Traveling abroad has many benefits like gaining a better education, broadening the thought process, newer challenges to face, and cultivating a dynamic perspective. Moreover, for teenagers and young students traveling abroad can be a stepping stone in their personal and professional lives.
That is why, over a while, African students have chosen to go to countries that provide them with better chances for higher education, financial aid, career prospects, and good quality of life. Additionally, they will have superior employment options after graduating because most organizations seek foreign certificates.
Why Should Students Study Abroad?
#1 You may discover many new things while traveling internationally, especially if it is your first time outside your native country. Living abroad allows you to grow bold by taking on new challenges, opportunities, problems, and, most importantly, recognizing new techniques or strategies for dealing with them. It also inculcates independence and self-reliance, improving your overall personal development skills.
#2 You are exposed to more than one option in all aspects: courses, subjects, internships, and even while learning extra skills. In addition, most overseas universities provide specialized courses that are rarely offered in African universities.
#3 Studying abroad provides you with the opportunity to learn differently. It undoubtedly enriches your life in studying and widens your academic horizon.
#4 Africans are usually thought to be closed-minded. You will acquire knowledge and develop a global awareness with international experience. It allows you to support your opinion with more evidence, potentially increasing your credibility.
Destinations To Study Abroad
#1 China
China is considered the most well-known country to study abroad for students of Africa. African student scholars in China’s best colleges attest to this argument. Around 60,000 African students were admitted to Chinese institutions in 2018, twice the global trend from earlier years, making it the second most popular destination for African students.
- The Chinese Government Scholarship-China-Africa Friendship Program is a full grant launched by the Department of Education to assist Chinese universities in attracting excellent overseas students from African countries to study in China for graduate degrees.
- Once you’ve received your acceptance letter, you are required to file for a student visa, with two options available: F-Visa, which is for six months only, while the X-Visa is for those who plan to stay for more than six months for study.
- International students are legally allowed to work part-time or undertake paid positions on campus during their studies if they have obtained approval from their college and the Chinese immigration authorities. Alternatively, they can take up English tutoring jobs, as English tutoring is well-paid. In addition, the English language is highly in demand in China.
#2 Australia
Australia is identified as a global leader in terms of a study abroad destination, owing plethora of courses offered by its best universities. The institutions provide approximately 22,000 courses, allowing students to pick any course they desire.
- The Australian government allows many African students to study at Australian institutions and some selected African colleges on fully financed scholarships each year. In addition, there are about 10,000 slots available for African students for short courses and masters’ degree courses.
- All visa applications for studies in Australia from Sub-Saharan Africa must be tendered online. The first step in that direction is to create an Immiaccount with the Dept. of Immigration and Border Protection. It will enable the student to apply for a visa and help the students track the status of their applications.
- When the school is scheduled based on session, international students can generally work for at least 20-21 hours per week with their valid student visa. When it comes to the holidays of authorized schools, there is no limit for international students to work. They can work full-time if they want to work.
#3 France
France is considered an ideal place to welcome international students for higher education. It offers low tuition, academic brilliance, and rich culture. Ranked well worldwide, France has several renowned universities that attract potential overseas students.
- The scholarship program in France by French universities or higher education institutions offers a course to study for a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. for South African students in all fields.
- If a person is not a citizen of a European Economic Area country (European Union country plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland, but he wants to study, wants to start an internship, or wants to conduct research. Then, a great opportunity is provided to that person. He is freely allowed to apply for a student long-stay visa.
#4 Norway
Norway has tuition-free state-run colleges, and they help ease one’s financial stress. In addition, the assortment of degrees available at Norwegian universities and the high quality of education make the nation an alluring and interesting study abroad destination for African students.
- The Norwegian government offers college scholarships to students from developing countries through an allotment scheme. The program’s objective is to motivate higher education and earn a global reputation. Currently, the program offers full scholarships to 800 students from underdeveloped nations.
- After receiving the letter of acceptance, the student should contact the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in their area for information on the study permit application process in person and then apply.
- When you get the Norwegian student residence permit, you can work part-time for around 20-21 hours a week while studying. However, when there are college holidays, you can work full-time. Most importantly, you should renew it at least 2-3 months earlier before your visa expiry date.
#5 Netherlands
The Netherlands is a popular study abroad destination due to its high academic standards, distinct ethnic heritage, low cost of living, and pleasant social climate. Many factors make education and study quite appealing in the Netherlands. African Students who want to go to major European countries such as Germany, France, or the United Kingdom will benefit by studying in the Netherlands.
- There are over 288 Netherlands Scholarships for South African students. The cost of studying in a Dutch university depends on the student’s nationality, although the governments pay for most. In addition, some obligatory dues are to be borne by the student. For NON-EU students, the fee is fixed by the university they’ve applied to, the program, and the scholarship they are granted.
- For the duration of their course, international students accepted into higher education programs in the Netherlands are qualified for Dutch residency. They can also apply for an additional one-year residence permit to prepare for their degree and stay another year after graduation to hunt for work.
- Suppose you have already concluded your studies in the Netherlands and are planning on staying in the country to look for work. In that case, the first and most important step to take is to complete some preliminary research on the visa and permit options available to you. Naturally, this depends on some basic requirements like the length of time, your country of origin, and what you plan to do after you finish your studies in the country.
Conclusion
As you begin your study abroad adventure, know that you should meet all of the requirements to be eligible for admission as an international student. Be brilliant academically, meet your application timeline, pass the requisite international language tests & exams, and most importantly, be confident!.
