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Students rarely think of Africa first when considering where to study abroad, which is a great shame. As the continent offers so much to so many, there are, for sure, many great countries to study abroad in Africa.
Although some may have a pre-determined vision of what Africa is like, each country is unique and beautiful in its own way.
In reality, Africa is not just made up of jungle, or the plains, as it is so often presented in the media. For instance, there are beautiful ocean-side white beaches in Tanzania and Kenya, the Mediterranean coastline in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, the more tempestuous Atlantic in Ghana and Senegal.
Besides, cities like Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Johannesburg are thriving and growing with a burgeoning middle class. Obviously, this is the result when Africa on the whole grows and stabilizes the economies that make up the landmass.
Most importantly, world-class education is available in a vast number of colleges and universities on the continent. In fact, African universities are particularly popular for medicine, politics, foreign languages, music, and many more.
Though, of course, every subject is available and dependent on the institution itself.
So which then are the best places to study abroad in Africa?
1. Egypt
As one of the best countries to study abroad in Africa, Egypt has 20 public universities and 23 private universities, with around two million students in total. For starters, the University of Cairo’s main campus is in Giza, home to the pyramids and Sphinx.
Besides, some of the best universities in the country include:
- Ain Shams University
- Alexandria University
- The American University in Cairo
- Assiut University
Fascinatingly, events such as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival and the Islamic holy festival of Eid attract people from around the world. Actually, Egypt has been a cornerstone of the Arab world for thousands of years. Besides, the country is rich in culture and history.
In fact, it is a nation of unparalleled history, with civilization arising there in 3100BC and remaining the dominant force for almost three millennia. Also, the Library of Alexandria was a global educational center during that period.
2. Ghana
Ghana is a growing nation in West Africa. Besides, it is one of the best countries to study abroad in Africa. In reality, it is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet.
The climate is tropical, meaning warm and occasionally damp. Interestingly, the two biggest cities are Accra, the capital, and Kumasi, more traditional than the modern and bustling Accra.
In fact, the top-ranked university in the country is the University of Ghana, alongside the also highly-rated Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Besides, some of the best universities in the country include:
- University of Cape Coast
- Ashesi University
- Ghana Communication Technology University
Actually, the country is a lot prettier than the United Kingdom, in any case.
3. Kenya
Kenya is best known for its safaris and national parks, including the Maasai Mara and West Tsavo National Park. Since Kenya is located on the Earth’s equator, it has a very warm and humid climate.
Besides, Kenya is made up of a unique blend of cultures that include Swahili on the coast, Bantu communities in the central, and western regions, and Nilotic communities.
Actually, there are over 10 public universities and more than 20 private universities in Kenya. In particular, the primary language is English.
The academic year is Western-styled, running from September to June. Generally, a Bachelor’s degree is typically four to six years long and they often end with a research project.
For starters, some of the best universities in the country include:
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- Strathmore University
4. Morocco
Morocco is home to some 14 universities and other institutes of technology including the oldest university in the world. Generally, most courses are taught in French, but you can find some courses in English as well.
Also, studies are based on the French system of Licence-Master-Doctorate. In particular, the academic year consists of two semesters. Besides, many programs take a significant amount of foreign and exchange students.
In fact, the country’s highest-ranked institution is the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University which ranks joint 11th in Africa. Furthermore, the country has four universities in Africa’s top 30. For instance, some of the best Moroccan universities to study abroad in Africa are:
- Université Cadi Ayyad
- ESCA École de Management
- École Centrale Casablanca
- Université Mohammed V
5. Nigeria
Although Nigeria has only three universities in the World University Rankings, it has more than 130 institutions in total. Generally, universities offer majors in every discipline, although it is well-known for its education in health and medicine.
In fact, all university programs are taught in English, despite there being more than 500 languages spoken in the country.
Interestingly, Nigeria is a colorful country, with a lot to offer international students. Also, it is a vibrant country full of bustling clubs blaring out music until the early hours of the morning. Besides, it is a great hub for further travel around Africa.
Furthermore, Nigeria has some of the cheapest universities in the world. Most of its federal universities charging tuition fees way below $100.
Some of the best Nigerian universities to study abroad in Africa are:
- University of Lagos
- Covenant University
- University of Ibadan
6. Rwanda
Forecasted to become the “Singapore of Africa”, the Central African country of Rwanda has emerged as an up-and-coming education hub for international students.
Unfortunately, the country has had a fractured history with the brutal genocide that took place in 1994. However, Rwanda has risen from the ashes of that crisis to emerge as one of Africa’s most promising nations.
Also, the capital city is also considered Africa’s cleanest and greenest city. Furthermore, with ambitious solar energy plans and environmental entrepreneurial opportunities, it’s no surprise that the country is gaining international candidates for its university programs.
For starters, the University of Rwanda is the country’s largest university with over 30,000 students. Aside from it, some of the other best universities in the country are:
- University of Rwanda
- Kibogora Polytechnic
- Université Libre de Kigali
- University of Kigali
7. Senegal
Senegal is located in Western Africa, between Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau. In fact, it is warm and humid throughout the year, with a rainy season from May to November.
Interestingly, many people live low-cost lifestyles, often growing their own food. Also, there are a number of universities, both public and private, both in Dakar and in the capital, including:
- Universite Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD)
- Université du Sahel
- Alioune DIOP University of Bambey
- Université de Thiès
- Ziguinchor University
More importantly, the local culture is very energetic and colorful. Besides, the landscape is full of beaches, creeks, plains. and the Senegal River.
In particular, the school year begins in October and lasts until July, so costs are lower than in most European countries.
For instance, the most popular courses are:
- Arts and humanities
- Economics and management
- Law
- Medicine
- Political science
- Science and technology
8. South Africa
South Africa is famous for its natural scenery, especially the Garden Route and Drakensberg Mountains. Interestingly, the country’s major cities offer vivid nightlife and sporting opportunities.
Actually, there are three types of universities in South Africa, for instance: traditional, technikons (vocational), and comprehensive. For starters, some of the best universities in the country include:
- University of Cape Town
- Rhodes University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg
In South Africa, a bachelor’s degree usually lasts three years of full-time study. Meanwhile, a master’s degree lasts two years in the country.
In particular, the school year begins in early February with the first semester ending in early June. However, the second semester lasts from mid-July to late November.
9. Tanzania
This East African country ticks all the right boxes when it comes to studying abroad programs in Africa.
Nearby island Zanzibar’s palm-fringed coastlines and turquoise waters beckon students of marine biology and conservation. Besides, landlubbers can study ecology and sustainable development in Arusha, the gateway to Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Maasai villages.
Then, if big city life more floats your boat, hit Dar Es Salaam, home to several universities and Swahili language programs. In fact, the University of Dar es Salaam is the country’s highest-ranked institution. Also, it has over 500 international students from 30 countries.
However, some of the other best universities in the country include:
- The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
- Ardhi University
- Mzumbe University
10. Tunisia
Tunisia is the most northern country in Africa, as well as the smallest. Fascinatingly, vast Saharan dunes provide a backdrop for many of Tunisia’s cities, in which cozy narrow streets blend with wide expansive squares.
Actually, higher education in Tunisia has developed rapidly of late, with students more than tripling since the late 1990s. In fact, Tunis is home to the most well-known universities in the country, like Tunis University and Tunis El Manar University.
Also, some of the best universities in the country include:
- Carthage University
- University of Monastir
- Manouba University
The primary language is Arabic, though French is also commonly spoken there. Interestingly, diplomas awarded by Tunisian institutes are also recognized worldwide.
More importantly, the country is very affordable, especially compared to Europe, and isn’t far from countries such as Italy.
11. Uganda
Actually, where in Uganda you choose to study will have a big impact on your education. In fact, Kampala is the largest city in Uganda and its capital. Basically, the city has a long rich multicultural, and multi-faith history.
As result, that makes Uganda one of the best countries to study abroad in Africa. Also, it is an excellent place to study public health as it has some excellent public health care.
For starters, some of the best universities in the country include:
- Makerere University
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology
- Kyambogo University
- Gulu University
- Muni University
The official languages are English and Swahili and it’s a great place to sharpen your English.
