Study abroad
Study in Burkina Faso
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Burkina Faso
Higher education in Burkina Faso, in West Africa, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in agriculture, healthcare and education, which is reflected in many study options. Many courses are taught in French, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Travel and safety conditions may change at short notice; official travel advice from your own government is the place to start.
Why study in Burkina Faso?
There is no single reason to study in Burkina Faso. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in West Africa, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Industry context: Agriculture, healthcare and education matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Education, PGCE & Teaching, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Burkina Faso means everyday contact with French and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Burkina Faso
If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Burkina Faso’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Engineering
- Public Policy, Government & International Studies
- Business & Management
Because agriculture, healthcare and education matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Burkina Faso on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Burkina Faso
Higher education in Burkina Faso is provided by a small number of institutions, so it is worth checking which programmes and qualifications each one offers. Institutions include:
- Joseph Ki-Zerbo University
This is not a ranking or a complete list. A strong fit usually comes down to the programme rather than the name: check modules, teaching methods, accreditation, student services and graduate outcomes published by the institution.
Some institutions offer preparatory or foundation courses, placements or joint programmes with partners abroad; these can change the length and cost of your studies.
Scholarships to Study in Burkina Faso
Some international students in Burkina Faso receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Burkina Faso
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Burkina Faso
Academic calendars in Burkina Faso differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Burkina Faso
Before you commit to a course in Burkina Faso, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Burkina Faso
Most international students need permission to study in Burkina Faso, such as a student visa or residence permit, before their course begins.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Burkina Faso
Day-to-day costs in Burkina Faso are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Ouagadougou can differ noticeably from those in Bobo-Dioulasso or Koudougou and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Burkina Faso
Is Burkina Faso a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Burkina Faso offers programmes across many subjects, a location in West Africa and study in French (with some English-taught options). Students interested in agriculture, healthcare and education may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Burkina Faso?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Education, PGCE & Teaching and Engineering. The subjects page for Burkina Faso lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Burkina Faso?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Burkina Faso?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Burkina Faso?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Burkina Faso.
Are scholarships available for international students in Burkina Faso?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Burkina Faso?
Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Burkina Faso?
Many courses are taught in French. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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