Africa is home to some of the oldest and most magnificent cities in the world. While not as wealthy as other parts of the world, many parts of the continent have been experiencing dramatic growth in recent decades, improving the quality of life for many. Much of this growth has been propelled by the many great universities on the continent. For international students, studying in Africa is a unique opportunity that will give you lifelong memories. In this article, we will discuss the cost of studying and living in Africa for international students.

Cost of Studying in Africa

While universities in Africa are, as a rule, nowhere near as expensive as their equivalents in North America, international students may still face significant tuition fees depending on where they go. In terms of the cost of studying in Africa, more expensive universities are usually based in more developed countries, such as Nigeria and South Africa. However, other factors may affect the price of tuition.

Some examples of tuition fees in African universities include:

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Cost of Living in Africa

1. Cairo

Cairo is one of the cheapest capital cities to live in. Blessed with incredible historical and natural beauty, Cairo is one of the best places in Africa for international students.

In terms of the cost of living in Africa, transportation costs in Cairo is quite affordable. For example, a monthly pass for public transport costs around 300 Egyptian Pounds, or only 16 dollars. Childcare in Cairo is also not too expensive. One month of preschool in Cairo costs between 1,500 and 3,000 Egyptian Pounds – between 81 and 163 USD. Finally, rent in the Egyptian capital is only around 4,200 Egyptian Pounds on average. In dollars, this is only 229 USD.

2. Khartoum

The largest city in Sudan, Khartoum is one of the nicest cities in the country, especially for international students. The city is also affordable when compared to other large African cities. For example, rent in Khartoum costs between 220 and 411 USD per month. One’s distance from the city center determines the amount of rent you will be paying. Utilities in Khartoum are also affordable, with basic utilities like water and electricity costing only about 26 USD. The Internet in the city is a little more expensive, costing between 50 and 200 USD.

3. Algiers

Algiers is the capital of Algeria and home to over 4.5 million people. The city is famous for its beautiful whitewashed buildings, which are instantly recognizable. Algiers is also home to many fantastic museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hamma Scientific Experiments Park.

In terms of the cost of living in Africa, rent in Algiers is not particularly expensive. Whether you live outside of or within the city center, you are likely to pay between 17,000 and 29,000 Algerian Dinar, respectively. In USD, you will be paying between 118 and 202 dollars per month. Transportation in Algiers is also quite affordable. A monthly pass for public transport costs around 1,500 Dinar, or about 10 dollars. Eating out in Algiers can vary in price, depending on where you go. For example, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs only around 375 Dinar, a meal at a more expensive restaurant can cost as much as 5,000 Dinar.

4. Cape Town

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s coolest cities; surrounded by vast stretches of untamed nature and filled with a lively culture, the city should be considered by any international students interested in studying South Africa. With over 4.6 million people, the city is vast and always worth exploring.

For international students, the city is also affordable. For example, utilities in the city cost, on average, 1,565 Rand per month. In USD, this comes to less than 100 dollars per month. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Cape Town is also quite reasonable compared to other capital cities. Monthly rent outside the city center costs around 7,900 Rand while in the city center rent costs around 11,000 Rand. In dollars, this is between 490 and 683 per month. Transportation in the city can also be affordable, especially if you use public transport. A one-way ticket on public transport costs only 20 Rand on average – or a little over 1 USD.

5. Nairobi

Kenya is one of the most developed countries in Africa, and Nairobi is the most developed part of Kenya. The city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wildlife in the world, including an Elephant Orphanage.

For international students, the cost of living in this African city is quite affordable. For example, a meal at one of Nairobi’s many restaurants is usually quite affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant usually costs between 5 and 15 USD. Transportation in the city is also not too expensive – a monthly pass costs only 34 dollars. Finally, rent in the city center costs between 540 and 1,150 dollars per month, lower than other cities in Africa.

With all this in mind, there are many great options for international students interested in studying at an African university. However, students should be aware that there is a great difference in cost between universities on the continent. The cost of living in the cities also varies quite a bit depending on where you choose to live.

 

We hope this article on the cost of living and studying in Africa was informative and helpful. To know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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