Revisiting and understanding the past is essential for progress. The same can be said for the complex histories, cultures, and contemporary societies of African peoples. African Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines Africa and its diasporas through history, politics, economics, languages, literature, anthropology, and society.
Africa’s history cannot be reduced to slavery. The continent has long histories of kingdoms, trade networks, intellectual traditions, cultural exchange, colonial rule, forced migration, anti-colonial struggles, and contemporary social and political change.
This article lists some of the best countries to pursue a degree, concentration, or specialization in African Studies abroad. Do you see your dream study destination below?
Top Countries to Study African Studies
1. South Africa
South Africa is one of the strongest countries to study African Studies because students can learn from African-based scholars and engage directly with the continent’s histories, languages, literatures, politics, and societies. The country’s multilingual and multicultural context makes it a particularly valuable setting for understanding how African identities and social realities have developed over time.
As an African Studies student in South Africa, you can expect an interdisciplinary exploration of Africa through history, languages, literature, politics, anthropology, gender studies, and other social sciences. South African universities also provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with local archives, communities, and contemporary debates.
Studying in South Africa can give students an up-close look at present-day African economies, cultures, and societies. It also allows students to learn from scholars whose teaching and research are grounded in African contexts.
Enrich your appreciation for African literature, history, and culture at universities in South Africa. Check out African Studies-related programs and departments at the University of Cape Town, Rhodes University, and the University of the Free State.
2. United States of America
The United States offers many African Studies, Africana Studies, African American Studies, and African diaspora studies programs. These programs can help students examine African histories, cultures, politics, languages, and global connections through archives, research centers, language study, and interdisciplinary coursework.
African Studies provides a more extensive and intimate view of the experiences and perspectives of African peoples and the African diaspora. In the U.S., students can also study how Africa and the diaspora connect to global migration, race, cultural exchange, colonialism, and contemporary politics.
These days, cultural appropriation is a widely discussed issue. Symbols, styles, and cultural practices connected to African and African diaspora communities are often part of these conversations. Learning to distinguish cultural appreciation from appropriation is one relevant reason to pursue African Studies or related fields.
The United States is a haven for educational institutions. African Studies students can find relevant centers, courses, and degree pathways at universities such as Stanford University, California State University, Los Angeles, and the University of Iowa.
3. Belgium
- Notable School/Program: Ghent University
- Reasons: Multicultural exchange, English-taught African Studies master’s program, strong European research environment
Belgium is more than just a beautiful country. International students pursue study in Belgium because its universities offer strong research and teaching in many fields. Belgium is also a strong study destination for African Studies because Ghent University offers a dedicated English-taught Master of Arts in African Studies.
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Language use varies by region, but at Ghent University, the MA in African Studies is taught in English, which makes it accessible to many international students.
Tuition in Belgium varies by region, institution, nationality, and program, so students should check current fees before applying. In Flanders, where Ghent University is located, tuition guidelines differ for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students.
As African Studies students, expect coursework to delve heavily into the literature and culture of African peoples. Anthropology, history, linguistics, and literature courses can enrich your appreciation of African life and societies. Seminars and workshops also offer opportunities to build academic and professional connections.
Grab the opportunity to study in Belgium through African Studies. The Faculty of Arts and Philosophy of Ghent University offers a one-year, 60-ECTS Master of Arts in African Studies, the only master’s program of its kind in Belgium.
4. Russia
Russia is another study destination that may interest students drawn to area studies, history, languages, and international relations. It has institutions that focus on African affairs, Asian and African studies, and regional research.
HSE University hosts a Centre for African Studies and related Asian and African Studies education through its Institute of Asian and African Studies. Lomonosov Moscow State University is home to the Institute of Asian and African Studies, which trains specialists in Asian and African countries and regions.
Outside of studying, Russia’s captivating sights are more than enough to help you destress. From fast-paced cities to the countryside, Russia offers varied settings for students. You can also explore museums, theaters, and historic sites during your studies.
Russian universities can support students interested in Africa-related research, languages, and area studies. Get the most out of your African Studies-related learning in Russia at HSE University or Lomonosov Moscow State University.
5. Netherlands
- Notable School/Program: Leiden University
- Reasons: Dedicated African Studies degrees, major Africa-focused research center, extensive library resources
The Netherlands is a strong option for African Studies students, especially because Leiden University offers African Studies at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Leiden is also home to the African Studies Centre Leiden, an interfaculty institute devoted to the study of Africa.
The Netherlands is well-known for its international education environment, universities, and career opportunities. Universities teach a variety of degree programs ranging from science, technology, engineering, law, humanities, and the social sciences.
The Netherlands is also one of the best countries to study African Studies. As important as it is for countries to succeed and progress, it is also essential to learn about the cultural backgrounds and past civilizations of people. For African Studies students, this means understanding African ways of living in the past and present, from communal practices to the impact of slavery, colonialism, migration, and globalization.
Enrich your knowledge of the literature, language, and heritage of African peoples in the Netherlands. Check out the African Studies program and the African Studies Centre at Leiden University.
FAQs: Studying African Studies Abroad
Which Country is Best for African Studies in Africa?
Within Africa, South Africa is a particularly strong option for African Studies because it has multiple universities and centers with African Studies-related teaching and research, including the University of Cape Town, Rhodes University, and the University of the Free State. Egypt is also important for African history, archaeology, and Middle Eastern and African studies, but students should verify whether a specific African Studies degree is currently offered before applying.
We hope that you found this article on the best countries to study African Studies informative and helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
