Study abroad
Study in Haiti
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Haiti
Haiti is in the Caribbean, on the island of Hispaniola, 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.
Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes are among the places students often consider. The main languages are Haitian Creole and French; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Security conditions can change quickly, so check your own government's official travel advice and each institution's guidance before making plans.
Why study in Haiti?
There is no single reason to study in Haiti. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in the Caribbean, on the island of Hispaniola, 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: Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Haiti means everyday contact with Haitian Creole and French and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Haiti
Students heading to Haiti 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
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Public Policy, Government & International Studies
- Business & Management
Links to agriculture, healthcare and education mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Haiti on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Scholarships to Study in Haiti
Finding funding for Haiti takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Haiti
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. 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 Haiti
There is no national intake date for Haiti: each university or college sets its own calendar.
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 Haiti
Fees for international students in Haiti are set by each institution and can differ considerably between programmes.
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
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
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 Haiti
Rules on studying in Haiti as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
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 Haiti 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 Haiti
Planning your living budget for Haiti early helps you avoid surprises during your first months. Costs in Port-au-Prince can differ noticeably from those in Cap-Haïtien or Les Cayes 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
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. 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 Haiti
What are the advantages of studying in Haiti?
It depends on your goals. Haiti offers programmes across many subjects, a location in the Caribbean, on the island of Hispaniola and study in Haitian Creole and 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 Haiti?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Education, PGCE & Teaching and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The subjects page for Haiti lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Haiti?
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 Haiti?
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 Haiti?
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 Haiti.
Are scholarships available for international students in Haiti?
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 Haiti?
Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes 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 Haiti?
Many courses are taught in Haitian Creole and 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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