This article explores the reasons behind the growing interest of African students in Russian higher education, drawing insights from students themselves and educational experts. We delve into what makes Russian universities attractive and which other countries compete for these students.
Russia has emerged as a top choice for graduates who now hold influential positions within African governments and parliaments. According to an expert-analytical report from the Higher School of Economics` Centre for African Studies, 22 government officials from African nations, primarily Angola, Namibia, Mali, Mozambique, and the Republic of Congo, are alumni of Russian universities.
The Ministry of Education and Science reported that 35,000 students from African countries were enrolled in Russian universities in 2024, an increase from 33,000 in 2023. This number is comparable to the African student population in the Soviet Union during the 1980s. A significant portion of these students receive government-funded scholarships. For the current academic year, approximately 4,800 scholarship places were allocated to students from African countries.
One such scholarship recipient is Jose Fernando Sambu, a recent graduate of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), who now leads a department focused on interaction with African government bodies and diplomatic missions. He shared his perspective:
“I always dreamed of studying in Russia. It boasts strong educational traditions and renowned scientific schools, particularly in technical and natural science fields. I secured a government scholarship after successfully passing a competitive selection process in my home country. From an international politics standpoint, Russia is a key player shaping the global agenda. Studying these processes from within, understanding Russia`s position, and potentially contributing to the development of partnerships between our nations offers invaluable experience. I have always been fascinated by rich Russian culture, history, and language. I anticipate that my education in Russia will be highly valued in my future career. While I considered options like Portugal, where Portuguese-language programs were available, my desire to study specifically in Russia was stronger.”
However, many African students finance their education themselves or pursue studies through targeted programs. Experts explain that the tuition fees for some Russian university programs are comparable to those in African countries. Medical and technical specialties, particularly in energy and construction, generate the most interest. Oleg Tsapko, Chairman of the All-Russian Student Union, elaborates:
Chairman of the All-Russian Student Union
“We offer outstanding education across a vast array of fields, including medicine and engineering. In this regard, Russia provides an excellent learning environment. Motivated individuals come to Russia for technical, engineering, medical education, and more. Generally, people here are very welcoming, and we are always happy to host international students, which they know.”
Among the distinguished alumni of Russian universities are figures such as Yusuf Saleh Abbas, who served as Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad from 2008 to 2010 (alumnus of RUDN University). Jean Ping, former Chairman of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly, defended his doctoral dissertation at the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
Among the countries competing for African students are France, the UK, and the USA. According to Campus France, in 2023, Africans constituted nearly half of all international students in France, totaling around 200,000 people. More recently, China has become a significant draw for young Africans. In 2019, Beijing awarded more scholarships to African countries than all other nations combined, providing 12,000 scholarships. The New York Times observed: `When students from Africa dream of studying abroad, they rarely think of the United States. For many, it`s China,` noting the stricter visa policies for international students under the Trump administration. Now, Russia is also re-entering this market, as Africanist Andrey Esipov points out:
Africanist
“Trends are changing; there are even terms like `Francophone Africa` and `Anglophone Africa.` Naturally, former colonial powers have programs to attract students from their former colonies. I don`t believe only children of leading officials or those in power travel there. Students who are proficient in the language also come. But Russia`s return to the international market for educational services is evident.”
Experts view this as an investment in the future and a form of `soft power` that will yield benefits for many years to come. For the Soviet Union, contributing to the education of African students was not merely a gesture of friendship but also a policy aimed at strengthening markets for its own products – studies were often linked to the servicing of Soviet equipment. However, university lecturers, especially in medical fields, are not always enthusiastic about foreign students, sometimes complaining about frequent re-examinations and translation difficulties.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth