Studying in South Africa, Mauritius, Rwanda or Barbados

Off the beaten track, four destinations deserve the attention of Tunisian students: South Africa, with the highest-ranked universities on the continent; Mauritius, a French- and English-speaking island; Rwanda, a fast-growing country that hosts international campuses; and Barbados, in the Caribbean, known for its medical schools. Here is what you need to know about each one.

South Africa: the best universities in Africa

The universities

• University of Cape Town (UCT);

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits, Johannesburg);

• Stellenbosch University;

• University of Pretoria;

• University of Johannesburg, Rhodes, KwaZulu-Natal…

They regularly rank among the best in Africa, with strengths in engineering, business, sciences, public health and research.

Admission and visa

• Direct application to the universities, with transcripts, an English test and sometimes an evaluation of your diploma by the South African national qualifications body.

• Study visa to be applied for after admission, with proof of funds, local health insurance and medical documents.

Budget

Tuition fees for international students are generally more moderate than in English-speaking Europe, and the cost of living remains affordable. Safety varies greatly depending on the city and neighbourhood: do your research and favour university accommodation.

Mauritius: studying in English or French

The institutions

• University of Mauritius, a public university;

• campuses of foreign universities (notably British ones);

• private schools and institutes in business, IT, hospitality and health.

Mauritius's advantage: a bilingual French-English environment and a safe, pleasant living environment.

Admission and stay

Direct application to the institutions, then a student permit applied for with the Mauritian immigration services, with an admission letter, proof of funds and insurance.

Budget

Fees vary depending on the institution; the cost of living is moderate, but plane tickets are expensive.

Rwanda: international campuses in Kigali

Rwanda is known for its safety, stability and growth. Kigali hosts several international institutions:

• the African campus of a major American university specialising in engineering and information technology (master's programmes);

• the African Leadership University;

• a university dedicated to global health.

Teaching is in English. Admissions are selective, and some institutions offer substantial scholarships. A student permit is applied for with the Rwandan immigration services.

Barbados: the medical schools of the Caribbean

Barbados hosts medical schools that mainly prepare students for exams and practice in North America. The model:

• a basic sciences phase on the island;

• clinical rotations often carried out in the United States or elsewhere;

• teaching in English.

Fees are high, and recognition of the degree depends heavily on the country where you want to practise. This is a project for students who are clearly aiming for a career in North America, after thoroughly checking the school's accreditation.

Summary table

Recognition of degrees

For all these destinations, check the recognition of the degree in the country where you want to work, and in Tunisia for regulated professions. See Equivalence of the Tunisian diploma abroad.

Which destination for which profile?

• South Africa: for a student who wants an internationally recognised research university, in English, with fees lower than in the United Kingdom or the United States, and who is prepared to pay attention to safety issues.

• Mauritius: for a French-speaking student who wants to improve their English in a safe setting, or to take a degree from a foreign university based on the island.

• Rwanda: for a student driven by technology, leadership or public health, attracted by an African environment in full transformation.

• Barbados: for a future doctor who is clearly aiming for a career in North America and has a substantial budget.

Typical timeline

• South Africa: the academic year starts in February. Applications are generally made during the previous year, often before the end of spring or summer for international students.

• Mauritius: main intakes in August-September, sometimes in January depending on the institution.

• Rwanda: timeline varies by international institution, with applications often several months in advance.

• Barbados: several intakes per year at the medical schools (often January, May and September).

South Africa's offset calendar often comes as a surprise: a Tunisian student who passes the bac in June starts the following February, which leaves a few months for an English course or an internship.

Documents to prepare

• transcripts and bac diploma, translated into English and legalised;

• passport valid for the entire stay;

• English certificate (IELTS or TOEFL);

• medical certificate and, depending on the country, a chest X-ray;

• criminal record extract;

• proof of financial resources;

• health insurance required by the country.

Points to check for each institution

1. Accreditation by the country's national authority.

2. International recognition of the degree, especially for medicine.

3. Services for international students: housing, welcome, visa assistance.

4. The total cost of the programme, including plane tickets.

5. Safety of the campus and residential neighbourhoods.

Our support

Worldwide Studies helps you assess whether these destinations suit your project, choose institutions, and prepare your application and visa. For a first overview, read Studying abroad after the Tunisian bac: where to start?.

👉 Talk to an advisor to find out whether one of these destinations suits your project.