Burkinabé students face serious obstacles in obtaining a study visa in France. Since last August, the issuance of these visas has been suspended and only 132 have been granted since the beginning of October. The process is now done on a case-by-case basis, which makes obtaining a visa even more difficult for Burkinabé students.
The suspension of visas is explained by security reasons, the threats weighing on French diplomatic influence having led to this measure. Nevertheless, the French authorities are doing everything possible to allow students to come to France despite these precarious security conditions. However, the reduced staff at the French consulate in Ouagadougou makes the issuance of visas more complicated.
As a result, many Burkinabé students turn to other countries to continue their studies. Visa applications in other countries, such as Belgium, are experiencing an upsurge. This situation led some students to question their initial choice and explore other options.
Burkinabe students on French state scholarships or beneficiaries of a Burkinabe excellence scholarship are the only ones to have obtained visas to study in France. In 2022, around 2,500 Burkinabé students were able to continue their studies in France.
This situation highlights the difficulties faced by Burkinabé students who aspire to quality education in France. Long procedures, small staff numbers and precarious security conditions limit their access to additional training.
It is important that the French authorities become aware of these difficulties and seek solutions to facilitate obtaining study visas for Burkinabé students. Promoting education, cultural and academic exchange between France and Burkina Faso is beneficial for both countries.
In conclusion, it is essential to maintain an open and constructive dialogue in order to overcome current obstacles and promote student mobility between France and Burkina Faso. Burkinabé students deserve to have access to quality education and France must work to facilitate this reality.