Study Abroad Programs in Africa
Africa offers an extraordinary and diverse study abroad experience that goes far beyond the classroom. With vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the continent provides students with opportunities to learn in dynamic environments while gaining a deeper global perspective.
Students can immerse themselves in world-renowned ecosystems, historic cities, and thriving modern hubs. Academic programs often emphasize hands-on learning, including fieldwork, internships, and meaningful engagement with local communities. This makes Africa an exciting choice for students studying international development, anthropology, sociology, politics and public policy, environmental studies, biology, zoology, and more.
Languages
Africa is home to over 1,000 languages, including widely spoken ones such as English, French, Arabic, Swahili, and Afrikaans. This diversity reflects both indigenous traditions and colonial influences.
Culture and customs
For all you anthropology buffs, Africa is the birthplace of the human race and home to thousands of unique cultural and ethnic groups! While traditions vary, family, respect for elders, music, dance, storytelling, and community remain central, alongside popular sports like soccer, rugby, and cricket.
Food
Cuisine differs widely across the continent, from North Africa’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes to East Africa’s spiced curries and lentils. Ethiopian injera, South Africa’s braai, and abundant fresh produce and seafood highlight Africa’s culinary richness.
Universities
Top universities include the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch in South Africa, as well as Cairo University and the American University in Cairo. Other strong institutions include the University of Ghana, University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and the University of Botswana.
Health and safety
Travelers should consult a doctor before departure, especially for guidance on malaria prevention, and practice basic food and water safety. With reasonable precautions and guidance from your program, studying in Africa can be both safe and rewarding.
Packing
Pack for everyday life rather than a camping trip—regular clothes and a few nicer outfits will help you blend in and show respect for local customs. Useful extras include a rain jacket, headlamp, sunscreen, and quick-dry items for convenience.
Africa is a continent brimming with unique potential study abroad spots! Though it faces its issues, the continent is still budding with culture, animals, and natural beauty. Here are some popular study abroad destinations in Africa:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Affectionately called Jo-burg by the locals, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa. Despite being the economic capital of sub-Saharan Africa, the city still has a nice balance of metropolitan and natural areas. The city is incredibly diverse, giving you lots of food and cultural immersion opportunities.
The birthplace of both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Soweto township is a vibrant and authentic taste of South African culture and history.
Cape Town, South Africa
Known for its beaches, wildlife, and vineyards, Cape Town is a beautiful city to experience.
If you’re outdoorsy, try hiking up Cape Town’s famed Table Mountain: a mountain with a naturally leveled peak that provides a pretty awesome view of the city for those who make it to the top. If it’s been a while since your last hike, no worries -- there’s a cable car option, too!
Nairobi, Kenya
As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi is the country’s center of media, music, economics, and more. It is a global up-and-comer, growing at a pretty rapid pace. Though you may not have expected it, Nairobi is actually great for business and economics students--the city has its own stock exchange, is home to many companies (including international ones), and is a major global trader.
Accra, Ghana
Ghana’s capital is a modernized and highly globalized city. In fact, other countries including China and France have formed businesses there and created partnerships with the city, making it a great place for students studying international relations and business.
Iringa, Tanzania
Originally built as to provide protection to the German colonists at the end of the 19th century, Iringa is a unique and interesting place to study abroad. While Tanzania is known for its abundant wildlife, Iringa, instead, is known for its handmade crafts and baskets!
Kampala, Uganda
In addition to its notably friendly and social culture, Kampala is also a very safe city (which might not be the case for all places on this list). Much of the most famous (and most adventurous) activities are based around Kampala’s proximity to the Nile River: you can raft in it, ATV along it, bungee jump into it, and jet-boat up it!
Are you interested in NGOs and their work? Kampala hosts many of these organizations working in Ghana, giving you an excellent opportunity to get experience working in the field.
Meknes, Morocco
Meknes is a fabulous Northern Africa study abroad location because, though it is young and full of culture, it is not a tourist hotspot. Despite the buzzing nightlife and tasty restaurants, the city still has beautiful architecture and mosaics from its ancient Islamic settlers.
History buffs will be interested in seeing nearby Volubilis, where you can see the 2000-year-old remains of a Roman town. Interestingly, much of the stone from these ruins were used to build Meknes!
Cairo, Egypt
Though the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are probably the most well-known of Cairo’s sites, the city is rich in the remains of the ancient Islamic Pharaohs. But despite being home to the only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, Cairo is still a bustling metropolis, too.
Cost of living
Cost of living in Africa varies widely by country and city, with big differences between rural vs. urban areas and major vs. smaller towns. If you are planning on traveling while in Africa, you should know that currency generally changes as you cross borders, so make sure to change your money as necessary!
Read more: 50+ Scholarships & Grants for Study Abroad
