Study in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It was formerly known as Upper Volta and was changed to Burkina Faso in 1984. It lies about 800km away from the Atlantic Ocean. Many study abroad enthusiasts are choosing to study abroad in Burkina Faso because it provides a gateway to whole new study experience.

Burkina Faso's education system is designed to encourage a more practical approach to learning. With several universities open to international internships and exchange programs, students get to learn more in other countries as well.

As of 2008, the country had a lower adult literacy rate of about 25.3% but due to concerted efforts to improve the education system, it has risen to more than 41.2% as of 2018. Mali literacy rate is 50.07% and the female literacy rate is at 32.69% according to UNESCO.

Literacy rates are rising steadily as more and more people are enrolling to study and the quality of education is improving as well.

The higher education system in Burkina Faso is represented by 4 universities with about 51 study programs for Bachelor, Masters, and Ph.D. in computer engineering, computer networks, computer science, mathematics, and statistics, applied mathematics, applied physics, mathematics, and physics, entomology, medicine, parasitology, agronomy, biological and life sciences, agricultural economics, agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, rural studies, social studies, and sociology, accountancy, business and commerce, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, finance, industrial engineering, industrial maintenance, mechanical engineering, production engineering, and secretarial studies, to mention but a few.

Important things to note

If you are looking to study in Burkina Faso, these are a few things you have to take note of before moving there.

1.) Language- The official language in Burkina Faso is French but there are various other local languages used. English is the world standard for communication and universities can use it for clearer communication with foreign students.

2.) Money- Burkina Faso like many nations in Africa is a cash economy but you can also use MasterCard, visa cards, prepaid GIM, and electronic or mobile E-wallets.

3.)Medical Requirements- foreigners traveling to Burkina Faso are advised to get a vaccination for yellow fever.

4.)Health insurance- health insurance is not readily available to students and is limited for locals and thus students are encouraged to have health insurance and evacuation insurance before traveling to Burkina Faso.

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About Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa which is bordered by six countries including Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, Benin, and Togo to the southeast, Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest.

It has an area of around 274,200 square kilometers. Burkina Faso has a total population of about 21 510 181 people as of 2020 and a population density of about 64 people per square meter. Its citizens are known as the Burkinabe.

Languages

Burkina Faso is a multilingual country and its official language is French, which was introduced during the colonial period. French is the principal language of administrative, political, and judicial institutions, public services in Burkina Faso.

More than 60 indigenous languages are spoken in Burkina Faso. Other local languages spoken are Mossi, Moore, Dioula, Peul, Fulfulde, and Goumarche.

Ethnic groups

There are several ethnic groups in Burkina Faso that make their culture so unique and colorful. Ethnic groups include the Mossi, Fula, Lobi, Bobo, Dioula, Senufo, Gurunsi, Gurma, and Tuareg. More than half the population is Mossi and the rest is are scattered about in Burkina Faso.

Did you know? Facts about BURKINA FASO.

• it was formerly known as Upper Volta • it is home to more than 60 ethnic groups • Burkina Faso means the ‘Land of the Honourable People.’ • Burkinabe are known as some of the most honest people in Africa. • The French only colonized Burkina Faso because it was a bridge between Benin and Ivory Coast, their coastal territories. • Burkina Faso is dominated by the Mossi ethnic group.

Must see places in BURKINA FASO.

Arli National Park- This is a national park located in the Tapoa Province in the southeast of Burkina Faso. It covers an area of about 760square kilometers. The park is made up of dense riparian forest, savannah grassland, and the hills of Gogbnango.

There are also several animals available at the park. Animals include lions, elephants, hippos, baboons, buffalo, warthogs, boars, duikers, to mention but a few.

Ouagadougou- Ouagadougou is the capital city. It is colorful and full of hustle and bustle. There is plenty of exciting things to see about the city of Ouagadougou.

Visit the city markets and have fun at the cultural center, the municipal gardens, forest park and lake, Mogho palace, and the presidential palace.

Banfora- this is one of the beautiful towns of Burkina Faso, with lush green countryside and memorable places. Guests get to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tengrela or take in the beautiful view and dive in the Karfiguela falls.

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W National Park- it is conservation create trough inter-government cooperation. It is the largest nature reserve in Burkina Faso and West Africa. It has diverse flora and fauna, with animals including elephants, hippos, lions, buffalos, antelopes, and a variety of bird species.

Other must-see places in Burkina Faso include Bangr- Weogo botanical and zoological gardens, Ouagadougou art and handicrafts village, loango granite sculptures garden, Manenga Museum.

About the Burkina Faso Economy

Burkina Faso is a lower-income country in West Africa. Its currency is the CFA Franc (XOF). It has limited resources and the economy is largely based on agriculture, which employs about 80% of the population.

Burkina Faso’s GDP is at $45.339 billion and GDP per capita at $2207 as of 2020.

Inflation fell from 2% in 2018 to -3.2 % in 2019 owing to a good crop year, leading to a decline in food prices, and lower telecommunications costs. Inflation was estimated at 1.5% as of 2020.

Real GDP growth remained fairly strong at 6%, compared to 6.8 % in 2018. In terms of contribution to GDP by sector, the services sector was the highest contributor with 43.96%, agriculture had 20.3% and the industrial sector contributed 22.36%.

Industry in Burkina Faso is composed of the following: cotton, beverages, agricultural process, soap, cigarettes, textiles, cotton, zinc, oilseeds, fruits, mineral fuels, and gold. It has been ranked as 151st in the ease of doing business rankings. Burkina Faso is Africa’s 4th largest producer of gold.

Imports were valued at $4.296 million as of 2018. Imports included petroleum oils, drugs, rice, and cement. Major import partners included Switzerland, India, Singapore, the ivory coast, China, Belgium, Japan, and France, to name but a few.

Why Study in Burkina Faso

Affordable Tuition Fees in Burkina Faso
Internationally recognized degrees
Burkina Faso universities offer some of the best and internationally recognized degrees.
Affordable Accomodation in Burkina Faso
Foreign Exchange
Burkina Faso universities offer students the opportunity to embark on foreign exchange programs.
International Environment in Burkina Faso
State of the art facilities
Burkina Faso has some state of the art facilities that will give students the best learning experience.
Great Weather in Burkina Faso
Scholarship opportunities
Students who choose to study in Burkina Faso have an opportunity to find plenty of scholarships to finance their studies.

Scholarships in Burkina Faso

Studying in a foreign land can be quite demanding in terms of rising tuition fees, extra costs on stationery and other services, travel expenses, and research needs. Scholarships are meant to bridge the gap and ensure students can afford to partake in their studies.

There are various organizations available to make students' study dreams a reality. Scholarships are offered for the disadvantaged or for those who excel academically or those who generally need financial assistance.

The list of scholarships range from fully funded to limited support or tuition fee waiver and we are committed to helping students acquire them!!

While some are government scholarships, others are offered by individual universities or external organizations, for students at all levels of study. With its competitive institutions, Benin offers excellent opportunities for students.

Burkina Faso Student Visa

Burkina Faso visa application forms are available online and can also be obtained from different diplomatic missions and embassies around the world. Burkina Faso visas are usually valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries.

It usually takes up to 4 days to process and emergency visas are likely to attract extra costs

To study in one of these universities, international students must get a Burkina Faso student visa depending on their country of origin. RocApply has made it easy for you to follow what documentation may be needed upon visa application on this guide! It is, however, advised to always check with the consulate/embassy for more details on visa requirements.