Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS): Timeline for Nigerians ₦434,056
Processing time for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) for Nigerian applicants is 2-4 months (Campus France review + embassy processing). Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeSource: france-visas.gouv.fr, checked 7 Oct 2026 | ₦75,620 (~$56 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦15,925,484 (~$11,833 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦48,397 (~$36 USD) |
| Other government fees | ₦310,040 (~$230 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦434,056 (~$323 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦490,000: ₦50,000 more than today (CBN rates as of 2 Nov 2026). Every country, then and now.
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 5 November 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦434,056 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦75,620: Paid to the France immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Credential evaluation — ₦48,397: A recognised assessment body checks that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet France’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
- Proof of funds — ₦15,925,484: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
- Other government fees — ₦310,040: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 2-4 months (Campus France review + embassy processing)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦434,056 in upfront costs.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 2-4 months (Campus France review + embassy processing).
Expert tip
Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Campus France Nigeria charges an ₦80,000 administrative fee before the mandatory interview. The proof of funds requirement is €877.50/month (about ₦1.37 million/month at the site's rates). Non-EU tuition for a Master's is €3,950/year in 2026–27 — cheaper than the UK or Canada. CRITICAL: From July 2026, non-scholarship students lose eligibility for CAF housing allowance (€100-280/month). Apply for university scholarships to retain this benefit. CROUS student housing (€150-400/month outside Paris) is far cheaper than private rentals but extremely competitive — apply early.
Where Nigerians settle in France
Once your Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) is approved, most Nigerians head to Paris or Lyon. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Paris: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,861,754/month · Lagos–Paris flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Lyon: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,042,038/month · Lagos–Lyon flights from ~$750 · Nigerian community: Small
- Toulouse: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,040,525/month · Lagos–Toulouse flights from ~$780 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Paris
Paris is expensive — expect about €2,035/month total for a single person (rent €1,231, Numbeo's blended 1-bed average + food €300 + Navigo transport pass €91 + utilities €183 + health €30 + misc €200). The Navigo monthly pass covers all zones of the Île-de-France region for €91 (January 2026 price). To save on rent, look outside the périphérique in suburbs like Saint-Denis, Montreuil, or Créteil where rent is 30-40% cheaper and RER trains connect to central Paris in 20-30 minutes. The Nigerian community is concentrated in areas like Château d'Eau and Château Rouge in the 10th and 18th arrondissements.
46% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose France as their destination. Average Japa Score: 6.5/10. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) cost for Nigerians moving to France?
- Upfront costs for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) come to ₦434,056 (about $323). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦48,397, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) is 2-4 months (Campus France review + embassy processing). Apply from the France High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS)?
- You need to show ₦15,925,484 ($11,833) in savings for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS). This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Credential evaluation from an approved body is required to verify your Nigerian qualifications. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦15,925,484 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into France.
Price your first year studying in France
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Price My First YearData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 5 November 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026