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Travora Student · 2027 intake

Study in France from Senegal

A student living in Senegal must go through the Études en France procedure of Campus France Sénégal (offices in Dakar, Saint-Louis, Kaolack and Ziguinchor), whatever the level. For the September 2027 intake, connected programs (L1, L2, L3, Master's, BUT, architecture) are applied for from October 1 to December 15, 2026 and the application fee (85,000 FCFA, SUNU Bank) is paid before December 19, 2026; private schools and non-connected programs are submitted with the admission letter from April 1 to July 15, 2027. Senegalese bac holders do not have to take a French test, except holders of the Arabic bac L-AR (B2 required). After the end-of-procedure email, the long-stay visa is applied for on France-Visas, then at VFS Global in Dakar, between May 15 and August 27, 2027: 15,000 FCFA service fee and €50 visa fee (reduced rate). The hard part is proof of funds: €877.50 per month since August 1, 2026, i.e. 575,602 FCFA per month or 6,907,227 FCFA for twelve months. The pre-departure cost excluding funds is about 132,798 FCFA; in France you then add visa validation (€100), the CVEC (student life contribution, €105) and tuition fees (€2,902 for a Licence (bachelor's), €3,950 for a Master's at public institutions, unless exempted).

Updated October 13, 2026 · Reliability: high · 36 sources

Known cost before departure
132,798 FCFA
excluding funds and tuition
Required funds
575,602 FCFA / month
€877.5 / month
Processing time
Allow 1 month between submission at VFS and departure; several months if a civil status document must be verified.
Interview
Yes
Chosen Campus France office (Dakar, Saint-Louis, Kaolack or Ziguinchor)
Before the visa

Admission route

The Études en France procedure is mandatory for any resident of Senegal applying for a first enrollment in French higher education. Three routes: the Études en France platform for connected institutions; Parcoursup for CPGE, BTS, DCG and IFSI (then an Études en France file); direct application for non-connected institutions (private schools), then upload of the admission letter to Études en France. Up to 7 choices: 3 in L1 (DAP), 2 at an architecture school, 7 in BUT, L2, L3 and Master's. Campus France Sénégal is a service of the French Embassy; the Institut français du Sénégal presents it as 'the only Official body for your pre-registration applications'.[1][3][4][5][6]

Admission procedure fees

  • Études en France application fee (Campus France Sénégal)[1][2][34][35]85,000 FCFA

    Non-refundable. To be paid only after receiving the payment request, at a SUNU Bank branch (formerly BICIS). No exemption published (searched on 10/12/2026). Some private connected universities charge additional fees.

The visa application

Where to apply

Where to file
Dakar
Authority
Consulate General of France in Dakar, the only authority entitled to decide on visas submitted in Senegal (also competent for the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau)
Application center
VFS Global · Dakar
Address
Immeuble ATRYUM (rez-de-chaussée), Km 8, route de Ouakam, Dakar
Appointment
Form on france-visas.gouv.fr, then online appointment on the VFS Global module (service fee paid online when booking); call center (+221) 33 860 60 06
Tip
Request the appointment as soon as you get the Campus France end-of-procedure email: France-Visas advises at least 1 month before departure for a long stay, and the student visa campaign runs from May 15 to August 27, 2027.
Processing time
Allow 1 month between submission at VFS and departure; several months if a civil status document must be verified. France-Visas generally announces 15 days, up to 45 days in special cases.[7][24]
Interview
Yes · Chosen Campus France office (Dakar, Saint-Louis, Kaolack or Ziguinchor) · Academic interview not systematic, to be booked on monespacesn within 7 days of the authorization email. No interview at VFS; the consulate may call you in or request documents.[1][2][15]
Center website (VFS Global)

Sources for filing[7][8]

In order

The steps

  1. 1

    Choose the route and the programs[3][9]

    When: September-December 2026

    Études en France catalog for connected programs; Parcoursup for CPGE, BTS, DCG, IFSI; direct application for non-connected schools. An attestation obtained outside Parcoursup is not valid for Parcoursup programs. Dakar post-bac education fair on January 15 and 16, 2027 (Cours Sainte-Marie de Hann).

  2. 2

    Create and submit the Études en France file[4][8][10]

    When: October 1 → December 15, 2026

    Account on pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance. Documents: photo (under 50 KB), national ID card or passport, CV (under 500 KB), transcripts for the last three years, bac diploma and certificate of passing. Documents in French or translated by a sworn translator. Connected programs: submission from October 1 to December 15, 2026 (including the white DAP for L1 and the yellow DAP for architecture).

  3. 3

    French test: only for the Arabic bac L-AR[4][11][12]

    When: before December 15, 2026

    Senegalese bac holders (except the Arabic bac L-AR) are exempt from the French test, unless the institution requires it; Senegal is among the states where French is the sole official language (TCF DAP exemption). Arabic bac L-AR: certified B2 level before submission (TCF less than 2 years old, DELF B2 or DALF), to be taken at the Institut français du Sénégal, the only authorized body (fees not published online on 10/12/2026).

    • TCF / DELF at the Institut français du Sénégal (bac L-AR only)[11]amount not found

      Fee not published on ifs.sn (checked on 10/12/2026).

  4. 4

    Pay the application fee after the payment request[1][8][13]

    When: before December 19, 2026

    85,000 FCFA at a SUNU Bank branch (formerly BICIS), only after receiving the payment request, before December 19, 2026 (connected programs) or July 20, 2027 (non-connected). Report to Campus France any payment not validated after 7 days.

    • Études en France application fee[1][34][35]85,000 FCFA
  5. 5

    Academic interview (if offered)[1][14][15]

    When: December 2026 → spring 2027

    Appointment to book on monespacesn within 7 days of the authorization email, at the chosen office (Dakar, Saint-Louis, Kaolack or Ziguinchor). The interview is not systematic; its assessment is sent to the institutions and the consulate.

  6. 6

    Institutions' responses and final choice[8][10][13]

    When: April → July 2027

    DAP universities: answer by April 30, 2027 at the latest. Final choice to be confirmed by May 31, 2027 at the latest; originals to be presented if requested by July 30, 2027 at the latest. Non-connected programs: upload of the admission letter from April 1 to July 15, 2027, payment until July 20, enrollment confirmation by the institution by July 30, 2027 at the latest.

  7. 7

    Gather proof of funds[16][17][18]

    When: before the visa appointment

    €877.50 per month (47% of the gross SMIC (minimum wage), decree of June 22, 2026, in force for applications submitted since August 1, 2026), i.e. 575,602 FCFA per month and 6,907,227 FCFA for 12 months (fixed rate 655.957). Forms: scholarship certificate, bank statements for the last 3 months, attestation de prise en charge (sponsorship letter) from a guarantor with their statements and proof of income. The amount follows the SMIC: check the figure on the day you submit.

  8. 8

    Long-stay student visa application (VLS-TS)[7][8][19]

    When: May 15 → August 27, 2027Duration: 1 month between submission and departure (France-Visas, long stay)

    After the end-of-procedure email: France-Visas form (enter your Études en France number), VFS Global Dakar appointment, in-person submission with biometrics. Service fee of 15,000 FCFA paid online when booking; visa fee of €50 (Campus France reduced rate) collected in FCFA, not refunded if refused.

    • VFS Global service fee[7]15,000 FCFA
    • Long-stay visa fee (reduced student rate)[19]€50

      ≈ 32,798 FCFA at the fixed rate; exact FCFA amount in the consulate's fee schedule, not read.

  9. 9

    Decision and travel[7][15]

    When: June → September 2027Duration: 1 month

    Indicative time frame of one month for a long stay; several months if a civil status document must be verified. Do not buy a non-changeable ticket before the decision. Arrive at least 15 days before classes start.

  10. 10

    Steps on arrival[16][20][21][22][36]

    When: September-December 2027

    Validate the VLS-TS online (ANEF) within 3 months: €100 fee by bank card or electronic tax stamp. Pay the CVEC (€105), then enroll; free health insurance registration; bank account. Before the VLS-TS expires: multi-year 'étudiant' residence permit (€100 when renewing after a VLS-TS; €150 for an initial card issue).

    • VLS-TS validation fee[20][21]€100
    • CVEC 2026-2027[22]€105 / year
The application

Required documents

  • Passport[4][23]

    required

    Issued less than 10 years ago, valid at least 3 months after the visa ends, two blank pages; kept by the consulate during processing.

    Local specifics: The national ID card is enough to create the Campus France file, but not for the visa.

  • France-Visas form + receipt[24]

    required

    Filled in online, printed, signed.

  • Études en France attestation (accord préalable (prior approval) or confirmation of acceptance)[13][23]

    required

    Generated after the final choice; for a non-connected school, admission certificate uploaded to Études en France.

    Local specifics: Upload of non-connected admissions from April 1 to July 15, 2027 in Senegal.

  • Bac (diploma and certificate of passing) or most recent degree[4][8]

    required

    Originals to be presented to Campus France if requested (by July 30, 2027 at the latest).

    Local specifics: No legalization or apostille is required by Campus France Sénégal; documents in French.

  • Transcripts for the last three years[4]

    required

  • Proof of funds ≥ €877.50 per month[16][23][25]

    required

    575,602 FCFA per month; scholarship, 3 months of statements, or sponsorship by a guarantor with their income.

    Local specifics: Mobile money: no official source cites it as accepted proof (searched on 10/12/2026).

  • Proof of accommodation for the first 3 months[23][25]

    required

    Lease, booking, attestation d'hébergement (letter of accommodation) with the host's supporting documents.

    Local specifics: Some pre-registration agencies have provided fake rental contracts: the applicant bears the risk.

  • ID photo 35 × 45 mm[26]

    required

  • Payment of visa and service fees[7][19]

    required

    15,000 FCFA (VFS, online) + €50 (visa, in FCFA at submission).

Depending on your profile

  • B2 French level certificate (Arabic bac L-AR only)[4][11]

    TCF less than 2 years old, DELF B2 or DALF.

    Local specifics: Institut français du Sénégal (Dakar).

Before departure

Detailed fees

  • Études en France application fee (Campus France Sénégal)[1][34][35]85,000 FCFA

    Paid at SUNU Bank after the payment request; non-refundable.

  • VFS Global Dakar service fee[7]15,000 FCFA

    Paid online when booking the appointment; non-refundable unless you withdraw before submission.

  • Long-stay student visa fee (reduced Études en France rate)[7][19]32,798 FCFA€50

    €50 converted at the fixed rate of 655.957; the consulate collects an FCFA amount set in its fee schedule (PDF not read), which may differ by a few francs. Not refunded if refused.

  • TCF/DELF French test (Arabic bac L-AR only)[11](depending on profile)amount not found

    Institut français du Sénégal fee not published online (10/12/2026); not due for other bac holders.

  • Sworn translation (documents not written in French)[4](depending on profile)amount not found

    Rarely needed for a Senegalese file (documents in French); fee not found.

Total132,798 FCFA

excluding blocked funds; mandatory fees for a standard file: Campus France 85,000 + VFS 15,000 + visa €50 (32,798 FCFA at the fixed rate). Not included: fees after arrival in France (VLS-TS validation €100, CVEC €105) and tuition fees. Campus France fee (85,000) reconfirmed for the 2027 intake (October 2026 PDF calendar).

Items with no published official amount (not counted)

  • TCF/DELF at the Institut français du Sénégal (Arabic bac L-AR only)
  • any sworn translations (documents not written in French)
For the visa

Funds to prove

575,602 FCFA / monthi.e. €877.5 / month

Fixed rate 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF; €10,530 for 12 months.

Amount set at 47% of the gross monthly SMIC (minimum wage) (article R. 422-2 of the CESEDA, decree no. 2026-526 of June 22, 2026), in force for applications submitted since August 1, 2026; it follows the SMIC. Pages or guides citing €615 are outdated. The bilateral agreements reviewed (2006 agreement on the concerted management of migration flows and its 2008 amendment) do not set a funds amount for Senegalese students; the convention of August 1, 1995 could not be read (annexed text unavailable): the CESEDA amount applies until proven otherwise.[16][17][18][27]

Accepted proof

  • scholarship certificate
  • bank statements for the last 3 months
  • attestation de prise en charge (sponsorship letter) from a guarantor + the guarantor's statements and proof of income
  • certificate of deposit in an account in France
2027 intake

Timeline

  1. October 1, 2026

    campaign opening, file submission (connected programs)[8]

  2. December 15, 2026

    submission deadline (connected programs, including DAP)[8][13]

  3. December 19, 2026

    deadline for paying the 85,000 FCFA (connected programs)[8]

  4. January 15, 2027

    Dakar post-bac education fair (January 15-16)[9]

  5. April 1, 2027

    upload of non-connected admissions: opening[13]

  6. April 30, 2027

    university answers (DAP) at the latest[10]

  7. May 15, 2027

    visa application period opens[8]

  8. May 31, 2027

    confirmation of final choice (connected programs)[8]

  9. July 15, 2027

    submission deadline for non-connected admissions[13]

  10. July 20, 2027

    payment deadline (non-connected)[13]

  11. July 30, 2027

    originals / additional documents; enrollment confirmation (non-connected)[8][13]

  12. August 27, 2027

    visa campaign closes[8]

Specifics Senegal → France

Differences and pitfalls

What differs from the general rule

  • Senegal-specific calendar: a single deadline (December 15, 2026) for all connected programs, DAP and non-DAP, whereas it runs until February 1 or March 1 in other countries.
  • Payment of the 85,000 FCFA at a SUNU Bank branch (formerly BICIS), not at the visa service provider; payment deadline separate from the submission deadline (December 19, 2026).
  • No French test for Senegalese bac holders, except the Arabic bac L-AR (B2 required).
  • Academic interview not systematic in Senegal, to be booked yourself within 7 days.
  • Visa submitted at VFS Global (not TLScontact) in Dakar; visa campaign set from May 15 to August 27, 2027.
  • No apostille or legalization required by Campus France Senegal: documents in French or translated by a sworn translator.
  • Agreement on the concerted management of migration flows (2006, amended 2008): France undertakes to facilitate the carte de séjour (residence card) for Senegalese government scholarship holders; no special resources amount found.

Pitfalls to avoid

Paying before the payment request or somewhere other than SUNU Bank[1][25]

The 85,000 FCFA is paid only after Campus France's payment request, at a SUNU Bank branch. No official procedure asks for payment by mobile money.

Confusing December 15 and 19[8][30]

December 15, 2026: submission; December 19, 2026: payment. Some articles give December 19 for submission.

Budgeting on €615 per month[16][18]

Since August 1, 2026, €877.50 per month is required, i.e. 575,602 FCFA; a guarantor sized on the old amount leads to a refusal.

Tuition fees shown by Campus France Senegal[22][31]

The June 2026 page still shows €2,895 and €3,941 for 2026-2027; the current amounts are €2,902 (Licence) and €3,950 (Master's), unless exempted (capped at 30% then 25% of international students).

Fake housing contracts and “turnkey” certificates[25][32]

Some agencies have falsified certificates and rental contracts; document fraud leads to refusal.

Appeal[32][33]

A long-stay visa refusal is first challenged before the Commission de recours (CRRV, visa appeals board) within 30 days; fees are not refunded.

Figures

Statistics

Senegalese students enrolled in France (2025)
17,722 in 2024-2025 (5th country of origin, +30% in five years)[28][29]
student visas issued to Senegalese nationals (2025)
4,486 in 2025 (figure taken from departures/sn.json; the quote does not appear in the copied sources)[28][29]
student visa refusal rate for Senegalese applicants (2025)
No official figure found: Searched on October 12, 2026: no official figure by country (see destinations/fr.json).

Travora does not issue visas.

Travora is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or service provider (Campus France, TLScontact, VFS Global, BLS…). Rules and amounts change: check the official website before any payment or filing. Page updated October 13, 2026.

Checked on

Sources

  1. [1]Les questions fréquemment posées — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  2. [2]Calendrier de procédures 2024 — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  3. [3]La procédure Études en France — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  4. [4]Je constitue mon dossier sur Études en France — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  5. [5]Campus France (Institut français du Sénégal) — Institut français du Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  6. [6]Which countries are affected by the "Etudes en France" procedure? — Campus France, accessed October 12, 2026
  7. [7]France-Visas : Sénégal — France-Visas (ministère de l'Intérieur / MEAE), accessed October 12, 2026
  8. [8]Calendrier de la procédure - rentrée 2027-2028 — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  9. [9]Campus France Sénégal (accueil) — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  10. [10]Dossier blanc : demande d'admission préalable (DAP) – inscription en première année de licence — Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, accessed October 12, 2026
  11. [11]Examens — Institut français du Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  12. [12]TCF DAP – conditions d'utilisation (session DAP 2025-2026) — France Éducation international, accessed October 12, 2026
  13. [13]Calendrier de la procédure - rentrée 2027-2028 (mise à jour le 01 octobre 2026) — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  14. [14]Campus France Sénégal — Campus France Sénégal, accessed October 12, 2026
  15. [15]Les 8 étapes de la procédure — Campus France Congo, accessed October 12, 2026
  16. [16]Étudiant étranger en France : visa de long séjour ou titre de séjour (vérifié le 1er août 2026) — Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA), accessed October 12, 2026
  17. [17]Décret n° 2026-526 du 22 juin 2026 portant actualisation et indexation du niveau de ressources dont le ressortissant de pays tiers doit justifier pour être admis au séjour pour un motif d'études (JORF n° 0146 du 24 juin 2026) — Légifrance, accessed October 12, 2026
  18. [18]Étudier en France en 2026 : ce qui change pour les étudiants internationaux (24 juillet 2026) — Campus France Biélorussie, accessed October 12, 2026
  19. [19]Frais de visa – montant, catégorie, plein tarif, tarifs réduits, gratuité — France-Visas, accessed October 12, 2026
  20. [20]Timbre fiscal : hausse des taxes sur les titres de séjour au 1er mai 2026 (22 avril 2026, mis à jour le 12 mai 2026) — Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA), accessed October 12, 2026
  21. [21]How to validate your long-stay visa upon your arrival in France? (updated on 12 August 2026) — Campus France, accessed October 12, 2026
  22. [22]Enseignement supérieur – Université : quels sont les frais d'inscription en 2026-2027 ? (publié le 21 août 2026) — Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA), accessed October 12, 2026
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  27. [27]Projet de loi n° 1328 autorisant l'approbation de l'accord France-Sénégal relatif à la gestion concertée des flux migratoires (2006) et de son avenant (2008) — Assemblée nationale (France), accessed October 12, 2026
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