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Study in Sao Tome and Principe
Portuguese-taught degrees at universities such as University of São Tomé and Príncipe and Lusíada University of São Tomé and Príncipe – with guidance on applications, student visas, costs and student life in Sao Tome and Principe.
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- Region
- Africa
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Currency
- STN
- Language
- Portuguese
Why Study in Sao Tome and Principe?
Planning to study in Sao Tome and Principe?
Explore universities, courses and scholarships, then start your journey with Application Abroad.
Start My Journey →Reasons international students consider Sao Tome and Principe:
- Study in Portuguese – Part of the Portuguese-speaking world.
- Island biodiversity – Rainforests and many species found nowhere else.
- Small and peaceful – A calm island setting with a small academic community.
- Cocoa and Creole culture – Historic cocoa plantations and Creole traditions.
Sao Tome and Principe is a small Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, one of Africa’s smallest countries. The public University of São Tomé and Príncipe is the country’s main higher education institution.
This guide covers the education system, how to apply, student visas, the costs to plan for and student life in Sao Tome and Principe. Fees, visa rules and entry requirements change, so always confirm the latest details with the university and official government sources.
Reasons to Study in Sao Tome and Principe
- 01
Study in Portuguese
Part of the Portuguese-speaking world.
- 02
Island biodiversity
Rainforests and many species found nowhere else.
- 03
Small and peaceful
A calm island setting with a small academic community.
- 04
Cocoa and Creole culture
Historic cocoa plantations and Creole traditions.
Process to Study in Sao Tome and Principe
From counselling to your first day at university
International students usually apply directly to the university through its admissions office or online portal. You will normally need your previous certificates and transcripts (with certified translations into Portuguese if issued in another language), a copy of your passport and, for some programmes, an entrance exam, interview or portfolio. Foreign qualifications may need to be recognised as equivalent before or after admission.
Choose a programme and university
Compare programmes at universities in Sao Tome and Principe such as University of São Tomé and Príncipe and Lusíada University of São Tomé and Príncipe. Check the teaching language and that the institution is recognised.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the academic and language requirements, any entrance exams, and whether your qualifications need to be recognised.
Prepare your documents
Gather certificates, transcripts and your passport, with certified translations into Portuguese where required.
Apply to the university
Apply through the university’s admissions office or online portal before its deadline.
Receive your admission letter
Keep your official admission letter – you will need it for your visa or study permit.
Apply for your visa or study permit
Apply at the embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe responsible for you, or through the official immigration authority.
Plan funds and accommodation
Arrange your finances, health insurance and accommodation, and check vaccination requirements.
Travel and register
Travel to Sao Tome and Principe, complete university registration and any residence formalities after arrival.
Required Documents to Study in Sao Tome and Principe
Documents can vary by university, course and application route. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant institution.
Academic certificates and transcriptsUsually required
School-leaving certificate and, for postgraduate study, your degree certificate and transcripts.
Certified copies and translations into Portuguese may be required.
Valid passportUsually required
Needed for your application, visa and registration.
Ideally valid for your whole stay.
Admission letterUsually required
The official offer or admission letter from your university.
Needed for the visa or study permit.
Proof of financial meansCommonly requested
Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or a scholarship award letter.
The authorities decide what is accepted.
Language certificateDepends on your situation
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Depends on the programme and your previous education.
Medical certificate and vaccination recordDepends on your situation
A health certificate and vaccination records, such as yellow fever where required.
Check the embassy’s current requirements.
Recognition of qualificationsDepends on your situation
Confirmation that your foreign qualifications are equivalent to local ones.
Your university will tell you if this is needed.
Passport photosCommonly requested
Recent photos in the required format.
Popular Cities in Sao Tome and Principe
Explore cities with universities in Sao Tome and Principe.
São Tomé
The capital and home to the university.
Santo António
The main town on Príncipe island.
Trindade
A town in the interior of São Tomé island.
End-to-End Admissions Guidance
Application Abroad helps you plan every step of studying in Sao Tome and Principe:
Admission and visa decisions are made by universities and the authorities – we never guarantee an outcome.
- Shortlisting universities and programmes, including University of São Tomé and Príncipe and Lusíada University of São Tomé and Príncipe
- Checking entry, language and qualification-recognition requirements
- Preparing certificates, translations and application documents
- Submitting applications and following up with admissions offices
- Preparing your student visa or study permit documents
- Pre-departure planning: accommodation, health insurance and travel
Free Counselling
In person or online, to understand your goals, budget and options.
Country, University & Course Selection
Shortlist universities and courses in Sao Tome and Principe that fit your profile.
Standardized Test Preparation
Guidance on the English and admissions tests your courses ask for.
Application & Admission Assistance
Help preparing, submitting and tracking your applications.
SOP, LOR & Documentation
Support with statements of purpose, recommendation letters and documents.
Scholarship & Internship Assistance
Help exploring scholarships, funding and internship options.
Overseas Education Loan Assistance
Guidance on education loan options and paperwork.
Visa Processing
Help preparing your student visa application and documents.
Remittance, Forex & Accommodation
Support with money transfers, currency exchange and finding a place to live.
Pre-departure Guidance
Briefings on travel, arrival and settling in Sao Tome and Principe.
Language and Exams for Sao Tome and Principe
Language tests and admissions exams that may be relevant for Sao Tome and Principe.
Programmes are taught in Portuguese, so applicants who do not speak it may need to show proficiency – for example with a CAPLE certificate – or complete a Portuguese language course first. Some programmes also have their own entrance exams or aptitude tests.
Exam preparation
Coaching institutes can help you prepare for the language tests and entrance exams that universities in Sao Tome and Principe may ask for.
Why Choose Sao Tome and Principe as an International Student?
Sao Tome and Principe suits international students looking for study in Portuguese, island biodiversity and small and peaceful. The public University of São Tomé and Príncipe is the country’s main higher education institution.
Student life
Student life centres on campus clubs, sports teams, cultural and faith associations and student unions. Popular student cities include São Tomé, Santo António and Trindade. Historic cocoa plantations and Creole traditions.
Support for international students
Contact the university’s international or admissions office for help with admission letters, visa documents, registration and accommodation. Many universities have international student associations, and your country’s embassy can also help.
Before travelling, arrange health insurance, check vaccination requirements and read your government’s travel advice for Sao Tome and Principe.
Working while studying
Whether you can work while studying depends on the conditions of your student visa or permit – in many cases a separate work permit is needed. Check what your permit allows with the immigration authority before taking any job. On-campus roles, research assistance and internships linked to your programme are common ways to gain experience.
After graduation
Staying in Sao Tome and Principe after graduation usually requires changing to a work permit or another residence permit, normally with a job offer from an employer. Check the current options with the immigration authority. A degree from Sao Tome and Principe can also lead to further study or careers across Africa and internationally.
Costs of Studying and Living in Sao Tome and Principe
Tuition fees
Set by each university per year
Often differ for national, regional and international students.
Application and registration fees
Set by each university one-time
Check the university’s admissions page.
Student visa or study permit
Set by the government per application
Confirm with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Varies by city and housing type per month
On-campus places are limited.
Living costs
Varies by city and lifestyle per month
São Tomé is usually the most expensive city.
Health insurance
Varies by provider per year
Some universities or permits require it.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students. Students from member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) may be offered different fees or admission arrangements. Private universities set their own fees, which are usually higher than at public universities.
Always check current fees on the university’s official website or with its admissions office before applying, and ask what is included (registration, examinations, materials).
Living costs
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle; São Tomé is usually the most expensive place to live in Sao Tome and Principe. Budget for accommodation, food, local transport, health insurance, study materials and visa or residence permit fees.
If your visa or permit application requires proof of funds, the amount is set by the authorities – confirm the current requirement with the embassy or immigration authority.
Accommodation
Some universities offer on-campus halls of residence, but places are often limited, so ask the international or admissions office about housing as soon as you are admitted. Many students rent shared flats or rooms privately near campus.
Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks, view private housing before paying a deposit, and ask for a written rental agreement.
Visa to Study in Sao Tome and Principe
Most international students need a student visa or a study/residence permit to study in Sao Tome and Principe. Apply at the embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe responsible for your country of residence, or through the official immigration authority, using the admission letter from your university. Citizens of member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) may benefit from simplified entry rules – check what applies to your nationality.
Typical requirements include a valid passport, the admission letter, proof of funds, a medical certificate or vaccination record (for example a yellow fever certificate where required) and passport photos. Requirements, fees and processing times vary by nationality, so always confirm them with the official authority.
Always confirm current visa requirements with the official government or immigration source.
Language Requirements to Study in Sao Tome and Principe
Programmes are taught in Portuguese.
Programmes are taught in Portuguese, so applicants who do not speak it may need to show proficiency – for example with a CAPLE certificate – or complete a Portuguese language course first.
Minimum scores and accepted tests are set by each university and programme – check the admission requirements for your course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Ask Application Abroad →
Can international students study in Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes. Universities in Sao Tome and Principe such as University of São Tomé and Príncipe and Lusíada University of São Tomé and Príncipe admit international students. Entry requirements, places and fees vary by university and programme, so check the admission requirements for your course.
What language are university programmes taught in Sao Tome and Principe?
Programmes are taught in Portuguese. Programmes are taught in Portuguese, so applicants who do not speak it may need to show proficiency – for example with a CAPLE certificate – or complete a Portuguese language course first.
Do I need a visa to study in Sao Tome and Principe?
Most international students need a student visa or a study/residence permit. Apply at the embassy or consulate of Sao Tome and Principe responsible for you, or through the official immigration authority, with your admission letter. Citizens of member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) may benefit from simplified entry rules – check what applies to your nationality.
How much does it cost to study in Sao Tome and Principe?
Tuition fees are set by each university and often differ for national, regional and international students; living costs depend on the city, with São Tomé usually the most expensive. Check current fees with the university before applying.
Can I work while studying in Sao Tome and Principe?
It depends on the conditions of your student visa or permit – in many cases a separate work permit is needed. Check with the immigration authority before taking any job.
Planning to study in Sao Tome and Principe?
Explore universities, courses, scholarships and other study-abroad options — then take the next step with Application Abroad.
Study in Sao Tome and Principe
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