Do you wish to spend your afternoon exploring incredible African heritage sites? Are you a student enticed to live on the African continent? Then don’t miss the chance to witness a breathtakingly majestic, culturally rich, and lively country.
Studying in Africa helps you to push yourself academically while still taking advantage of the unparalleled natural surroundings.
Africa, renowned for its rich history steeped in political and social strife, awakens you to current events and how you can shape the world around you. This breathtakingly majestic, culturally rich, and lively country would undoubtedly inspire.
About Africa
Africa, the second-largest continent on the planet after Asia, accounts for around one-fifth of the Earth’s overall ground area.
In Africa and the islands off its shores, there are more than 50 autonomous countries.
From the nineteenth century until the end of World War II, European countries dominated most of Africa.
The primary imperial colonies of France and the United Kingdom, but Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and Italy all had African possessions.
Any of these colonies experienced stability and economic prosperity since becoming sovereign nations.
However, many people faced issues like weak governmental policy, civil war, hunger, insufficient school services, and illness.
African organizations have enacted political and economic ties with countries all over the world.
Many of the world’s major minerals, such as copper, gold, and uranium, are mined in Africa.
The continent’s vast river system is one of the world’s largest possible sources of hydroelectric production.
Languages
It is estimated that over 1,000 languages are spoken in Africa due to the number of indigenous tribes! According to other studies, the figure is closer to 2,000. Non-African originating languages were also introduced to the continent as a result of colonization.
The primary languages are English, French, Dutch, Arabic, Swahili (in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), and Afrikaans (in South Africa).
Culture and Customs
Africa is the origin of the human race! Having stated that, the continent is far from homogeneous in terms of history.
There are thousands of racial and ethnic groups worldwide, and their cultures can be very distinct from one another.
As a consequence of its colonial past, Africa has a fascinating ethnic blend of indigenous and colonial traditions, primarily European and Arabic. Even though many Africans maintain their cultural traditions, South Africa, in particular, is becoming more Westernized.
One thing stays constant across cultures: the value of family!
Elders are honoured for their knowledge. Schedules are less stringent in Africa, most likely due to the complexity of daily life in many African countries.
Crafts, beadwork, poetry, dance, and storytelling are all important aspects of African culture. Sports such as cricket, soccer, and rugby have grown in popularity as a result of colonization.
Why study abroad in Africa?
Studying in Africa entails engaging lessons and thrilling excursions.
Consider hypnotic beats in your ear as you relax with new friends.
Furthermore, accelerated growth is taking place across the globe.
As a result, there is no better time to study in Africa than right now.
Studying in Africa dispels false perceptions of African life.
There are a lot of falsehoods about life on the continent.
Some people believe that Africa, a continent of more than 50 countries, is nothing but conflict, plague, and famine.
The media has not painted the rosiest picture.
As an overseas student, you can demonstrate that there is absolutely nothing to be “afraid” of.
You’ll be educating others about one part of the continent and putting Africa’s diversity on the map (because Africa isn’t a country!). Your very existence will compel people to pay more attention to what is going on in this continent.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Being pulled outside of your comfort zone makes you a happier person. If you weren’t born on the African continent?
Then you’ll have to get used to certain things when studying abroad in Africa. Although most African capitals are reasonably comfortable, there are still deprived townships, rural lifestyles, and social problems that your home country might not be familiar with.
You’ll still have to get used to being in the minority as a newcomer.
Yes, this may be painful, but it is still very safe!
Why is this so?
Immersion of diverse societies and lifestyles, on the other hand, results in more well-rounded, independent, and versatile pupils.
Growing economy
Since Africa’s economy is rising, studying abroad in Africa would put you right in the middle of all the greatness.
African economies are growing at a breakneck pace. If that’s hard to believable, conduct a Google quest.
Millions of articles about African growth, entrepreneurs, tech hubs, cutting-edge apps, the rising middle class, and the tourism industry will appear. And when you’re here, you’ll be able to see it all for yourself! Furthermore, your new African friends will be brilliant young minds who will contribute to the rise.
Where to study in Africa?
When everyone else is calling to study abroad in Europe and North America, you may see compelling reasons to expand your travel and study experience to an African region. For international students, Africa has a host of experiences. Also, students from other African countries may learn from studying in another African country.
Here are the best countries to study abroad in Africa.
1. Kenya
Kenya is well known for its safaris and stunning nature reserves, and national parks, such as the Maasai Mara, West Tsavo National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Aberdares National Park.
The nation is seldom referred to as the “cradle of mankind,” plus it is home to over ten public universities and more than twenty private universities, with English as the principal language. The school year is structured in the Western format, lasting from September to June.
A Bachelor’s degree usually lasts four to six years and is mostly completed with a thesis assignment. The University of Nairobi is the most prestigious institution worldwide, ranked as the joint 20th best university in Africa. Tuition costs for studying in the world range from $1,380 and $5,000.The cost of living is fair. A monthly budget of $400-600 would suffice.
2. Uganda
Uganda is situated in the heart of Africa and is one of the most impressive countries on the continent. The scenery is one of the most breathtaking in the world, and the majestic Lake Victoria, named after a British monarch, is a significant tourist attraction in the region.
The grey crowned crane, a bird found in the area and the national animal, is depicted in the centre of the Ugandan flag.
Kampala is the country’s largest city and home to the renowned Makerere University, Africa’s 11th best university.
It was established in 1922 as a technical school and has been an autonomous university since 1970.
Tuition fees in Uganda vary from $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the type of university you attend. The cost of living is comparatively modest, ranging between $340 and $640 a month.
3. Morocco
Morocco is host to 14 colleges and other institutes of science, including the world’s oldest university.
The majority of courses are taught in French, but some are still available in English. The studies are conducted following the French system of Licence-Master-Doctorate.
The academic year is classified into two semesters. A considerable number of international and exchange students are accepted through several programs.
The Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University is the country’s top-ranked school, ranking joint 11th in Africa. Four of the country’s universities are among the best 30 in Africa.
The average tuition in the country is $5,000, and the cost of living ranges from $600-$1,000 a month.
5. Senegal
Whereas Kenya could be better suited to English speakers, or at least those looking to develop their English, Senegal is unquestionably a good option for French speakers.
Senegal is located in Western Africa, between Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau, and is mild and humid all year.
The rainy season in the country lasts from May to November.
International students who want to study in the country do not need to take any entrance tests.
The University of Dakar, the country’s largest and most prestigious university, is also one of the most affordable.
International students at the university pay about $250 in tuition.
Dakar, the capital city, is home to most international students and is one of the best in West Africa. The monthly cost of living in the capital is about $600.
6. Tanzania
When it comes to studying abroad programs in Africa, this East African country ticks all the boxes. The nearby island of Zanzibar’s palm-fringed coastlines and turquoise seas entice marine biology and conservation students.
Arusha, the entrance to the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Maasai villages, is ideal for those interested in biodiversity and sustainable growth.
If the hustle and bustle of a major city appeal to you, go to Dar Es Salaam, which is home to many colleges and Swahili language programs.
The University of Dar es Salaam is a top-ranking institution globally, with over 500 overseas students from 30 countries.
Tuition rates range from $4,800 and $8,000 a year, with monthly housing expenses ranging from $700 and $1,200.
7. Egypt
Egypt is renowned throughout the world for its pyramids, Sphinx, and River Nile, but it is much more than these well-known tourist attractions.
For thousands of years, Egypt has become a pillar of the Arab world, brimming with culture and life. Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is one of the world’s most populated cities and a major social and political centre.
The University of Cairo, whose main campus is in Giza, is just across the Nile from the capital.
Egypt is host to some of Africa’s top universities. Egypt has two of Africa’s top ten universities, and ten Egyptian universities are among Africa’s top twenty. There are 17 public universities, 51 non-public universities, and 16 private universities in the region. Tuition fees will range from $2,000 to $18,000, depending on the institution you apply to. The country’s cost is modest, ranging between $285 and $504 a month.
8. South Africa
South Africa provides international students with the same benefits as studying in Europe, if not more.
The universities in the world are among the best on the continent.
South Africa has the top three universities in Africa, with the University of Cape Town ranking first in Africa and 136th globally. South Africa is one of the most industrialized nations globally, with networks comparable to that of Europe and other developed countries.
The country is also endowed with breathtaking and beautiful landscapes. Tuition fees in South Africa vary according to the university. Tuition for undergraduate programs usually ranges from $2,500 to $4,500. Postgraduate programs usually cost between $2,700 and $3,000.
However, the cost of living is high, with students having a $6,000-$7,000 per year for food, housing, and services.
Costs and Funding
Cost of Living
The cost of living varies across Africa. Costs are enormous in oil-rich countries such as Angola and Nigeria. Zimbabwe is still very pricey.
South Africa is comparatively inexpensive for Americans, with products costing around 75% of what they do in the United States.
The majority of other African countries are less expensive to rent in.
Prices in Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Ethiopia range from 50% to 30% of those in the United States. If you plan to fly in Africa, you should be aware that currency usually changes when you cross borders, so make sure to change your money as required! For fear of forgery, some currency exchangers only allow recent money, so make sure your US bill is dated after 2005.
Scholarships
Though Africa is usually a cheap place to study abroad, having a little extra cash in your pocket never hurts. Ask your school and the college you choose to attend if they have any scholarships available.
Here are some more scholarships for you to look into:
- Amideast provides study abroad scholarships in Morocco and Egypt.
- The Foundation for Global Scholars provides grants of up to $2,500 for foreign studies to students from the United States and Canada.
- Students interested in learning a language will apply for scholarships through The Global Studies Foundation, and let’s face it, the language options in Africa are almost limitless!
Best universities in Africa 2021
The University of Cape Town
The campus of the University of Cape Town is situated at the base of Table Mountain, with breathtaking views of Devil’s Peak and the capital. The university was established in 1829, making it the country’s oldest and the second oldest in Africa, after the University of Sierra Leone, born two years earlier.
Many teaching faculties, the public library, and several residence halls can be found on the main campus. Most student residences, athletic fields, and academic departments are located on the middle and lower campuses.
Commerce, Law, and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Science; and Humanities were the five faculties for academic studies and teaching.
Via its “transformation” programs, which address diversity, student opportunity, and behaviour, the university is committed to social change. International students make up some 18% of the student body.
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is located in the Western Cape of South Africa, 50 kilometres from Cape Town. The university town’s avenues are lined with cafés, boutiques, and galleries, and it retains Dutch colonial architecture.
Among the university’s many accomplishments is Africa’s first microsatellite construction by its faculty and students in 1999.
The university’s teaching is spread over four campuses, the primary one in Stellenbosch and the others in the surrounding area.
About the fact that Afrikaans is the primary language of instruction, students will complete assignments and exams in both English and Afrikaans.
The language used in classes for postgraduate students is dictated by the demographic of the class and usually in English.
There are about 150 academic departments and several study centres spread across ten faculties.
In addition to a comprehensive library system, the university has a conservatory with two concert halls and serves as the home of the Stellenbosch University Choir, South Africa’s oldest choir.
The Witwatersrand University
Wits Institution, also known as the University of the Witwatersrand, is a public research university in Johannesburg. It was founded as a mining school because it is the richest in gold of any region in the world.
The university expanded greatly in the late twentieth century, and the campus has grown significantly with several new buildings.
The university campus was split during this era of agitation against apartheid policies. Nonetheless, the university produced many notable black leaders.
There are five campuses, two of which are connected by a walkway.
College housing (including female-only dorms), university departments, the Origins Centre, Planetarium, theatres, libraries, and galleries are all located.
Academic studies and teaching was divided into five faculties: Commerce, Law, and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Science; and Humanities.
The medical school educates more professionals than any other university in Southern Africa through the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.
The Disability Rights Unit is a flagship centre dedicated to making higher education available to disabled individuals, parents, and those who need special accommodations.
Conclusion
Africa is a vast continent with many civilizations, languages, ecosystems, and political viewpoints. In the international higher education scene, the educational infrastructure is also on the rise.
When you factor in chances for contact with local people, exciting fieldwork, and a first-hand look at the growth of a world on the cusp, studies in Africa represent a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for ambitious international students searching for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
How to be Active in Studies?
