Burkinabé students encounter difficulties in obtaining visas to study in France. Since last August, the issuance of visas has been suspended and only 132 requests have been granted, according to a diplomatic source. These visas were allocated on a case-by-case basis, mainly to medical students seeking specialized training in France.
The suspension of the issuance of visas was due to security reasons, linked to the threats weighing on French diplomatic influence. Despite this situation, the French government has put in place measures to allow students to come to France, particularly in the medical field. However, the French consulate in Ouagadougou, faced with reduced staff numbers, is having difficulty processing all requests.
This situation forces many Burkinabé students to look for alternatives to France. Some applied for visas in other countries, while others decided to turn to Belgium. These students express their frustration with this situation, believing that if France no longer wishes to welcome them, they prefer to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Currently, only Burkinabe students benefiting from a French state scholarship or a Burkinabe excellence scholarship have managed to obtain visas. In 2022, around 2,500 Burkinabé students were authorized to continue their studies in France. However, this current situation poses a real challenge for those who wish to validate their academic career through additional training.
In conclusion, the difficulties encountered by Burkinabé students in obtaining visas to study in France are a major challenge for them. Despite the French government’s efforts to facilitate the arrival of students, constraints linked to reduced numbers have a significant impact on the visa issuance process. Let us hope that solutions can be found to allow these students to access their training in France.