Global Connections: Japan Collaborates with African Universities for Higher Education

Russia's 'Study in Russia' Campaign Offers Unique Benefits to African Students

As global power dynamics continue to evolve, Africa's strategic importance in the realm of higher education cannot be overstated. Russia and Japan are undoubtedly making Africa a priority region for student recruitment. These countries recognize the potential of African markets and are making concerted efforts to attract African students to higher education. Russia, through a new campaign organized by the state universities group Racus, is offering African students a range of benefits not commonly found in Western institutions. The "Study in Russia" campaign promotes low tuition fees, ranging from US$2,000 to US$4,000 annually, and offers degree programs taught in English and French at 20 member universities. Distinctively, the campaign guarantees African students admission, including for highly sought-after medical and engineering programs, and ensures student housing for the duration of their studies.

Additionally, Russia’s study campaign aligns with its efforts to expand its influence in Africa. In February 2025, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the launch of the Department for Partnership with Africa, marking Russia's "return" to the continent after previously withdrawing due to the mistaken belief that the West would embrace it post-USSR. Meanwhile, Japan increasingly focuses on African markets to address its rapidly ageing labour force. This shift in focus aims to attract young talent from Africa to support Japan's economic growth and address demographic challenges. Moreover, Japan's "Study in Japan for Africa" program, funded by MEXT and led by Akita University, recruits African students for in-demand courses in AI, biotechnology, environmental studies, IT, and robotics.

Japan is collaborating with African universities, including Kenya's JKUAT, to promote scholarships and attract students for higher education, particularly in engineering and technology. In April 2025, Japan will open regional recruiting offices in Botswana and Kenya, aiming to increase the number of African students in Japan from under 2,000 to 2,500 by 2028. This initiative comes amid Japan's demographic challenges, with nearly half of its workforce over 70, and concerns about the impact of a declining birthrate.

France remains the top destination for African students, with growth in markets like Algeria (up 7%), Senegal (up 11%), Tunisia (up 7%), Côte d'Ivoire (up 10%), and Cameroon (up 11%). However, Morocco saw a 4% decline in enrollments for the 2023/24 academic year. Despite efforts to diversify its student body, slower growth from Asia in 2022/23 underscores Africa's continued importance as a key source of international students. In contrast, the West is facing increasing challenges in attracting African students. Research by Shorelight and the Presidents’ Alliance revealed that 54% of African students were denied an F-1 visa in the US in 2023, up from 44% in 2015. Shelley Landry, senior director at Shorelight, stated that the high visa denial rates in Africa and the Global South are causing a shift of international students to competing nations.

Similarly, a June 2024 report by MPOWER revealed that over half of African students were denied study permits in Canada in 2023, and less than half of African postgraduate applications were approved, compared to over 80% approval rates for non-African students. Visa approval rates for African students in the UK are unfavourable, with Kenyan students having a 6.99% refusal rate for confirmed offers of acceptance (CAS), compared to 1.88% for India, 5.52% for Bangladesh, and 4.65% for Pakistan. The January 2024 dependents’ ban in the UK has significantly reduced demand from Nigerian students, a market that has been growing rapidly.

Overall, the contrasting approaches of different countries to recruiting African students highlight the shifting dynamics in global education and the opportunities and challenges faced by African students.

Editor's Note:

The recent concerted efforts by countries such as Russia and Japan to attract African students underscore the continent's potential as a vital source of talent and innovation. Russia's "Study in Russia" campaign, which offers low tuition fees, guaranteed admission, and student housing, is a clear indication of its commitment to strengthening ties with Africa. Similarly, Japan's focus on African markets, driven by the need to address its ageing labour force, highlights the mutually beneficial nature of such educational exchanges. Japan's "Study in Japan for Africa" program, with its emphasis on high-demand courses, is a proactive step towards fostering a new generation of skilled professionals who can contribute to both Japanese and African economies. In contrast, the Western approach, marred by high visa denial rates and stringent policies, seems to be losing its appeal among African students. This shift presents an opportunity for other nations to step in and fill the gap, offering more inclusive and supportive environments for international students. By embracing the potential of African students, countries can build stronger cultural ties, drive economic growth, and enhance their global standing. According to

Skoobuzz, the future of international education depends on the ability to navigate these shifting dynamics and create opportunities that benefit all parties involved.