Study in France: A Guide for African Students
France hosts more African students than any other country outside the continent. Students who study in France benefit from state-subsidized tuition at public universities, a wide choice of French and English-taught programs and a dedicated application system run by Campus France.
This guide explains that system, tuition, the student visa, work rules and funding.
Quick answer: If your country uses the Études en France procedure, you apply to institutions and prepare your visa file through the Campus France online platform. Once accepted, you apply for a long-stay student visa and validate it online after arrival.
How the French System Works
- Licence, the bachelor’s level, takes three years
- Master takes two years
- Doctorat usually takes three years
- Grandes écoles offer selective programs in engineering, business and public affairs
The Études en France Procedure
Students living in countries covered by the Études en France procedure must use it. The list includes many African countries, among them Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
The procedure usually involves:
- Creating an online file and uploading your documents.
- Choosing programs and paying the Campus France fee.
- Attending an interview with the local Campus France office.
- Receiving responses from institutions.
- Confirming one offer, then applying for your visa.
First-year Licence applicants follow a separate preliminary admission process with early deadlines, often in the final months of the year before entry. Check the calendar published by Campus France in your country.
Language Requirements
- French-taught programs usually ask for a DELF, DALF or TCF result
- English-taught programs ask for an English test
- Students who completed secondary school in French may be exempt
Tuition Fees
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the state sets these fees at public universities for students from outside the European Union:
| Level | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Licence | €2,902 |
| Master | €3,950 |
| Doctorat | €398 |
Some universities grant partial exemptions that reduce what international students pay. Private institutions and grandes écoles set their own, higher fees.
Student Visa and Proof of Funds
For studies longer than three months you need a long-stay student visa that also serves as a residence permit. Typical requirements are:
- An acceptance letter
- Completion of the Campus France procedure where it applies
- Proof of funds, generally at least €615 a month
- Proof of accommodation for the first months
- A valid passport and photographs
Confirm the current funds requirement with the French consulate. After arrival, validate your visa online within three months and pay the validation tax. Without validation, your stay becomes irregular.
Working During and After Study
Student visa holders can work up to 964 hours a year, which is about 60 percent of full-time hours.
Graduates with a French master’s degree or equivalent can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start a business.
Scholarships
- France Excellence Eiffel scholarships for master’s and doctoral study
- French government scholarships awarded through embassies
- Scholarships from regional authorities and institutions
- Housing assistance that reduces rent for eligible students
The Campus France scholarship directory lists awards by nationality and level. Prepare your motivation statement with the scholarship essay guide.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the Campus France deadline in your country
- Giving a weak explanation of your study project at interview
- Showing funds without proving their source
- Travelling without accommodation arranged
- Forgetting to validate the visa after arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in English?
Yes. Campus France lists programs taught in English, mostly at master’s level.
Is tuition free in France?
No, but public university fees are far lower than in many English-speaking countries.
Does the Campus France interview decide my visa?
No. The consulate decides the visa. The interview assesses your study project and forms part of your file.
Your Next Step
Find the Campus France office for your country, note its deadlines and book your language test. Then plan the year with the scholarship application timeline.
Sources
Reviewed: 2 October 2026. Fees and visa requirements change. Confirm current rules with Campus France and the French consulate in your country.
Featured image: Place de la Sorbonne, Paris by Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized).
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