Africa has the cheapest country to study; the country from which students from poor homes as well as middle-class ones can take shelter for academic growth and excellence. Some of the countries have universities that are mostly sponsored by their federal governments. Therefore, they may education somewhat affordable, not just in appearance but also in practice.
Africa is truly a large continent, and it is said to have so many countries where the cost of education goes for an arm and a leg. Thus, the truth is so many may not be able to afford the price of having any access, even if they wish, to education.
Also, the state of education reflects not only the effects of colonialism, but instability resulting from and exacerbated by armed conflicts in many regions of Africa as well as fallout from humanitarian crises such as famine, lack of drinking water, and outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and Ebola, among others.
Although the quality of education and the quantity of well-equipped schools and teachers has steadily increased since the onset of the colonial period, there are still evident numerous inequalities in the existing educational systems based on region, economic status, and gender.
Is Africa a Cheap Place to Study?
However, in the midst of these debilitating factors, education in Africa is still understood to be reliable and affordable. This is why we will be looking at the cheapest country to study in Africa and maybe highlighting some of the cheapest universities in the continent.
Nigeria
Nigeria is still one of the best countries to study and get it at a very cheap rate. Many who graduated from Nigeria are thankful for it because education in majorly all the federal-government-owned universities and colleges, students from all parts of Africa and abroad attest to the fact that they can be recognized as the cheapest schools in the country.
Nigeria provides free, government-supported education, but attendance is not compulsory at any level, and certain groups, such as nomads and the handicapped, are under-served. The education system consists of six years of primary school, three years of junior secondary school, three years of senior secondary school, and four, five or six years of university education leading to a bachelor’s degree.
The government has majority control of university education. Tertiary education in Nigeria consists of universities (public and private), polytechnics, monotechnic, and colleges of education. The country has a total of 138 universities, with 40 federally owned, 39 state-owned, and 59 privately owned.
Also, the private schools in Nigeria when compared to other countries’ are not costly. They are as a matter of fact cheaper and affordable.
Others are:
South Africa
South Africa is reasonably inexpensive, with low costs of living and tuition fees. Fees vary, but come to an average of US$6,000 for international undergraduates studying at the University of Cape Town (South Africa’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings) and the University of the Western Cape. You’ll need around the equivalent of US$9,150 per year to cover your living costs.
Read Also: Factors Affecting Students in Nigerian Education
And not only is South Africa the most popular choice for study abroad students in Africa. It’s also home to the top performing universities on the whole continent; Stellenbosch University and University of Cape Town are two popular campuses for foreign students.
Worried about crime and safety during South Africa study abroad programs? Don’t trip. Simple steps like staying lowkey with expensive items and being vigilant at ATMs will keep your covered.
Ghana
Study abroad in Ghana will have you hooked on West African living, most especially its affordability. Common Ghanaian study abroad campuses include the University of Cape Coast and University of Ghana in Accra, the capital. Ghana is full of live music, marketplaces, gorgeous beaches, and cultural sites like the Kwame Nkrumah Museum. So, no matter where you’re based, you’ll be captivated by Ghanaian culture.
