New Decree-Law on Foreign Currency Transfers for Studies and Internships Abroad
The decree-law introducing new modalities for foreign currency transfers for studies and internships abroad was officially published in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic (JORT) on October 10, 2025, marking its entry into legal force. This measure is part of a broader reform plan aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework for student transfers while strengthening control over outgoing foreign currency flows.
Key Provisions: Increased Limits, Simplification, and Return Obligations
The text introduces several significant innovations. It raises the annual limit for installation fees to 6,000 dinars, up from 4,000 previously, and sets the monthly living allowance at a maximum of 4,000 dinars. Tuition and study fees remain transferable upon presentation of supporting documents, with no notable changes to this aspect.
The reform also expands its scope to include academic internships abroad, which were previously subject to specific authorizations. Transfer modalities are diversified: bank transfers, checks, international payment cards, or approved cash-to-cash systems are now accepted. Additionally, provisional documents may be accepted on a transitional basis, provided they are regularized within three months.
An important measure also concerns the recovery of funds in case of visa refusal or abandonment of studies: transferred amounts must be recovered within 15 days and repatriated in dinars within 60 days. Finally, approved intermediaries are required to verify documents, respect limits, and declare these operations to the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) on a monthly basis.
Central Objective: Flexibility and Guarantees for Students, and Regulation of Foreign Currency Outflows
The central objective of this decree-law is twofold: on the one hand, to offer Tunisian students greater flexibility and guarantees in their procedures, and on the other hand, to regulate foreign currency outflows from the country in a context where these flows can weigh on foreign exchange reserves. Several student unions, banking institutions, and transfer agencies say they are encouraged by the clarity brought about, although some highlight the challenge of rapid implementation.
Role of Approved Intermediaries
Approved intermediaries (banks, financial institutions, exchange offices) play a structuring role in this system. They will now be required to control the conformity of files, monitor potential excesses, and collaborate closely with the BCT. The success of the reform will largely depend on internal training and awareness-raising among the concerned actors.
