Study abroad
Study in Burundi
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Burundi
Burundi is in East Africa, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with agriculture, healthcare and education shaping much of the country’s economy.
Gitega, Bujumbura and Ngozi are among the places students often consider. Teaching takes place in Kirundi, French and English, so check the language of instruction for each course. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Why study in Burundi?
What makes Burundi worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in East Africa, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- 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: Gitega, Bujumbura and Ngozi each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Burundi means everyday contact with Kirundi, French and English and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Burundi
Students heading to Burundi often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
- Public Policy, Government & International Studies
- Computing & Information Technology
Courses connected to agriculture, healthcare and education can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Burundi on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Burundi
Higher education in Burundi is provided by a small number of institutions, so it is worth checking which programmes and qualifications each one offers. Institutions include:
- University of Burundi
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.
Institutions may also differ in the formats they offer, such as full-time or part-time study, foundation or preparatory years, and programmes with placements or research components.
Scholarships to Study in Burundi
Scholarships for studying in Burundi are offered by different kinds of organisations, each with its own rules and deadlines.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Burundi
- 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 Burundi
Academic calendars in Burundi differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
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 Burundi
Budgeting for a degree in Burundi starts with the tuition fee for your specific course, which depends on the institution, subject and level.
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
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
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 Burundi
Whether you need a visa to study in Burundi depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
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 Burundi 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 Burundi
Your everyday budget in Burundi will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Gitega can differ noticeably from those in Bujumbura or Ngozi 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
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Burundi
Why should I study in Burundi?
It depends on your goals. Burundi offers programmes across many subjects, a location in East Africa and study in Kirundi, French and English (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 Burundi?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Education, PGCE & Teaching and Business & Management. The subjects page for Burundi lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Burundi?
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 Burundi?
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 Burundi?
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 Burundi.
Are scholarships available for international students in Burundi?
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 Burundi?
Gitega, Bujumbura and Ngozi 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 Burundi?
Many courses are taught in Kirundi, French and English. 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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