Preparing for your Campus France interview — the complete method

Why this interview matters#

The Campus France interview shapes the diplomatic post's opinion of your application. A poor interview means a visa refusal, even with an admission in hand.

Duration: 20-30 minutes, conducted in French.

The 5 areas of assessment#

1. Coherence of your project: does your choice of studies make sense?
2. Command of the chosen program: do you know your program?
3. Language level: can you follow courses taught in French?
4. Reasons for going to France: why not elsewhere?
5. Financial feasibility: can you afford this adventure?

30 classic questions#

About your background#

1. Introduce yourself in 2 minutes
2. What is your academic background?
3. What were your thesis / project topics?
4. What is your favorite subject? Why?
5. What professional or extracurricular experience do you have?

About your project#

6. Why this program?
7. Which exact program have you chosen?
8. Can you tell us about the university?
9. Who are the standout professors in the program?
10. What specialization are you aiming for?

About choosing France#

11. Why study in France?
12. Why not in Tunisia?
13. Why not in another European country?
14. Have you ever visited France?
15. Do you have family in France?

About life after your studies#

16. What will you do after graduating?
17. Do you plan to return to Tunisia?
18. What career prospects do you see?
19. Have you identified any target companies?
20. How does this degree fit into your project?

About financing#

21. How will you finance your studies?
22. What is your planned monthly budget?
23. Who is funding it? (parents, a loan, a scholarship...)
24. Do you have a guarantor in France?
25. What will you do if you lose your scholarship?

About practical life#

26. Where do you plan to live?
27. How will you integrate?
28. Do you know the host city?
29. What are your hobbies?
30. Do you have any questions for us?

The TISC method in 4 steps#

1. Prepare the substance (1 week)#

• List your 7 choices and prepare 3 minutes per choice
• Learn the names of 3-5 professors / courses per program
• Prepare your career plan with 2 scenarios (ideal + plan B)

2. Prepare the form (3 days)#

• Professional attire (a shirt/blouse, a tie not necessarily required)
• Upright posture, a smile, direct eye contact
• A steady voice, a moderate pace

3. Rehearse (2-3 times)#

• With someone who doesn't know you
• Film yourself to spot your nervous tics
• Time your answers (60-90 seconds is ideal)

4. The big day#

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring all your original documents + photocopies
• Breathe before each answer — a pause is better than a blank

Pitfalls to avoid#

• A vague project: "I'd quite like to..." → be decisive
• A defensive attitude: stay open even when challenged
• Lying about your grades: they have your file right in front of them
• A lack of knowledge of the program: unforgivable

The TISC Visa service includes 2-3 recorded mock interviews with written feedback.