Africa: Sub-Saharan students increasingly attracted to American universities

Growing Interest in Higher Education in the United States

For the 2023/2024 academic year, 56,780 students from sub-Saharan Africa are enrolled in higher education institutions in the United States, marking an increase of 13.1% compared to the previous year. This figure, revealed by the Open Doors report published by the Institute for International Education (IIE) and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, confirms a dynamic of rapid growth.

Leading countries and associated expenditures

• Nigeria : With 20,029 students sent, an increase of 13.5%, Nigeria remains the largest African contributor and ranks 7th globally among the countries of origin of international students. These students spent a total of USD 790 million on their studies in the United States.
• Ghana : Ghana saw the highest increase with a spectacular 45.2% increase from 6,468 to 9,394 students.
• Other countries on the rise :
  • South Africa: 2,814 students
  • Kenya: 4,507 students
  • Uganda: 1,303 students
  • Zimbabwe: 1,907 students
  • Democratic Republic of Congo: 1,738 students
  • Ivory Coast: 1,138 students
• Cameroon : The only exception was Cameroon, which recorded a 9% drop, with 981 students enrolled compared to 1,086 the previous year.

Popular courses and levels of study

Students in sub-Saharan Africa are primarily opting for science , engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) majors .

• 2nd cycle course (Master) : 25,820 registered
• First cycle course (Bachelor) : 21,083 registered
• Professional and certified training : welcomes the rest of the students.

Sub-Saharan Africa: a region in strong growth

With an increase of 18.1% in 2023 followed by 13.1% this year, sub-Saharan Africa is positioned as the fastest growing region of origin of international students in the United States. This dynamic is favored by:

• Intensifying communication around study opportunities .
• The increase in educational exchange programs in Africa.

Comparison with other regions of the world

Although sub-Saharan Africa is showing remarkable growth, it remains far from the figures recorded by other regions:

• Asia : First region with 805,238 students, driven by India (331,602 students).
• Europe : 90,600 students, dominated by the United Kingdom (10,659 students).
• Latin America and the Caribbean : 85,891 students.
• Middle East and North Africa : Stable at 52,292 students, with a strong contribution from Saudi Arabia.
• Oceania : The smallest contribution, with only 6,879 students.

The United States: The World’s Top Destination for International Students

By welcoming 1,126,680 international students this year, the United States is breaking a historic record. The country confirms its position as the world’s leading destination for international student mobility , thanks to the quality of its universities and the diversity of its educational offerings.

Conclusion

The rise in the number of sub-Saharan African students enrolled in American universities illustrates the growing attractiveness of the United States as an educational destination. This dynamism reflects not only the improvement in opportunities for African students, but also the global recognition of the role of the United States in higher education. For African countries, this mobility represents an opportunity for skills development that could ultimately contribute to the socio-economic development of the continent.