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 Côte d'Ivoire: Procedures, timetable, key players and advice Dexalia
Côte d’Ivoire is one of the West African countries with the highest rate of student mobility to France. Every year, thousands of Ivorian students enrol in French universities, schools and institutes to pursue their higher education.
The procedure is well structured, but it can be demanding: Campus France deadlines, fierce competition, strict financial requirements, and increased vigilance regarding the consistency of the project.
This Dexalia guide takes you step by step through the process to help you understand:
- The official steps of the Études en France process
- The schedule to be followed
- Key players in Ivory Coast
- Local particularities
- 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 Ivory Coast
Campus France Ivory Coast (Abidjan)
The official body responsible for the Studies in France procedure: submission of applications, educational interviews, forwarding to institutions.
French Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire (Abidjan)
Oversees student visa applications.
Visa Application Centre (TLScontact Abidjan)
Biometric data collection and receipt of France-Visas applications.
OFII Ivory Coast
Manages the OFII form before departure and visa validation after arrival in France.
Official schedule of procedures
October – DecemberAnticipate
Preparation
- Participation in Campus France Ivory Coast information sessions.
- Preparation of study plans.
- Gathering academic documents.
January – MarchApply
Applications
- Submission of applications to Études en 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 TLScontact centre.
- Waiting for the consular decision.
Key steps in the process of studying in France
Step 2: Campus France Ivory Coast 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
- Create a France-Visas account.
- Prepare your application (financial evidence, accommodation, supporting documents).
- Submit your application to TLScontact.
- Wait 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 or late application,
- Paying for accommodation without a lease or viewing,
- Not preparing for the Campus France interview,
- Submitting the visa application too late.
How Dexalia supports Ivorian students
Dexalia offers expert, structured and ethical support tailored to the realities of Ivory Coast.
- 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 10 weeks depending on the period.
AVI, bank statements, guarantor, proof of income... depending on the consulate's requirements.
Yes, up to 964 hours a year.
Never without a signed lease and verification of the landlord.
Non, l’accord préalable d’inscription est obligatoire.