Top 10 African Countries Sending Students Abroad

More African students are choosing to study abroad each year. The most common places are the US, UK, Canada, France, and a few others. Students go because classes run on time, the labs are modern, and the teaching is practical. Many schools also offer internships, career fairs, and clear post-study work options.

Money and support matter too. Scholarships and payment plans help some families. Strong African communities overseas make it easier to settle in. Online applications and school partnerships also reduce stress.

Here are the Top 10 African Countries Sending Students Abroad:

Nigeria

Africa’s largest source of international students. Families see foreign degrees as a ticket to global careers and stable study timelines. Strikes, crowded classrooms, and funding gaps at home push many abroad. Popular choices include the UK, Canada, and the US. Many study tech, business, health, and engineering.

Morocco

Deep language and cultural ties with France make it a top route. Students often choose engineering, business schools, and medical fields. Growing links with Spain, Germany, and Canada are widening options.

Egypt

Sends thousands to Europe and the Gulf. Medicine, pharmacy, and technology are most common. Egypt also hosts many foreign students, so it is both a sender and a receiver in Africa’s education market.

Cameroon

Many head to France and Canada, helped by bilingual (French/English) schooling at home. Limited spaces and high competition locally make overseas study attractive.

Algeria

France remains the main destination because of language and history. Canada is rising due to friendly student routes and post-study work options. Engineering and health fields are popular.

Ghana

A growing middle class invests in US, UK, and Canadian degrees. Students target business, computer science, data, and public policy. Alumni networks help new arrivals settle faster.

Kenya

Strong academic culture and global ambition drive study in the US, UK, and Australia. STEM, health, and environmental studies stand out. Scholarships and athletics also open doors.

Tunisia

Close to Europe with active scholarship links. France, Germany, and Italy attract students in engineering, design, and applied sciences.

Zimbabwe

Long ties with South Africa and the UK remain strong. Despite currency challenges, families prioritise degrees that offer clear job paths and visa routes.

Sudan

Instability pushes many to seek safety and structure in Egypt, Malaysia, and the Gulf. Affordable tuition and community support matter most.