Key facts
- Procedure
- Études en France (Nigeria) — required for most public institutions
- Visa type
- VLS-TS Étudiant
- Cost
- Campus France fee approx. ₦120,000 + visa fee €50 in NGN
- Timeline
- 6–10 weeks end to end; visa decision 15–30 days
- Proof of funds
- €615/month, domiciliation letter and sponsor's bank statements for 6 months
The procedure, step by step
1. Get transcripts and WAEC verified
Order official transcripts and be ready for WAEC/NECO verification. Any discrepancy in name spelling between passport, WAEC and transcripts causes rejection.
2. Build a defensible funding file
Six months of sponsor bank statements, a notarised affidavit of support, and evidence of income source (business registration, payslips). Sudden large deposits are the top rejection reason.
3. Campus France interview in Abuja or Lagos
Be precise about why this programme, this city, and how it maps to a career back home or in the EU.
4. Visa appointment and post-arrival steps
Submit at the visa centre in Abuja or Lagos. After landing, validate the VLS-TS within 90 days, register with CPAM, and get a Visale guarantee before signing a lease.
Consulates and Campus France offices
Abuja · Lagos
Popular destinations for Nigerian students
Paris · Lyon · Bordeaux · Nantes · Marseille
Frequently asked questions
Why are French student visas refused for Nigerian applicants?
The main reasons are unverifiable funds, weak links between the programme and previous studies, and inconsistent documents. A funding trail over six months and a coherent SOP fix most of it.
Can I study in France in English as a Nigerian student?
Yes. Over 1,700 programmes are taught fully in English, mostly at business schools, engineering schools and master's level at public universities.
How much are tuition fees for Nigerian students in France?
Public universities charge €2,850/year for licence and €3,879/year for master's for non-EU students, and many waive it down to €170–€243. Private schools charge €8,000–€20,000.
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