African students are showing more and more interest in international studies. About 6% of students in Africa (~400,000) are currently studying abroad. This number represents almost a tenth of the global international student population.

Top destinations

While France remains the most popular destination, South Africa is showing a large growth in attracting students from across Africa to its institutions. Between 2006 and 2010, France lost about 1% of African student enrolment while South Africa gained 28.8%.

The current top destinations are as follows:

1. France (29.2%).
2. South Africa (15.1%).
3. Britain and United States (9.7%).
4. Germany (4.7%).
5. Malaysia (3.9%).
6. Canada (2.9%).
7. Italy and Australia (2.0%).
8. Morocco (1.8%).
9. Angola (1.7%).

Popularity of African countries growing

While a large percentage of African students still choose to study outside of the continent, South Africa, Morocco, and Angola are beginning to emerge as popular destinations within Africa. There are a number of benefits that are offered by these countries which are helping to attract students. These include access to high quality education at a lower price than in Europe or elsewhere, studies offered in languages that cater to neighbouring countries, and diverse disciplines alongside flexible learning options. Visas are also easier to obtain compared with European visas.

China, Africa’s largest economic partner, has also invested in higher education institutions in Africa, opening 387 Confucius Institutes across 94 countries. These institutes offer study grants for Africans, especially in the agriculture, education, economics, management, medicine, and languages disciplines.

Motivation for international study

Most students that wish to study abroad say that is it a good opportunity for them to broaden their cultural and intellectual horizons while gaining the knowledge and skills that will give them an advantage in the global job market. Students also identify a lack of resources in their home countries in terms of their desired education at the university level.

The countries that are home to the highest amount of students studying abroad are:

1. Morocco (11.3%).
2. Nigeria (10.2%).
3. Algeria (5.9%).
4. Cameroon (5.3%).
5. Zimbabwe (5.2%).
6. Tunisia (5.1%).
7. Kenya (3.5%).
8. Senegal and Egypt (3.1%).
9. Botswana (2.3%).

The Netherlands as a study destination

Nuffic Neso reports that currently in The Netherlands study students from the following African countries:

• Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia – 300.
• Nigeria – 250.
• Zimbabwe, Cameroon, South Africa, Kenya – 150.
• Tanzania – 100.

The Study Portals Annual Study in Europe Interest Monitor also shows that about 2% of all students searching for Dutch degrees come from Nigeria and about 1% come from Ghana. This trend seems to be growing each year and the implementation of the Modern Migration Policy will only help more African students come to study in Holland. See also: international students in the Netherlands.