Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS): Timeline for Nigerians ₦440,269
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 fee | ₦155,112 (~$114 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦11,562,928 (~$8,464 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦50,137 (~$37 USD) |
| Other government fees | ₦235,019 (~$172 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦440,269 (~$322 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦440,269 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦155,112: Paid to the France immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Credential evaluation — ₦50,137: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet France’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
- Proof of funds — ₦11,562,928: 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 — ₦235,019: 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 ₦440,269 in government fees.
- 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 ₦50,000 for the mandatory interview and file review. The proof of funds requirement is €615/month (₦1,000,000/month at current rates). Non-EU tuition for a Master's is €3,941/year — 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 ₦1,844,115/month · Lagos–Paris flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Lyon: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,128,090/month · Lagos–Lyon flights from ~$750 · Nigerian community: Small
- Toulouse: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,074,820/month · Lagos–Toulouse flights from ~$780 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Paris
Paris is expensive — expect €2,183/month total for a single person (rent €1,379 + 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: 65/100. 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?
- Total government fees for the Campus France Student Visa (VLS-TS) are ₦440,269 (about $322). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦50,137, 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 ₦11,562,928 ($8,464) 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 ₦11,562,928 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into France.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02