Study abroad
Study in Tunisia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Tunisia
Thinking about studying in Tunisia? The country is in North Africa, on the Mediterranean coast, with higher education centred on cities such as Tunis, Sfax and Sousse. 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 infrastructure, healthcare and digital technology 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 Tunisia?
What makes Tunisia worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in North Africa, on the Mediterranean coast, 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 Engineering, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Computing & Information Technology, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Infrastructure, healthcare and digital technology matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Tunis, Sfax and Sousse each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Tunisia means everyday contact with Arabic 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 Tunisia
Students heading to Tunisia often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Engineering
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Computing & Information Technology
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Business & Management
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Because infrastructure, healthcare and digital technology matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Tunisia 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 Tunisia
- University of Tunis El ManarRommana, Tunisia
- THE 2026 801–1000
- University of JendoubaJendouba, Tunisia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
- University of ManoubaManouba, Tunisia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
Scholarships to Study in Tunisia
Paying for study in Tunisia 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 Tunisia
- 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 Tunisia
Many programmes in Tunisia start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
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 Tunisia
There is no single price for studying in Tunisia. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
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 Tunisia
Rules on studying in Tunisia 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 Tunisia 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 Tunisia
Living costs in Tunisia depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Tunis can differ noticeably from those in Sfax or Sousse 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
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Tunisia
What are the advantages of studying in Tunisia?
It depends on your goals. Tunisia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in North Africa, on the Mediterranean coast and study in Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in infrastructure, healthcare and digital technology may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Tunisia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Computing & Information Technology and Hospitality, Tourism & Events. The subjects page for Tunisia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Tunisia?
Many programmes start around September. 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 Tunisia?
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 Tunisia?
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 Tunisia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Tunisia?
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 Tunisia?
Tunis, Sfax and Sousse 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 Tunisia?
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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