Africa - a study destination *Image source: http://www.istockphoto.com Copyright: FotografiaBasica
A continent that is becoming a smart hub for education and infrastructure.
Africa is presenting a cheaper option for foreign students looking to invest in themselves with a stronger currency at an affordable exchange rate. There are world-class education institutions in both the public and private sectors on the continent. With a mixture of both local and foreign student intakes - Africa as a continent has the potential to improve its higher education offerings better than any other region on the planet.
Ghana:
A wide range of top quality courses at 9 public and many private universities, colleges and polytechnics have made Ghana a popular study destination – a reason for the government to invest more in higher education in the future?
Information resources:
National Council of Tertiary Education: ncte.edu.gh
Ministry of Education: moe.gov.gh
Ghana Education Trust Fund: getfund.gov.gh (side note: look directly for scholarships and funding on each university or college website)
List of accredited Universities and Colleges in Ghana: nab.gov.gh
Clarity of online information and accreditation list of institutions: The information is there but it is at times difficult to find. It is best to visit the respective website of the university that you wish to study at. They cover information ranging from fees, international exchanges, financial aid (including scholarship information), courses and accommodation. Each university has different offerings and should be looked at independently. 2 points.
Free Higher Education: No. 0 points
Financial aid for local students: Yes. 2 points, again it is important to research financial aid options that each institution has on offer.
Study options for foreign students: Yes. 2
Financial Aid for foreign students: Foreign Students should look for funding from their own country or various external scholarship/funding setups. Further a number of Ghanaian Universities and institutions have exchange partnership programmes with foreign universities.
Cost of living and accommodation:
Relatively cheap accommodation is offered on campus by most universities in Student Halls or special Student Hostels. Though on some campuses there are not enough places for all students. It is best to see each university's website for further information.
Points: 6 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 7.5
Conclusion: There is a lot of potential for academic growth in Ghana and the fact that their bachelor degree is based on a four year programme allows a stronger international approach. The University of Ghana or the University of Cape Coast are highly recognised internationally. This attracts many students from West Africa and all around the world. However, the drastic increase of students creates new challenges for this rising star of tertiary education in Africa!
Kenya:
Is producing a core understanding that education is the way forward within its country. With 22 Public universities setting the platform for Higher Education – it has the potential to go further!
Information resources:
Commission for University Education: cue.or.ke
Higher Education Loans Board: helb.co.ke
Side notes: It is best to visit the respective website of the university that you wish to study at. They cover information ranging from fees, international exchanges, financial aid (including scholarship information), courses and accommodation. Each university has different offerings and should be looked at independently.
Clarity and depth of the online information: Yes it provides full information of the Kenyan education system and a list of accredited institutions. 2
Free Higher Education: No, however there is a strong focus to move towards a free education system from a grassroots level. The question remains when will it move to the Kenyan higher education system? 0
Financial aid for local students: yes - Higher Education Loans Board is the government setup for student finance. 1
Study options for foreign students: Yes. 2
Financial Aid for foreign students: Foreign Students would best look for funding from their own country or various external scholarship/funding setups.
Cost of living and accommodations:
This is variable to the needs of the student and how the student handles their finances. Student accommodation is always an issue in terms of places available. However some institutions do offer on campus accommodation. As a foreign student with a stronger currency it is easier to manage living costs in terms of financial leverage.
Points: 5 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 6.25
Conclusion: There is a strong growth of private universities, colleges and institutions in Kenya. With this there are also a number of international universities collaborating with both Kenya's public and private education sectors. So there is proven international value in its potential. However university closures or instability does exist, for example the University of Nairobi temporarily closed down on the 15th December 2013 due to student disturbances. There is attention needed to make sure the education system does not fail in the future.
South Africa:
Its level of education at a public school level has been heavily criticized. Private education is on the rise in both the schools and higher education sector. However the country still hosts a solid public higher education system that seems to be a funneling system of sorts.
Whatever the case may be the balance between private and public education doesn’t discriminate in terms of costing. With student fees and financial support lacking a major need for attention. Foreign students are able to use stronger currencies to engage with the education in a quality environment helping to promote the country as a destination of study!
Information resources:
Higher Education and Training: dhet.gov.za
Basic Education: education.gov.za
Central Application Clearing House: cach.dhet.gov.za
National Student Financial Aid Scheme: nsfas.org.za
Clarity of online information: Yes, tons of information and a full list of accredited education institutions is provided. 2
Side notes: Each education institution have respective websites that contain the relevant information students are in need of. The key is to also make sure that the institution is properly accredited.
Free Higher Education: No, the South African education system has a fee structure linked to it. 0
Financial aid for local students: yes – NSFAS is a government support setup for students. Plus there are a number of bursary and scholarship options available (contact an institutions financial aid office for full details). South Africa also has a strong history of student financing through the banking sector. It is however the managing of these student loans which proves to being a challenge. 2
Study options for foreign students: Yes. 2
Financial Aid for foreign students: Foreign Students would best look for funding from their own country or various external scholarship/funding setups.
Cost of living and accommodation:
Most institutions do offer on campus accommodation which comes at a cost and at times can be limited in terms of places available. Cost of living in South Africa is manageable depending on the needs of individual students. Further the country has an appeal to foreign students with a stronger base currency from their respective countries.
Points: 6 out of 8
Rating out of ten: 7.5
Conclusion: In 2015 the country was rocked by student protests aimed at the cost of student fees under the banner #FeesMustFall. In addition South Africa has a stronger higher education system than its grass-roots or basic education platform. This needs to be raised to an equal position to encourage a stronger all round level of education. It still leads the way as an African benchmark and it's foreign interest is helping it become a popular destination for international study!
OriginalSteps.com country education ranking criteria:
2 points for yes
0 points for no
Max points 8
1. Does the country offer free education? Yes or No
2. Student financial aid is offered by?
Government: 1 point
Private institutions: 1 Point
Both: 2 points
Does not exist: 0 points
3. Clarity and depth of online information:
Is there a clear outline of the countries education system? 1 point
Does it include a list or breakdown of accredited education institutions in the country? 1 point
Both: 2 points
4. Study options for foreign students? Yes or No
