Studying Abroad From the DRC or Congo-Brazzaville: Visa and Scholarship Options in France, Belgium, and Canada
Studying Abroad From the DRC or Congo-Brazzaville: Visa and Scholarship Options in France, Belgium, and Canada
Higher education abroad is one of the most common and structured routes out of both Congos, and francophone destinations remain the most accessible given the shared language of instruction.
France: Campus France and student visas
Most applicants from the DRC and Congo-Brazzaville apply through Campus France, which centralizes applications to French universities and issues a preliminary approval before the visa stage. Once accepted, students apply for the VLS-TS "étudiant" long-stay visa.
- Register on the Campus France platform and select target institutions.
- Await admission decisions from the universities applied to.
- Apply for the student visa at the French consulate once admitted.
- Validate the visa online through ANEF after arrival in France.
Belgium: a strong academic tradition with the DRC
Belgian universities, particularly in Wallonia, have long-standing exchange relationships with Congolese institutions. Applications go directly to the university, followed by a type D student visa application at the Belgian embassy or consulate.
Canada: study permits and post-graduation work rights
Canadian study permits require an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs, and — for many applicants — a language test. Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a major draw, allowing graduates to work in Canada afterward and often build toward permanent residency.
Tip: Apply for scholarships and university admission well before the visa stage — visa applications generally require proof of funding or a scholarship award letter, so securing that first speeds up the rest of the process.
Scholarship options worth researching
- **French government scholarships** (Bourses du gouvernement français) for students from francophone Africa.
- **Belgian ARES scholarships**, aimed at students from countries with development cooperation partnerships, which historically has included the DRC.
- **Canadian university-specific scholarships and Quebec's exemption programs**, which can reduce or waive the higher tuition international students otherwise pay.
- **Erasmus Mundus** joint master's programs, open to students worldwide including from both Congos.
Financial proof requirements
Each country sets its own minimum threshold for proof of funds — typically shown through bank statements, a scholarship letter, or a sponsor's financial guarantee. These amounts are updated periodically, so checking the current figure on the relevant consulate's website before applying is essential.
After the degree: what's next
Many students plan their studies with a strategic eye on post-graduation status — such as France's temporary residence permit for job searching after graduation, or Canada's PGWP — which can bridge into longer-term residency.
Scholarship deadlines and visa requirements vary by country and by year, so it's worth mapping out a realistic timeline early. The platform's [specialists](/specialists) can help you compare programs against your academic background and budget.