France student visa from Cameroon
France · About 41 weeks with us, as an indication: it depends on your file and on the authorities.
To study in France from Cameroon, the Campus France procedure is compulsory. It runs on the Études en France platform: you create your file, attend an interview, receive answers from the schools, then apply for the student visa.
The student visa is a long-stay visa that serves as a residence permit (VLS-TS). It covers four months to one year of study. You lodge the file at TLScontact in Yaoundé, Douala or Garoua.
We help you choose consistent programmes, complete your file and prepare for the interview and the visa appointment.
Who is it for?
- Baccalaureate holders aiming for a first year of licence (L1) or an architecture school.
- Students aiming for L2, L3, BUT, professional licence, master's or engineering school.
- Students already admitted outside the platform (BTS, preparatory classes, PhD): Campus France is still compulsory.
- Scholarship holders and former pupils of French lycées in Cameroon, who follow a simplified procedure.
The main conditions
- Live in Cameroon and follow the Campus France Études en France procedure.
- An admission to a French institution, confirmed by your final choice on the platform.
- Sufficient French and a background consistent with the programme.
- Sufficient means for the length of your studies, at the official amount in force.
- Planned accommodation on arrival in France.
- The Campus France and visa fees set by the authorities (see the official pages).
How long does it take?
The calendar changes every year: for the 2027 intake, the campaign opened on 1 October 2026 and the final choice is due by 31 May 2027; check cameroun.campusfrance.org.
The steps
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Initial consultation
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
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Acceptance by the school
Documents to prepare
- Letter of acceptance
- Proof of enrolment fee payment
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Campus France procedure
Documents to prepare
- Campus France interview confirmation
- Language test results
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Proof of funds
Documents to prepare
- Bank statements
- Sponsorship certificate
-
Proof of accommodation
Documents to prepare
- Proof of accommodation
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VLS-TS application
Documents to prepare
- France-Visas receipt
- Health insurance certificate
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Consulate appointment
Documents to prepare
- Appointment confirmation
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Student visa issued
Documents to prepare
- Passport with the visa
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Arrival and OFII validation
Documents to prepare
- Validation certificate
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Student residence permit
Documents to prepare
- Residence card
Fees are discussed at the appointment, depending on your situation.
What we check with you
- We check the link between your past studies, the programme and your career plan: that is what the Campus France adviser looks at.
- Only complete files are called to interview: we review every document before you submit.
- Each student gets a single visa appointment: request it only once your file is complete.
- An admission does not guarantee the visa, and Campus France and visa fees are not refunded if you are refused.
- On arrival, validate your VLS-TS online within three months: without it, you must apply for a new visa.
Book an appointment for this visa All visas for France
Frequently asked questions
Is Campus France compulsory in Cameroon?
Yes, for every student living in Cameroon who wants to study in France, even with an admission found alone. Some scholarship holders, former French lycée pupils and joint PhD students follow a simplified procedure. They still register on the platform.
What is the Campus France calendar for the 2027 intake?
Files can be created from 1 October 2026. Fees are paid at TLS between 5 October 2026 and 16 February 2027. The electronic file is due by 15 December 2026 for L1 and by 1 February 2027 for other levels. Interviews run until 1 March 2027, answers come until 30 April, and the final choice is due by 31 May 2027.
What happens at the Campus France interview?
It is a conversation with an adviser about your background, motivation and plan. They look at your level, the quality of your studies, your French and how consistent the file is. Only complete files are called.
Where do I pay the fees and lodge the visa application?
Campus France fees are paid at TLScontact, by appointment, once your file is judged compliant. The visa application is then made on France-Visas and lodged at TLScontact in Yaoundé, Douala or Garoua.
What means do I need to prove?
Enough to live in France, at the official amount in force. You can show it with bank statements, a sponsorship certificate or a scholarship, for example. Check the visa service's current list before your appointment.
What do I do when I arrive in France?
Validate your VLS-TS online within three months of entry. The validated visa lets you stay for the first year without a residence card. After that, you apply for a student residence card.
Does ALORIA replace Campus France?
No. Campus France remains the official and compulsory step. We help beforehand: choice of programmes, file, interview and visa appointment preparation, then follow-up.