You are not alone if you are a student from Sub-Saharan Africa wishing to study abroad. According to a Campus France research, 4.8% of students from the region study abroad, compared to 2.7% globally. However, with so many alternatives, where should Sub-Saharan African students go? The following are the top nine destinations:
1. France
France is the most popular destination for students from Sub-Saharan Africa, with 14% of students from the region studying there. Nearly 92,000 Sub-Saharan African students studied in France during the 2021-2022 academic year, drawn by the country’s universities and French-speaking atmosphere.
2. United States
The United States is the second most popular study-abroad destination for students from Sub-Saharan Africa, housing 10% of the total 430,000 degree-seeking students. With 41,700 Sub-Saharan students, the United States has experienced a 20% increase in five years.
3. Canada
The number of Sub-Saharan students studying in Canada has increased dramatically. In 2020, 8,300 Sub-Saharan students will be studying in Canada, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking a high-quality education in a friendly setting.
4. South Africa
South Africa is the third largest host country for students from Sub-Saharan Africa, with 30,300 students from the region studying there. Despite a 14% decrease from 2015, South Africa remains a popular destination for people seeking a cosmopolitan atmosphere and quality education.
The United Kingdom has 27,800 Sub-Saharan students, a 9% decrease from 2015, primarily due to a 27% decrease in the number of Nigerian students. Despite this, the United Kingdom remains a popular choice for students seeking a world-class education and a varied student population.
6. Germany
With 18,900 students from the region studying there, Germany is the second-most popular destination in Europe for Sub-Saharan African students. Germany‘s universities are well-known for their research prowess and practical emphasis, making it an appealing option for students seeking a hands-on education.
7. Morocco
Morocco has seen a significant growth in the number of students from Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2020, 5,300 Sub-Saharan students will be studying in Morocco, drawn by the country’s rich culture, low living costs, and high quality education.
8. Turkey
Turkey has nearly tripled the number of Sub-Saharan students it hosts in the last five years, with the highest growth rate: +183% in five years. As a result, it has risen to the seventh most popular destination for Sub-Saharan students, with 19,700 study-abroad students expected in 2020.
9. Portugal
With 14,900 students from the region studying there, Portugal is the third-most popular destination in the European Union for Sub-Saharan African students. Universities in Portugal are noted for their worldwide orientation and modern facilities, making it an appealing option for students seeking a high-quality education.