French embassy officials in Yaoundé have justified stricter financial requirements for Cameroonian students applying to private universities in France, following criticism of the policy change.

At a press briefing on 16 July, Muriel Piquet-Viaux, Cooperation and Cultural Action Advisor, explained that the tightened visa conditions address a significant rise in fraudulent applications submitted through Campus France. She highlighted that falsified bank statements, altered financial records, counterfeit identity documents, and inaccurate proof of funds have become increasingly common.

To combat these irregularities, consular authorities have implemented enhanced verification procedures to scrutinize all submitted documents. Applicants must now provide full payment of tuition fees or demonstrate access to the full required funds before a visa is issued. For those who have already paid a deposit, the embassy confirmed that funds will be released upon visa approval, with conditions varying by institution.

Cameroon faces unique visa restrictions

As the only African nation subjected to these stricter student visa rules, Cameroon’s policy shift has sparked widespread concern and criticism among affected families.