If you are looking forward to continuing your higher studies in a North African country, you might want to move to Tunisia. Thanks to its particularly charming environment, modern infrastructure, as well as its pleasant climate and hospitable population, the country attracts thousands of international students every year.
While Tunisia may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about studying abroad, its popularity is definitely growing. From just 100,000 international students in 1995, the country has increased its number of international students to over 360,000 in 2020.
So, why study in Tunisia?
What are the benefits of studying in Tunisia?
Besides its pleasant climate and its warm population, Tunisia offers various advantages to international students wishing to move there:
- a more affordable cost of living compared to many European countries
- a modern and comfortable lifestyle
- a multicultural and multilingual environment
- dynamic and up-and-coming universities
- a tradition of excellence (some 80,000 students graduate every year from Tunisian universities)
- diplomas delivered are recognized worldwide
- proximity to Europe
How to enroll in a university in Tunisia?
Tunisia has signed conventions with several friendly countries to allow international students to enroll in its universities, whether at the 1st, 2nd or 3rd level. In general, enrollments, except in the case of local students, depend on the Direction Générale de la Coopération Internationale. However, regarding registration in State Universities, candidates have to seek the assistance of their university's international cooperation bureau.
First of all, you are required to pre-register at the university of your choice by filling the form provided in the university's brochure or on its website. You are also required to settle the fees applied.
You then have to produce the following documents:
- an extract of your birth certificate (issued less than 3 months ago and translated into French)
- a certified copy of your titles or diploma allowing you to apply for the selected program (you may also produce a certified copy of your past years' result slips)
- proof of payment of the first installment or of any scholarship received.
You will then receive:
- proof of registration
- proof of payment of fees
- a visa application form if it applies.
If you come from a country whose nationals have to apply for a visa to move to Tunisia, you will have to produce the following:
- 2 passport-size identity photos
- copies of your passport's first 3 pages
- a copy of your pre-registration certificate issued by the university
- 3 duly filled and signed application forms
- proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the country (whether a scholarship or any other type of financial support).
Good to know:
Nationals of the Maghreb region, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria and Senegal do not require a visa to move to Tunisia.
How to register as an international student in Tunisia?
Once you have obtained your visa, you can proceed with university enrollment at the university's education service by producing the following documents:
- a duly filled and signed registration form (provided on the spot)
- 2 copies of your national identity card or passport
- 2 passport-size identity photos with your name written on the back
- 2 extracts of your birth certificate
- 2 certified copies of your baccalaureate or any other equivalent diploma
- 2 certified copies of your result slips regarding your baccalaureate or any other equivalent diploma
- 2 certified copies of university result slips for each year in the case of students having completed one or more years of studies
- 3 copies of diplomas and result slips for each completed year in the case of Masters students.
Once this final step has been accomplished, you will receive original registration certificates along with a payment receipt. You can then apply for a resident permit which will allow you to receive a student card.
How to choose your university in Tunisia?
There are a number of universities in Tunisia offering programs for international students.
The most prominent university in the country is the Université de Tunis El Manar. The university is located in Tunis and has 11 faculties, including the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, Sciences Faculty, and others.
Tunis University was founded in 1960 and includes several institutions such as Ecole Normale Supérieure, Higher School of Economic and Commercial Sciences, Preparatory Engineering Institute, Higher Institute of Literary Studies and Humanities, Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, and others. The university is a member of the Mediterranean University Union (UNIMED) and of Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie.
The University of Carthage includes 12 institutions, namely the Faculty of Juridical, Political and Social Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, National School of Architecture and Urbanism, Tunisia Polytechnic School, Higher School of Technology and Computer Science and others.
Good to know:
The oldest university in Tunisia is Ez-Zitouna University. It was founded in 737 as a madrasa and became a university in 1956. It includes two institutions: the Higher Institute of Theology and the Higher Institute of Islamic Civilisation.
Tuition fees in Tunisia
In general, university fees vary according to the selected study program and the level of studies.
You are hence advised to inquire about relating fees directly with your university. Note, however, that the 1st installment has to be paid before the beginning of the university year, the 2nd installment has to be settled before the 31st December of the current year and the 3rd installment has to be paid at the latest on the 31st March of the current year.
Student life in Tunisia
When it comes to life before and after studies in Tunisia, there is quite a bit to choose from. Tunisia boasts over 1,200km of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. This means that you will have access to great beaches and water activities.
Though not a big country, Tunisia is remarkably diverse. You can hike in the Atlas Mountains, explore the Sahara Desert to simply enjoy the scenery on a walk through the park.
Tunisia is also a country with a very rich history. It houses some of the world's most well-preserved Roman ruins, old walled cities and medieval mosques. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tunisia.
Student accommodation in Tunisia
Some universities in Tunisia do offer student accommodation. In this case, you will be living in a shared dorm room not far from the university where you are studying.
If you are not offered student accommodation, you may still find affordable housing options across Tunisia. The next most affordable thing would be to get a room in a shared apartment. These are widely available in student cities and next to major universities. You can look for roommates among your classmates at the university or post an ad on university forums such as Erasmusu.com.
Good to know:
In Tunisia, it's more appropriate to share an apartment with roommates of the same gender.
Another option is renting a studio next to your university. Depending on what city you study in and what area of that city you live in, the costs for these may vary from $100 to $400 — or more if you want to rent a bigger place or live in an expansive expat neighborhood.
Cost of living for students in Tunisia
The cost of living for students in Tunisia is substantially lower than in most European cities, especially if you live in student housing. You can keep your expenses as low as $300 per month if you cook at home and don't go out too often. Eating at local restaurants in Tunisia isn't expensive either, with simple meals available for $2-$4. A single trip ticket on a local bus costs around $0.20, and a monthly path is around $15. Prices for entertainment vary and depend on what you like to do for fun. A monthly fitness club membership costs from $10 to $30 and a ticket to the cinema costs from $3 to $5.
Useful links:
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
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