processing your application at least two months before your academic year commences.
What is France student visa fee in Nigeria?
As at February 2019, the France student visa fee is around NGN 60,000. For more on visa fees to different countries of the world, you may click here to use our visa fee calculator.
Where is French embassy address?
The following are the embassy of France address in Nigeria:
Lagos – 1, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Abuja – 37 Udi Hills Street, Off Aso Drive Quartier Maitama, Abuja
Conclusion
It could be tasking to apply for and secure France student visa in Nigeria. You should endeavor to apply early and meet the requirements. And remember, do not pay for actual flight ticket when applying for visa. Visa is never guaranteed!
