Top 10 Countries in Africa with Highest Number of Students Studying Abroad in 2025

In Summary

• Nigeria remains the top African country for students studying abroad, with over 20,000 enrolled in the United States alone during the 2023/2024 academic year.
• Ghana has experienced a significant surge in outbound students, with a 45% increase, totaling 9,394 students in the U.S. in 2024.
• Kenya ranks third among African countries, with 4,507 students pursuing higher education in the United States during the 2023/2024 academic year.

Did you know that Africa’s brightest minds are increasingly taking their talents to global universities, shaping the future of education around the world? In 2025, African countries are sending record numbers of students abroad, proving that the continent is not just rising economically but intellectually as well. This surge in international students is a clear sign of Africa’s growing ambition and global influence.

As African nations continue to strengthen their economies, improve educational systems, and foster a generation of highly skilled professionals, more and more students are heading to top universities in North America, Europe, and beyond. These students are not only gaining valuable qualifications but are also bringing back global insights to drive innovation and development in their home countries. Let’s explore the top 10 African nations leading the way in sending students abroad, and how their rising global presence is helping to shape the future of education.

10. Tanzania

Tanzania's students have increasingly sought education abroad, particularly in regions such as North America and Europe. Despite the improvement in local education systems, a growing middle class and access to global networks have made international study a desirable option. With a focus on specialized fields such as medicine, engineering, and business, Tanzanian students often head to universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, with the overall outbound student number reaching approximately 8,000 by 2025.

9. Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire has become a significant source of students for universities in Europe, particularly in France, due to the historical ties and French language similarities. In 2025, over 16,000 Ivorian students are expected to be studying abroad. Many students are drawn to France for programs in arts, humanities, business, and law. Furthermore, Côte d'Ivoire’s increasing number of private schools and higher education institutions has motivated even more students to explore educational opportunities abroad.

8. Cameroon

Cameroon is a key contributor to African student mobility, with approximately 22,000 students studying abroad by 2025. The historical connection to France remains a dominant factor, but there is also a growing number of students choosing the U.S. and Canada for specialized courses in fields like medicine, engineering, and law. Cameroonian students are also increasingly taking advantage of scholarship programs offered by international governments and institutions, particularly in Europe.

7. Uganda

Uganda is another East African country seeing a rise in students studying abroad. The number of Ugandan students in countries like Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. continues to grow due to the demand for quality higher education and limited opportunities at home. As of 2025, approximately 10,000 Ugandan students are pursuing higher education abroad. The increase can be attributed to government scholarships, partnerships with international institutions, and economic improvements that allow families to invest in education overseas.

6. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s economic challenges have led many students to seek opportunities abroad, particularly in South Africa and other European countries. Zimbabwean students are often motivated by the desire to pursue education in fields like engineering, technology, and medicine, which are not always available or accessible in the country. As of 2025, an estimated 15,000 students are studying abroad, with many choosing institutions in neighboring South Africa or further abroad in the U.K. and Australia.

5. South Africa

Despite South Africa’s established local education system, the desire for specialized qualifications drives students to seek education abroad. In particular, South African students tend to head to Europe and the U.S. for programs in art, design, and law, as well as other niche fields. According to recent data, over 14,000 South African students are studying abroad in 2025. The country’s significant role in Africa’s higher education landscape contributes to this trend of students pursuing further academic and professional opportunities outside the continent.

4. Ethiopia

With an expanding middle class and increasing interest in international education, Ethiopia has seen an uptick in students studying abroad. Ethiopian students are primarily heading to the United States, Canada, and Europe, with a focus on engineering, social sciences, and business. Approximately 13,000 Ethiopian students are now pursuing their studies overseas. Government initiatives, such as scholarships and partnerships with international universities, have played a crucial role in this increase.

3. Kenya

Kenya ranks third among African countries, with approximately 16,000 students pursuing higher education abroad by 2025. The U.S. continues to be the primary destination, followed by Canada and the U.K. Kenyan students are particularly interested in areas like medicine, engineering, and business, seeking top-tier education that offers strong international recognition. This trend reflects the country’s growing emphasis on developing a knowledge-driven economy and fostering global opportunities for its youth.

2. Ghana

Ghana has seen a 45% surge in outbound students in the last decade. By 2025, an estimated 20,000 Ghanaians will be studying abroad, primarily in the United States, the U.K., and Canada. Factors like economic growth, expanding internet access, and government initiatives to promote education have driven this increase. The country’s improved educational standards and rising middle class have made international study more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

1. Nigeria

Nigeria continues to dominate the African continent in sending students abroad. With over 84,000 Nigerians currently studying overseas, primarily in the United States, the U.K., and Canada, the country accounts for the largest share of African students abroad. Nigerian students are known for their pursuit of degrees in medicine, engineering, business, and the sciences, with many looking to secure internationally recognized qualifications that will allow them to contribute to Nigeria's development. The demand for international education is driven by a combination of factors, including a large youth population, a highly competitive local education system, and a strong desire for better career opportunities abroad.