French Embassy in Cameroon Abandons Tightened Financial Conditions for Student Visa Applicants

Written by SA · 11 Sept 2026, 18:36

The French Embassy in Cameroon has announced the complete abandonment of the tightened financial conditions imposed on student visa applicants since July. This measure had required students admitted to private schools to prove payment of their first year's tuition fees, which could amount to several million FCFA. The embassy has stated that it will no longer require proof of payment of tuition fees or immediate bank availability of the sum. This decision comes after the Collective of Young People for Access to Study Paths (CAP Études) filed a petition with the Paris Administrative Court to suspend the measure, which it deemed discriminatory and contrary to international student mobility texts. The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs had defended its position, citing a 400% increase in student visa applications in Cameroon since 2018 and a "phenomenon of generalized fraud" on solvency proofs. However, the embassy has now withdrawn the measure, and the tribunal will likely close the case with a dismissal. The embassy has assured that it will work to clear the backlog of applications and open new time slots for Cameroonian students who have been waiting for weeks or even months to submit their applications.