Study abroad
Study in Mauritania
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Mauritania
Thinking about studying in Mauritania? The country is in North-West Africa, on the Atlantic coast, with higher education centred on cities such as Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and Kiffa. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in mining, maritime trade and energy may find the local context especially relevant. Many courses are taught in Arabic, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. French is also widely used. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Mauritania?
There is no single reason to study in Mauritania. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in North-West Africa, on the Atlantic coast, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Maritime & Shipping and Energy, Oil & Gas, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Mining, maritime trade and energy matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and Kiffa each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Mauritania means everyday contact with Arabic 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 Mauritania
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For Mauritania, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as mining, maritime trade and energy, not a league table.
- Engineering
- Maritime & Shipping
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Business & Management
Links to mining, maritime trade and energy mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Mauritania 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 Mauritania
Higher education in Mauritania is provided by a small number of institutions, so it is worth checking which programmes and qualifications each one offers. Institutions include:
- University of Nouakchott
This is not a ranking or a complete list. Use official university websites to compare course structure, admission criteria, fees and student support, and confirm that the institution and qualification are properly recognised.
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 Mauritania
Paying for study in Mauritania can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Mauritania
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. 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 Mauritania
Academic calendars in Mauritania 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 Mauritania
Fees for international students in Mauritania 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 Mauritania
Studying in Mauritania usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other.
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 Mauritania 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 Mauritania
Your everyday budget in Mauritania will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Nouakchott can differ noticeably from those in Nouadhibou or Kiffa 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 Mauritania
Is Mauritania a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Mauritania offers programmes across many subjects, a location in North-West Africa, on the Atlantic coast and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in mining, maritime trade and energy may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Mauritania?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Maritime & Shipping, Energy, Oil & Gas and Education, PGCE & Teaching. The subjects page for Mauritania lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Mauritania?
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 Mauritania?
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 Mauritania?
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 Mauritania.
Are scholarships available for international students in Mauritania?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Mauritania?
Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and Kiffa 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 Mauritania?
Many courses are taught in Arabic. 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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