Students from Africa make a decision to study abroad for various reasons. The key factors are the visible impact on their career prospects as well as the possibility to remain overseas in their country of study.
The immigration systems of countries like Canada and Australia are highly skewed towards retaining students who have studied in country. Secondly these countries offer a safe, academically rich environment with minimal interruptions to the academic year.
This blog provides information required for students from African nations like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and South Africa to make a choice of destination that suits their needs, preferences and budget.
This Article Includes
Top international study destinations for African students
The following countries are seeing tremendous level of interest among African Students.
CANADA
Canada is one of the top destinations in the world for African Students to study abroad. More than 120,000 international students from around the world move to study in Canada every year.
If the USA is a melting pot of cultures, where eventually all immigrants get ‘Americanized’, Canada is considered a Mosaic of cultures, where all ethnic groups shares a common Canadian outlook, but retain the unique aspects of their culture.
Canada offers international students a combination of a high academic standards, quality of life and safety. If you are from East Africa and an English speaker you will fit right into society. On the other hand if you are from countries in North, West and Central Africa such as Rwanda, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria and Morocco, you have plenty of options to continue your studies in French and live a great life in the French speaking provinces of Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.
Further, bilingual – English and French – speaking students have excellent post study job prospects as the demand for bilingual professionals has been growing exponentially over the years.
Canada is home to many top ranked universities in the world that are available to you at costs that are at least 20% lower than universities in the U.K and USA.
Canada also offers generous work-while-you-study options. Most students enrolled in a full time course are allowed to work for 20 hours a week while university is in session and 40 hours a week while university is out of session.
Lower Cost of Living
Living in Canada as an international student can cost you from CAD 1,200 – CAD 1,500 per month. This is way lower than universities in the UK and the USA.
Top 5 Universities in Canada
University of British Columbia Vancouver BC
Listed below are the top universities in Canada along with the rankings achieved by them, awarded by the prestigious and renowned QS World University Rankings 2022:
Cheapest Universities in Canada
University of Guelph
- Brandon University
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- University of Guelph
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
The United States of America
The United States is well known for dominating the world of education. It is home to some of the most renowned educational institutions in the world. This makes it a highly popular study destination for international students from Africa.
A degree from a US institution is considered a global mark of quality. US universities offer high tech facilities and excellent research opportunities. The academic life in the US is comparatively more flexible than that of other countries. A degree from a US University can pave the way for you to find great career opportunities not only in the United States but all over the world.
Millions of students from around the world come to the United States for further education. This includes at least 300,000 students from Africa.
Cost of Living
One of the reasons why USA is a top destination is the cost and quality of living. Living in the USA for an international student typically costs around USD 25,000 per year.
Top 5 Universities in the USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Here are the top universities in the United States as per the QS World University Rankings 2022:
Cheapest Universities in the USA
University of Western Illinois
Here are some of the most affordable universities in the United States for African students
- Western Illinois University
- Minnesota State University
- University of South Florida
- South Dakota State University
- University of Wyoming
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is considered one of the best countries for African students to pursue higher education. The UK is home to more than 104,000 International students that are either enrolled in undergraduate studies or postgraduate programs.
UK universities have a long heritage of excellence that goes back centuries. A UK degree is recognised around the globe and provide a wide range of job opportunities outside the UK.
Like Canada, international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. UK universities offer a large number of scholarships every year to deserving international students.
Cost of Living
Living in the United Kingdom as an international student can cost up to £12,000 per year. However, if you live in London, this can go up to around £18,000 per year.
Top 5 Universities in the UK
Listed below are the top universities in the United Kingdom along with the rankings achieved by them, awarded by the prestigious and renowned QS World University Rankings 2022:
Best Value Universities for African Students.
Listed below are some of the most affordable universities in the United Kingdom for African Students:
- University of Cumbria
- Staffordshire University
- Bucks New University
- Harper Adams University College
- York St. John University
Related Questions
What is the acceptance rate of the University of Oxford?
The University of Oxford has a highly selective acceptance rate of 17.5%.
What are the popular programs offered at the University of Chicago?
Some of the Popular Programs offered at the University of Chicago are based on majors such as Social Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Public Administration and Social Service Professions.
How long is the duration of a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, is it any different than that of Canada and the US?
A PhD program in the UK takes up to 3 – 4 years. While in Canada and the US, a Ph.D. program typically takes around 4 – 6 years to complete.