What do I need to enter Tunisia for the purpose of studying?

Any foreign national who intends to come to Tunisia for the purpose of studying must:

• Get a Tunisian visa for a long stay.
• Enter Tunisia only from and through permitted ports of entry.
• Present a valid passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
• Specify the purpose of entry to Tunisia and the intended educational institution.
• After entering, go to the designated immigration office and get a student identity card to study in Tunisia.

International students must obtain a student visa before studying in Tunisia. There will be different requirements for each nationality. For more information, please contact your local (or nearest) Tunisian embassy. 

To obtain a visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Provide an acceptance letter which is confirmed that the applicant has been offered a full-time place of study at a recognized educational institution.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves in the country.
• You must prove that the course price has been paid in full.
• It is necessary to apply for private health insurance and provide documentary evidence of this.
• The candidate's intention to return to their country after the end of the training period must be obvious.

An approximate list of visa documents is as follows:

• Photocopies of the passport, which is valid for at least 6 months. 
• Completed application form for visa. 
• 2 photos with the size of the passport 
• Letter of admission to the University. 
• A letter from the university confirming receipt of payment. 
• Copies of high school, college, and university certificates.
• A letter of guarantee signed by the sponsor and the student stating that the sponsor covers all student expenses and the student will never apply to any person or institution (including the University) for financial support or a scholarship certified by a public notary. 
• Officially approved bank statement for the last 3 months 
• A letter of consent from your parents if you are under the age of 18 (notarized or certified by a court) 
• Booking of air tickets. 
• Sponsor's identity card, a photocopy of the sponsor's national identity card or international passport or driver's license. 
• "Vaccination card" for yellow fever and typhoid fever.

Can I combine my studies and work in Tunisia?

Visas and student identity cards do not allow paid or voluntary work in Tunisia. However, as a student in Tunisia, you have the opportunity to complete an internship. You can choose the place of internship yourself, if the activity corresponds to the educational program of your training. You must have the consent of your university. Your university can also help you find an internship. It is important to sign a three-way agreement (intern, host institution, and university) and confirm upon completion with an internship certificate.

Is it possible to get a scholarship to study?

Education at public universities is free of charge here. Some offer government scholarships, while others are sponsored by external organizations for students of all levels of study. Thanks to its competitive institutions, Tunisia offers excellent opportunities for students. Scholarships are offered for all types of programs and for different durations. 

Many foundations and some public universities offer merit scholarships to those with outstanding academic performance. Scholarships are provided under the program for which the student is studying, and are extended during the normal period of study of the student. At many universities, students do not risk losing their scholarship despite academic difficulties, as long as they comply with mandatory class attendance standards.

Other scholarships

Regardless of the merit-based scholarship quota, universities provide additional sources of funding. Almost all universities provide partial scholarships, which depend on the academic merits of the applicant and cover from 30% to 60% of the total amount of payment.

It is important to note that many research, public and private organizations provide scholarship opportunities to provide adequate financial support to students seeking to study in Tunisia. Below are some of the available scholarships and grants for international students that you can take advantage of.

1. Mediterranean School of business diversity financing for international students in Tunisia.

2. Tunisian government scholarships for international students.

3.LAU tomorrow's leaders Graduate (TLG) program for international students.

Guide for international students in Tunisia - https://fr.slideshare.net/maecoat/guide-pratique-des-tudiants-trangers-en-tunisie