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Dexalia > Country guides > Senegal

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Studying in France from Senegal: Procedures, timetable, key players and advice Dexalia

Senegal has long enjoyed a privileged academic relationship with France. Every year, a significant number of Senegalese 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 Senegal
  • Local characteristics
  • Pitfalls to avoid
  • And how Dexalia can secure your project.

Key players in Senegal

Campus France Senegal (Dakar)

The official body responsible for the Studies in France procedure: submission of applications, educational interviews, forwarding to institutions.

French Embassy in Senegal (Dakar)

Oversees student visa applications.

Visa Application Centre (VFS Global Dakar)

Biometric data collection and receipt of France-Visas applications.

OFII Senegal

Manages the OFII form before departure and visa validation after arrival in France.

Official schedule of procedures

October – DecemberAnticipate
Preparation
  • Participation in Campus France Senegal 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 VFS Global centre.
    Waiting for the consular decision.

Key steps in the process of studying in France

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.
Step 2: Campus France Senegal 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 VFS Global.
    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 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.

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How Dexalia supports Senegalese students

Dexalia offers expert, structured and ethical support tailored to the realities of Senegal.

  • 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 per year.

Never without a signed lease and verification of the landlord.

No, prior registration agreement is mandatory.