1- Can I still submit my applications even after the given deadlines?
You cannot submit your applications after the deadline if the school you wish to apply to is connected to the EEF platform.
NB: All the schools connected to the platform abide by the same application timeline.
2- How do I know if the school(s) I wish to apply to are connected to the EEF platform?
You can access the list of schools through this link
3- In what language should the motivation letter be?
If you are applying for programs taught in French, the motivation letter must be in French. If you are applying for programs taught in English, the motivation letter ought to be written in English. Pay close attention to grammatical errors.
4- What should my motivation letter entail?
Your motivation letter could explain (in no particular order):
- Why you chose that particular program.
- Your previous engagements related to the program selected (academic history, social activities, etc.).
- Why you chose that particular institution.
- How it would impact your future career.
5- What do I do if my school(s) of choice is (are) not connected to the platform?
Contact the school you wish to apply to for inquiries concerning the application procedures. After gaining admission, you must create an account on the EEF platform indicating “I have already gotten admission”.
The creation of this account on the platform is important because it gives you access to applying for the student visa. Check the proconsular process for those you gain admission to institutions which are not connected to the Etudes en France Platform.
6- Do I still have to pay the EEF application fee if my school(s) of choice is (are) not connected to the platform?
Yes, you will have to pay the fee since you will be applying for the student visa, which is also done through the platform.
7- I am going for an exchange program. Do I also need to apply through the platform?
If the duration of the course for the exchange program you wish to pursue is more than 3 months, and the chosen institution is connected to Etudes en France, then you will need to apply through the EEF platform. On the other hand, you must apply directly to the school(s) if the duration of the program of choice is 3 months or less.
8- If I want to apply for a PhD program, do I need to apply through the EEF platform?
If you wish to enroll in a doctorate program, you are not affected by the Etudes en France procedure. Contact the Doctoral schools that offer the research subjects that interest you. Moreover, should you need to apply for the student visa; you must create an account on the EEF platform after securing admission and follow the pre-consular process.
9- How long does it take to get a response from the schools I apply to?
Responses from the schools you have applied to will be given before the 31st of March 2022.
10- Is the EEF fee refundable if I do not receive admission in any of the schools I chose?
No, the EEF fees is non-refundable because it is a processing fee and does not guarantee admission into schools or programs of choice. Note that, admission of an applicant into any program solely depends on the decision made by the school selected by the applicant.
11- Are there any payment exemptions concerning the EEF application fee?
Yes, there are payment exemptions or reduction for specific categories of students, 1.e. scholarship holders.
12- If I pay the EEF application fee, must I also pay the visa application fee?
Yes, you will have to pay for the visa application fee as well, but it will come at a reduced price (50 euros). The sum is paid at the Embassy the day of your visa interview in Ghana cedi (GHS) only.
13- I have already paid the EEF application fee. Do I need to pay for the VFS service too?
Yes, you would have to pay because VFS is an organization independent of the EEF procedure and the French Embassy. It serves as a channel through which visa applicants are made to book appointments for visa interviews at the embassy. The booking fee is currently 70GHS (October 2021).
14- I have already submitted my documents on the EEF platform. Do I still need to bring them to the Campus France office on the day of my application interview?
Yes, you must bring hardcopies of all the required documents to the Campus France office on the day of your application or pre-consular interview for verification and submit them as well on the day of your visa interview at the embassy.
15- If I have gained admission to an institution that is not connected to Etudes en France, and I have not yet secured accommodation, can I still proceed with the pre-consular phase?
It is not obligatory to have a proof of accommodation before coming for the pre-consular interview at Campus France. However, it will be required for the visa application before booking an appointment at the embassy, so you are advised to start the process quickly
16- How long does it take to obtain a student visa?
After the submission of required documents to the Consulate (French Embassy), the process usually takes 2-3 weeks. However, due to the verification of documents by the consular section, it may exceed the regular time frame. You are therefore encouraged to submit your visa application about 1-3 months prior to the intended date of departure.
17- I have gained admission to several schools in France. Can I go ahead to apply for a visa?
In case of multiple admissions to schools in France, you would have to settle on only one school / admission to proceed with the pre-consular phase.