Study in São Tomé and Príncipe

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Sao Tome and Principe is an island country located in the western coast of central Africa in the gulf of guinea. Its official language is Portuguese. Sao Tome is made up of two islands namely Sao Tome and the other, Principe. It is a rich country with rich volcanic soil which is very ideal for sugar and cash crop cultivation. Sao Tome has a rich culture of African and Portuguese influence. The country is nicknamed Africa’s Eden because of its beauty. It is close to the equator and is part of the volcanic chain with rainforests, beaches, unique and mesmerizing rock and coral formations. It is a destination worth visiting.

Education in Sao Tome is compulsory in primary school for four years. The country is investing in the development of its education system and in encouraging more and more students to enroll in the system. Sao Tome’s education system offers long term and short term programs across their higher education institutions. It is an understated but interesting study abroad destination and international students and researchers can apply for bachelor, masters, Ph.D., and any postdoctoral degree programs. Sao Tome is quite an attractive destination worth exploring.

Sao Tome and Principe’s higher education system is made up of 2 main universities. There are a variety of programs offered including sciences, geography, the science of nature, life and environment, human and social sciences and arts, exact sciences and engineering, economic and political sciences and law, biology, physics, agronomy, business administration, public relations and communications, hotel management, computer engineering, systems and information technology, history, management, clinical analysis, nursing, secondary education to mention but a few.

The literacy rate of Sao Tome and Principe was at 92.8% as of 2018 which showed a 2.67% improvement from 2018. Of this percentage, 96.16% is for males and 89.52% for females. This shows the commitment of the government in making sure they improve their education system.

Important things to note

If you are looking to study in Sao Tome and Principe, there are a few things you have to take note of.

Money-Sao tome does not have international ATMs. A few first-class hotels accept credit cards but offer limited cashback. It is best to bring a few dollars with you. Euros are the most common and the US$ is less common. You can bring your forex and exchange it for the local currency to use in Sao Tome and Principe.

Medical Requirements- travelers to Sao Tome are encouraged to be vaccinated for Yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, Malaria, Rabies, and Typhoid.

Health insurance- students and travelers are encouraged to have health insurance and evacuation insurance before traveling to Sao Tome and Principe.

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About São Tomé and Príncipe

Sao Tome and Principe are made up of two archipelagoes in Sao Tome and the other, in Principe. The islands are 140 km apart and about 250 kilometers and 225 kilometers off the coast of Gabon. The capital city of Sao Tome and Principe is Sao Tome.

The official language is Portuguese. The country obtained its independence from the Portuguese on the 12th of July in 1975. As of 2018, the estimated population was 211 028 people with a population density of 199.7 people per square meter. The islands were a commercial trade centre and a center for the slave trade. It is one of Africa’s smallest countries.

Portuguese is the main language but other recognized languages are spoken in Sao tome and Principe including Forro, Angolar, Principense, Lunguie, Carbo Verdean, Creole, French, and English to mention but a few. About 98.4% of the people speak Portuguese, 36.2% speak Forro, a creole language, 8.5% speak Cape Verdean creole, 6.6% speak Angolar, 1% speak Principense, 6.8% speak French, and 4.9% speak English.

French and English are the other foreign languages taught and used in schools. Most people in Sao Tome and Principe are descendants of the different groups from different nations that were brought to the island through the slave trade.

There are several distinct ethnic groups in Sao Tome and Principe, these include Mesticos, Angolares, Forros, Servicais, Tongas, Europeans, and Asians. Mesticos are descendants of Portuguese and Africans, these are of mixed blood.

Angolares are descendants of Angolan slaves, the Forros are descendants of slaves who were freed when the slave trade was abolished, and Servicais were contract laborers from different countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde who live temporarily on the island.

The Tongas are children of the Servicais who were born in Sao Tome and Principe. Other ethnic groups are the Europeans, predominantly the Portuguese and lastly, there are Asians, which comprise of the Chinese and some from Macau.

About São Tomé and Príncipe's Economy

We know how students get concerned about the quality of life in a foreign country! No one would just travel with an appreciation of the economy of the country of destination which is why we have dedicated this section to inform you about the economy of Sao Tome and Principe. The information here will but only enhance your decision-making process for studying abroad here. We hope after you are done reading through you will save time to apply with RocApply to the university of your choice!

Sao Tome and Principe is a mixed economy with a degree of freedom but also regulation by the government and centralized economic planning. It was ranked 162nd on the ease of doing business as of 2017. The country’s currency is known as the Sao Tome and Principe Dobra (STN). The economy is mainly dependent on agriculture, with cocoa as the main export commodity and one of the foreign currency earners, contributing to about 66.6% of exports.

There is also a huge investment in oil, as one of the oil producing countries. Its GDP was estimated at $351.1 million as of 2016, with a GDP Per Capita of $3024 as of 2018. Inflation was estimated at 5.8% as of 2017. The largest employer is agriculture, with most people engaged in subsistence agriculture. The main industries in Sao Tome and Principe include light construction, soap, textiles, beer brewing, fish processing, and timber. As of 2012, exports were estimated at $11.7 million.

The main export goods were cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and copra. Its main export partners as of 2012 by the percentage of exports included Belgium 21.4%, Netherlands 32.7%, Spain 10.8%, Nigeria 5.7%, and the United States of America 5.0%.Imports were estimated at $121.6 million as of 2012. Its main import goods were machinery, electrical equipment, petroleum products, and food. Main import partners included Gabon with 63% of imports and Gabon with 6% of exports.

According to the African Development Bank reports of 2019, the real GDP of Sao Tome and Principe grew by an estimated 4% due to improvements in the agricultural sectors, construction, and services. The services sector contributed about 70% of growth. Real GDP is expected to rise to 4.5% in 2020 and 5.1% in 2021. Tourism is another contributor to GDP in Sao Tome and Principe, contributing about 32.9%.

Why Study in São Tomé and Príncipe

Affordable Tuition Fees in São Tomé and Príncipe
Networking
If you are looking for universities in Sao Tome and Principe, then be sure to join the community of students from over seventy countries, and experience a vibrant campus life that is a reflection of the country's cultural diversity. You will immerse yourself in a multicultural environment that will gravitate your career prospects to the next level while growing your international community network!
Affordable Accomodation in São Tomé and Príncipe
Accessibility
Although most of the country's inhabitants prefer going from one place to another by car, walking in the city gives you a great opportunity to explore all the town’s curiosities and secrets spots is made easier.Whether you’re after groceries, bookstores, a good place to eat or drink, or unknown antique shops, you’ll be able to find it all within walking distance from your dorm or other residences.This makes universities easily accessible and less costly to attend!
International Environment in São Tomé and Príncipe
Fascinating Destination
While most of the country lacks public green spaces, other spots around Sao Tome and Principe will not disappoint students in offering beautiful scenery to get their minds off deadlines and heavy workloads. Hook up with friends roll on weekends!
Great Weather in São Tomé and Príncipe
Recognized Certification
Today Sao Tome and Principe embraces a rapid growth in its Education Sector following the opening up of many tertiary institutions all over the nation to cater to the rising demand for education and training of the youth in various aspects of the fast-growing global market. The government prioritizes investment in education in the hopes that it will prove a catalyst to sustainable growth and poverty reduction. This emphasis on tertiary education also implies that many of the youths of the country are increasingly competent

Scholarships in São Tomé and Príncipe

Students from Sao Tome and Principe looking for a Ph.D. scholarship, Masters Scholarships, or Undergraduate scholarships to fund their education abroad can check here latest international Scholarships for Sao Tome and Principe Students announced by foreign universities and governments right on our website. The list of scholarship range from fully funded to limited support or tuition fee waiver and suggested as top Scholarships for Sao Tome and Principe Students.

RocApply has decided to write a functional guide to help you understand the essential procedures and actions step by step that you need to undertake a scholarship in Sao Tome and Principe. There are many excellent universities in the country. The universities, colleges, and schools are well-known in the academic circle. Vast international students are willing to get an education in the best universities here. To make this lighter task organizations have dedicated themselves to helping students with grants and scholarships that allow them to pursue education seamlessly!

São Tomé and Príncipe Student Visa

Obtaining a visa is required and must be valid six months after the return date of your stay in Sao Tome and Principe. Your passport must not bear a visa or a stamp from Israel. A passport stamped by Israel leads to a refusal. The visa is compulsory, to get one, go to the Sao Tome and Principe Embassy in your home country with the required documents or go on the consulate website. It will be valid for ninety days from the date of delivering. To do so, you only have to hold a valid passport.