Study abroad
Study in Sudan
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Sudan
Sudan is in North-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 infrastructure shaping much of the country’s economy.
Khartoum, Omdurman and Port Sudan are among the places students often consider. Teaching takes place in Arabic 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.
Travel and safety conditions may change at short notice; official travel advice from your own government is the place to start.
Why study in Sudan?
What makes Sudan worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in North-East Africa, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Engineering, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Khartoum, Omdurman and Port Sudan each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Sudan means everyday contact with Arabic 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 Sudan
Students heading to Sudan 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
- Engineering
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
Links to agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Sudan 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.
Scholarships to Study in Sudan
Scholarships for studying in Sudan 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 Sudan
- 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 Sudan
Start dates in Sudan are set by each institution, and they can change from year to year.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
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 Sudan
Before you commit to a course in Sudan, 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 Sudan
Rules on studying in Sudan 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 Sudan 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 Sudan
Day-to-day costs in Sudan are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Khartoum can differ noticeably from those in Omdurman or Port Sudan 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 Sudan
Why should I study in Sudan?
It depends on your goals. Sudan offers programmes across many subjects, a location in North-East Africa and study in Arabic and English (with some English-taught options). Students interested in agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Sudan?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Engineering and Energy, Oil & Gas. The subjects page for Sudan lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Sudan?
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 Sudan?
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 Sudan?
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 Sudan.
Are scholarships available for international students in Sudan?
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 Sudan?
Khartoum, Omdurman and Port Sudan 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 Sudan?
Many courses are taught in Arabic 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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