INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Is considered international student any person registered at the faculty and who does not have the status of Tunisian citizen or permanent resident within the meaning of the law on immigration.

Such a student must hold a valid passport and an entry visa upon arrival at the faculty. Since the visa is not required for nationals of certain foreign countries, it is useful to inquire at the Tunisian Consulate in your country of origin or, failing that, in a neighboring country with a Tunisian representation.

The documents to be provided for the visa application are as follows:

– 2 passport photographs

– 3 visa forms provided by the Tunisian Consulate

– photocopy of the first 3 pages of your passport

– photocopy of the registration certificate and payment receipt.

Note: Visa processing times can be lengthy and vary depending on your country of residence. Therefore, it is important to begin your application process as soon as you receive your final admission from UPES. 

This video guides you through the necessary steps to join UPES.

When to arrive?

It is strongly advised to arrive at least one week before the start of the course in order to find accommodation and familiarize yourself with your new environment.

What climate and what clothes to expect?

Tunisia enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Winters are rather mild with some cool and rainy days. However, it is necessary to provide warm clothes, more suitable for the fight against humidity than for the fight against the cold.

Summers are dry, often very hot and sometimes last until the end of October. It is therefore necessary to bring summer clothes, preferably cotton.

Average temperatures: in winter: 10°C to 18°C ​​– in summer: 25°C to 35°C

Arrival in Tunis takes place at Tunis-Carthage Airport located about 30 minutes from UPES.

There, you will have to present to the authorities of the border police, your passport, your study visa, your certificate of registration at the faculty and possibly proof of sufficient financial resources (scholarship certificate or any other support document ).

• Reception at the airport

The faculty will meet you at the airport. You should let us know your arrival date at least 48 hours in advance.

• Welcome to the faculty

You must present to the Education Department of UPES, as soon as you arrive in Tunis, to submit certified copies of all documents previously sent by fax or email and present the originals of your documents.

• Documents to be submitted:

– The original admission documents if your application was made by fax or via the Internet.

– A copy of the first pages of your passport.

– The copy of the entry visa on Tunisian territory and thereafter during any renewal.

- A copy of your health insurance certificate. If you have not taken out insurance in your country of origin, you must pay the costs of medical coverage upon your arrival.

You will be able to meet the staff of the "Service des Etudiants Etrangers" and obtain information that will facilitate your installation and integration.

Many student residences are located near the faculty, allowing you to live in nearby neighborhoods if you wish. Our faculty can also assist you in finding accommodation.

• Renting an apartment

There are several types of accommodation, the price of which varies according to the neighborhood and the size of the apartment:

– The generally furnished studio including a room, a kitchenette and a bathroom: monthly rent of 400 to 500 dinars*

– The apartment consisting of two, three or four rooms, bathrooms, kitchen. It is rarely furnished and can be shared by several people: monthly rent between 400 and 600 dinars* the more spacious villa: rent between 600 and 800 dinars*

In addition to the monthly rent, there are often electricity and heating costs and, of course, telephone costs.

Renting accommodation involves signing a lease that binds the tenant to the landlord. This lease, which outlines the tenant's rights and obligations, usually lasts for one year. This document, with a notarized signature from the municipality, may be required to obtain your residence permit.

• Home accommodation

If you plan ahead, it is possible to reserve rooms in a private student residence even before your arrival. Expect to pay around 120 DT per bed per month.

The currency in Tunisia is the dinar. The dinar is non-convertible. One dinar is worth approximately 0.30 euros.

When you arrive in Tunis, you can change the currencies in your possession at the banks located in the airport (counters open 7 days a week) or at the banks in town.

• Fund transfers

One of the ways to receive funds in Tunisia is to make bank transfers to a bank in the city of Tunis in an account opened in your name.

Major foreign banks have Tunisian banking correspondents where you can receive funds.

However, the transfer by bank transfer being quite long (several weeks), it is therefore advisable to bring with you, in the form of cash or traveler's checks, a sufficient sum to cover your expenses for two months.

The transfer by Western Union is faster but more expensive.

• Open a bank account 

To open a bank account, you must go to the branch of the bank you have chosen with the following documents:

– Photocopy of the first page of your passport.

– A copy of your university registration certificate, student card or a copy of your permanent or temporary residence permit.

UPES provides its students with a support and assistance service, offering guidance and help for their stay in Tunisia and explaining the procedures for preparing or renewing the application for the Tunisian permanent residence card.

The residence card is a mandatory document that must be requested upon your arrival in Tunisia, within a period not exceeding one month of stay in the country.

• Documents to provide:

– Enrollment, attendance, and payment certificates issued by UPES, along with the receipt for your tuition fee payment,

– The rental contract / or in the case where you are staying in a hostel: a certificate of residence

– 2 passport photographs

– 2 tax stamps of 10 DT to be acquired from the Revenue Department

– A proof of bank resources and / or a certificate of support

– Proof of health/accident insurance

• Procedure to follow:

1/ The student informs the UPES support and assistance service that their residence card application file is complete.

2/ UPES schedules an appointment with the Border Police Directorate for the student to submit their application.

3/ The student is accompanied by the service manager to obtain the residence card, provided the file is complete.

In parallel with studies, student life certainly occupies an important place within the UPES given its university experience since it creates among graduates a strong sense of belonging to their university.

Student life is particularly rich at UPES, offering a privileged environment for quality studies. The main objective is to provide students with conditions conducive to the development of their student life and their professional environment.

The UPES is a place of academic training and multiple discoveries. Our university gives its students the opportunity to invest and engage in many cultural, social, sports and entertainment activities.