Step 1: Prepare your project
- Define your field of study.
Check that it is consistent with your background.
Prepare your CV, letters, diplomas and transcripts.
Orientation - Admission - Settling in
- Mon–Fri : 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat : 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (CET)
- 200 rue de la Croix Nivert Paris 75015
Studying in France from Benin: Procedures, timetable, key players and advice Dexalia
Benin has a strong academic relationship with France, and every year an increasing number of Beninese students enrol at French universities, colleges and institutes to pursue their higher education.
This Dexalia guide helps you understand:
- The official steps of the Études en France process
- The schedule to be followed
- Key players in Benin
- Local characteristics
- Pitfalls to avoid
- And how Dexalia can secure your project.
This guide is informative.
Official procedures are the sole responsibility of the French authorities and approved bodies.
Key players in Benin
Campus France Benin (Cotonou)
The official body responsible for the Studies in France procedure: submission of applications, educational interviews, forwarding to institutions.
French Embassy in Benin (Cotonou)
Oversees student visa applications.
Visa application centres (Capago Benin)
Official service provider responsible for biometric data collection and receipt of France-Visas applications.
OFII Benin
Manages the OFII form before departure and visa validation after arrival.
Official schedule of procedures
October – DecemberAnticipate
Preparation
- Participation in Campus France Benin information sessions.
Preparation of study plans.
Gathering academic documents.
January – MarchApply
Applications
- Submission of applications to Study in France.
Payment of Campus France fees.
Educational interview.
April – JuneDecide
Responses and choices
- Receipt of responses from institutions.
Final choice of course.
Obtaining the ‘Preliminary enrolment agreement’.
June – AugustObtain
Visa
- Compilation of the France-Visas application file.
Submission to the Capago Benin centre.
Awaiting the consular decision.
Key steps in the process of studying in France
Step 2: Campus France Tunisia Procedure
- Creation of the Études en France account.
Submission of documents.
Payment of fees.
Mandatory educational interview.
Forwarding to institutions.
Step 3 : Admission
- Receipt of responses.
Acceptance of training.
Obtaining prior agreement for enrolment.
Step 4: Student visa application
- Creation of a France-Visas account.
Compilation of the application file (financial evidence, accommodation, supporting documents).
Submission of the application file to Capago Benin.
Waiting for the consulate's decision.
Step 5: Preparing for departure
- Budget and travel arrangements.
Compulsory vaccinations.
Step 6: Arrival in France
- OFII validation.
Registration with the CPAM (French social security).
Application for housing benefit (CAF).
Opening a bank account.
Settling in.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Using fake Campus France agents,
- Using copied cover letters,
- Providing falsified documents (automatic refusal + ban),
- Underestimating the importance of financial evidence,
- Submitting an incomplete application or one that is late,
- Paying for accommodation without a lease or viewing,
- Not preparing for the Campus France interview,
- Submitting the visa application too late.
How Dexalia supports Beninese students
Dexalia offers expert, structured and ethical support tailored to the realities of Benin.
- Study project assessment (comprehensive analysis of your academic background and personalised recommendations).
- Admission (selection of courses, optimisation of application, submission to Études en France).
- Student visa (Preparation of application, financial strategy, consular interview coaching).
- Accommodation (secure search, verification of advertisements, compilation of rental documentation).
- After arrival (OFII, CPAM, CAF, bank, settling in).
FAQ
Between 4 and 12 weeks depending on the period.
AVI, bank statements, guarantor, proof of income... depending on the consulate's requirements.
Yes, up to 964 hours per year.
Never without a signed lease and verification of the landlord.
No, prior registration agreement is mandatory.