“Beyond the pursuit of knowledge, we have to acknowledge that in Africa, the academic calendar varies significantly from one country to another,” says Fooba. “In Chad, for example, completing a three-year degree can take up to five years. These kinds of delays push young people to look for faster ways to complete their higher education so they can return home and start working.” He also highlights the motivation some students have to explore new environments and experiences.
Political stability, relatively low tuition fees, and the strong reputation of certain universities all contribute to Benin’s appeal as a destination for international students. According to figures from Benin’s Ministry of Higher Education, more than 12,000 foreign students were enrolled in 2024; over 80% of them are from neighbouring countries. The most popular fields of study include Medicine, Law, Computer Science, Management and Civil Engineering. These students are primarily concentrated in the cities of Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, and Parakou. Despite these advantages, challenges remain. Students often face complex administrative procedures, limited and sometimes precarious housing options and a lack of dedicated scholarships for non-nationals.