Best Universities in West Africa for International Students in 2025

In recent years, West Africa has become a trending study-abroad destination for many international students. Affordable tuition, rich cultural experiences, and growing academic excellence are making the region an attractive option compared to more expensive Western universities.

If you’re an international student considering West Africa, here’s a list of some of the best universities in West Africa known for their quality education, cultural diversity, and international student support.

1. University of Ibadan (Nigeria)

🌍 Oldest university in Nigeria, founded in 1948.
Strong programs in Medicine, Humanities, and Science.
Welcomes international students with exchange programs and scholarships.

2. University of Ghana (Legon, Ghana)

🎓 One of Africa’s most respected universities.
Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Popular with international students from across Africa, Europe, and North America.

3. Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria, Nigeria)

📚 One of the largest universities in Africa.
Known for engineering, science, and social science programs.
Provides affordable tuition and accommodation for foreign students.

4. University of Cape Coast (UCC, Ghana)

🏖️ Located near the coast, offering a vibrant cultural and student life.
Great for education, business, and social sciences.
Active international exchange programs.

5. Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD, Dakar, Senegal)

🇸🇳 Prestigious francophone university.
Strong in medicine, law, and humanities.
Excellent hub for French-speaking international students.

6. Covenant University (Nigeria)

🚀 Private university with world-class facilities.
Ranked among the top in Africa for innovation and research.
Modern environment, good for tech, engineering, and business students.

7. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST, Ghana)

⚡ Focused on science, engineering, and technology.
Highly regarded across Africa.
Provides a supportive environment for foreign students.

Why Study in West Africa?

✔️ Affordable Education – Lower tuition and living costs compared to Europe or the U.S.
✔️ Rich Culture – A chance to experience vibrant traditions, music, food, and festivals.
✔️ Diverse Programs – From medicine to tech, universities in West Africa cover it all.
✔️ Growing Recognition – More institutions are making global ranking lists.