Study in Chad

Chad is a country located in north-central Africa. Chad is a country of diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious groups but united in purpose.

Chad has more than 120 languages and dialects. It is a place of absolute beauty endowed with a diversity of flora and fauna, the famous Lake Chad, and the amazing Ouniaga Lakes. Studying in Chad allows students to witness the diversity of the country in every aspect.

Adventure and language enthusiasts will find this a haven as there is a lot to witness and learn in Chad. The locals are warm and friendly people, always easy to provide help to tourists and international travelers. Chad is ranked 147th in the world education rankings.

Chad's education system offers many programs leading to officially recognized degrees. Some of the Programs include economics, health sciences, human sciences, management, agriculture, engineering, medicine and pharmacy, arts, management and social science, science and technology, education, applied sciences and professions, arts, communication, humanities, law, and jurisprudence, management, political science, sociology and law, to mention but a few.

The adult literacy rate in Chad is estimated at 22.31, with male literacy rate at 31.3%, and female literacy rates at 14% according to UNESCO.

Important things to note

It is important to take note of a few things before you go out and about in Chad:

Money- the official currency of chad is the Central African Franc (XAF). For convenience, it is better to change one's money into the local currency on arrival. Diners Club, MasterCard, and visa can be accepted at some hotels in chad.

It is difficult if not impossible to obtain a cash advance at banks on credit cards. Travelers' cheques are also accepted in a few banks in chad and travelers are advised to take their traveler's cheques in euros.

Communication- it is advisable to get a local sim card for calling when you get to Chad. Several installations also offer free internet, and some Hotels have Wi-Fi access and you can use it for research, emailing video calling, and Skype.

Medical Requirements- all travelers to Chad need to have mandatory vaccinations against yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A & B, and Rabies.

About Chad

Chad is a landlocked country located in north-central Africa covering an area of approximately 1 284 000 kilometers. It is bordered by Libya in the north, Sudan in the east, Niger in the west, the Central African Republic in the south, and Nigeria in the southwest, and Cameroon in the south-west as well.

It's the capital city which is the largest city is N'djamena. The country has a tropical climate in the southernmost parts and desert in the north. The country has an estimated population of 16.43 million as of 2020, with a population density of 12.6 people per square metre.

The population growth rate is estimated at 3.18%. It has a larger rural population, with 76. %of the population living in rural areas and 23.1% living in urban areas. The country gained independence from the French on the 11th of August 1960.

The country is divided into 23 main administrative regions namely, Barh-El-Gazel, Batha, Borkou, Chari-Barguimi, Ennedi-Est, Ennedi-Ouest, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebi-Est, Mayo-Kebi-Ouest, Moyen-Chari, M'Djamena, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile, Tibesti, Wadi-Fira.

Ethnic groups

Chad is a uniquely diverse country with more than 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups, classified under the following: Sara, Arabs, Kanembu, Masalit, Toubou, Masa, Bidio, Boulala, Marba, Dadjo, Moundag, Gabri, Zaghawa, Fula, Tupuri, Tama, Karo, Banguirmi, Mesmedje, and a few Europeans.

Languages

The official languages of Chad are Arabic and French. Chadian Arabic is the Lingua Franca and language of commerce and is spoken by about 40-60% of the population.

Chad has over 120 indigenous languages including Bidiyo, Buduma, Dangaleat, Gabri, Herde, Kabalai, Kera, Kimre, Kwang, Lele, Marba, Masana, Masmaje, Mesme, Migaama, Mubi, Musey, Musgu, Nancere, Peve, Sokoro, Tobanga, Tumak, Sango, Laal, Tama, Sungor, Mararit, Daju, Goundo, Toupouri, Moundang, Bua, Niellim, Gula, Maba, Kendeje, Karanga, Kendeje, Amdang, Zaghawa, Besme, Bargimi, Bongo, Fania, Horo, Tedaga, Dazaga, and Kanembu to mention but a few.

Did you know? Facts about CHAD.

• Chad is the largest of 16 landlocked countries in Africa.

• It was named after Lake Chad

• It is nicknamed the world's "Tower of Babel" because of its cultural and linguistic diversity with over 200 ethnic groups, and over 120 languages.

• Lake Chad is the 17th largest lake in the world.

• It is the world's 21st largest country in terms of area.

• The Sahara desert covers a 3rd of the country in the North.

• It is a country endowed with mineral reserves and oil.

Must see places in CHAD

Zakouma National Park- is a park located in the southern part of chad in the Salamat Region. It is about 3000km2 in area, a haven for central, and West African wildlife.

Its elephant population declined over the years due to poaching but the government and African Parks signed an agreement to restore, and manage the park. The park has seen an increase in the number of local and international tourists over the years.

There are several animal species are the park including giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and other species. The three camps within the park have seen an influx of tourists, these are Camp Nomade, Tinga Camp, and Camp Salamat.

Lake Chad

is a freshwater lake located in northern Chad. It covers an area of 1540 square kilometers. Its basins cover 4 countries namely Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. It is one of the largest lakes in the world with a great deal of biodiversity.

It is home to more than 44 species of algae, and its floodplains are covered with wetland grasses such as Echinochloa pyramidais, Vetiveria nigritana, Oryza longistaminata, and Hyparrhenia rufa. Its basin holds more than 179 fish species.

N'djamena national museum

This is a national museum located in the capital city N'Djamena. It was established in 1962. There are 4 main exhibition rooms including the rooms for pre-history, archives, arts, craft and traditions, and the protohistory rooms.

Tibetsi Mountains

This is a mountain range located north of Chad. These include the Emi Koussi standing at 3445m, Tousside at 3315m, Tarso Voon at 3100m, and the Bikku Biti at 2266m. Tibetsi means the place where mountain people live. The mountain range is home to a variety of fauna including Rhim gazelle and Barbary sheep.

Ouniaga Lakes

These are located in Northern Chad and comprise 18 interconnected lakes which are divided into 2 groups Ouniaga Kebir and Ouniaga Serir lakes. Ouniaga Kebir comprises 4 lakes, the largest being Lake Yoan which is highly saline and only supports algae and some microorganisms.

It is about 27metres deep. The second group of lakes is the Ouniaga Serir which comprises 14 lakes separated by dunes. The largest of this group is Lake Teli which is a freshwater lake of about 10 meters in depth. It is home to a variety of fish and water plants.

About Chad's Economy

Chad has a mixed economic system, with a degree of freedom but regulated by the government. Chad's currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF). About 85 % of the population of chad depends on agriculture and livestock rearing.

Its nominal GDP as of 2018 was estimated at $11.051 billion with a GDP Per capita of $885. Its GDP on PPP was estimated at $30.507 with a per capita of $2442 as of 2018.

Inflation in 2018 was estimated at 4.037% and GDP growth rose from 3% in 2019 to 5.5% in 2020. Agriculture employs a large part of the population, with about 80% and services take up 20%.

GDP contribution by sector was estimated as follows:

• Agriculture 52.7%

• Industry 6.7%

• Services 40.6%

Agriculture

Agriculture and animal husbandry employs about 85% of the population and contributes about 44% to the GDP. Cotton, cattle, and gum Arabic contribute immensely to the country's exports.

Cotton alone employs close to 2.5 million people and production over the past years has been estimated at between 94 000 to 260 000 tons. Cattle are also one of the country's agricultural exports.

Goats and sheep are also kept, usually for domestic consumption. Other farmed crops include groundnuts, sesame seeds, manioc, sweet potatoes, millet, and sorghum are also largely farmed for domestic sale or consumption.

Industry

Main industries in Chad include the oil industry, cotton textiles, meat processing, brewing, natron, soap, cigarettes, and construction materials.

Mining.

Extraction of crude oil is one of the leading industries in chad. Chad is the leading producer of crude oil in central Africa. The major and possibly only mineral export in chad is Sodium Carbonate or Natron.

However, according to a geological survey by the government of Chad, there are deposits of gold, silver, diamonds, bauxite, quartz, tin, granite, tungsten, uranium, limestone, sand, gravel, kaolin, and salt.

Trade

Exports in Chad include exports of oil, cattle, cotton, Arabic, and gum. Exports as of 2018 were valued at $1.53 billion. The main export partners include the United States of America contributing to exports, India japan Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and china.

Its imports were valued at $737 million as of 2018. Main import products include machinery, transportation equipment, industrial goods, foodstuff, and textiles. Import partners include France, China, Cameroon, Belgium, Italy, the United States of America, and India.

Why Study in Chad

Internationally recognized degrees

Chad universities offer some programs leading to internationally recognized degrees that allow graduates to be employed anywhere in the world.

Scholarship opportunities

Students who choose to study in Chad have an opportunity to find local and international scholarships to finance their studies. These can be merit-based, need-based, gender-based, or financial grants for students.

Site Seeing

Chad provides students with several tourist sites and breath-taking scenery where students can visit and enjoy the great outdoors.

Unique Cuisines

studying in Chad allows students to taste new and unique cuisine in chad. They get to experience new recipes that they have never tasted before.

Scholarships in Chad

There are plenty of scholarships are available for students who wish to study in Chad.

Students can apply for any scholarship ranging from Merit-based scholarships, Need-based scholarships, Student specific scholarships, Career-specific scholarships, College-specific scholarships, Athletic Scholarships, Creative contest scholarships, Medical scholarships, Engineering scholarships, and Financial grants, to mention but a few.

Chad Student Visa

Visitors to chad need to obtain a visa from any Chad diplomatic missions.

Citizens from the following countries can visit Chad without requiring a visa for up to 90 days: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, cote d'Ivoire, equatorial guinea, Gabon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and the United Arab emirates.

Transit without a visa is only allowed for travelers continuing their trip within 48 hours without leaving the airport.