REF: EB/NL/48/23-24 DATE: 2nd May 2024
Studying in Your Home Country: A Wise Choice
One of the most important decisions that students have to make for their career in education is where to pursue their higher education. While studying abroad offers some benefits, staying home and completing a degree can also offer advantages.
Some advantages are:
- Studying in your own country saves you the trouble of staying abroad for a short time and lets you focus on your studies without having to learn a new language. Being accustomed to the local way of life is an extra advantage.
- Certain professions, such as law, medicine, and education, may find studying abroad unnecessary or even a disadvantage. Foreign degrees in these fields may require additional exams due to national regulations.
- Studying at home avoids the high costs associated with studying abroad, including tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, it eliminates challenges like homesickness, communication difficulties with family, and the need for extensive travel.
- Studying in your home country provides the opportunity to experience different cities and regions, uncovering the cultural variations that exist within your nation.
While studying abroad has its merits, opting to study in your home country offers distinct advantages. The decision should be based on individual preferences, career goals, financial and personal circumstances.
Reputable universities in East Africa provide an excellent platform for academic growth. If you are considering studying in East Africa, we have compiled a list of reputable universities to aid your decision-making process.
Universities in Kenya
- University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi was founded in 1956 as the Royal Technical College. It later became the Royal College of Nairobi before finally being chartered as a university in 1970. It is one of the oldest and largest universities in Kenya. With its main campus in Nairobi, the university offers a wide range of courses in arts, sciences, engineering, and business.Click here for more information.
- Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University was established in 1985 as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi. It later gained university status in 1985. The university is named after Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, in honor of his contributions to education and national development. Kenyatta University, Located in Nairobi offers courses across arts, sciences, business, and engineering. The university focuses on research and community engagement, making it a hub for intellectual growth and societal impact.
Click here for more information.
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a top-ranked institution in Kenya. Specializing in agriculture and technology, JKUAT offers courses in engineering, agriculture, business, and sciences. The university has several campuses across Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda.
Click here for more information.
- Strathmore University
Strathmore University is a private university located in Nairobi, Kenya. Strathmore University was founded in 1961 as an Advanced-level Sixth Form College offering British education. It later evolved into a university, receiving its university charter in 2008. Strathmore University is known for its diverse academic programs, ranging from business, information technology, humanities, and social sciences.
Click here for more information.
- United States International University Africa
USIU-Africa was established in 1969 as a branch campus of the United States International University (USIU) based in San Diego, California. In 1989, it became an independent institution and adopted the name United States International University Africa. United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa), which is situated in Nairobi, Kenya, provides a comprehensive and globally relevant education through its diverse range of courses in business, humanities, social sciences, and science and technology.
Click here for more information.
- Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University was established in 2008 as a fully-fledged university. Mount Kenya University operates in six countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somaliland, and Puntland. It offers an array of academic programs approved by the Commission for University Education and accredited by relevant bodies.
Click here for more information.
Universities in Uganda
- Makerere University
Established in 1922 as a humble technical school, Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities in Africa. The University has 145 programs that include bachelor’s programs and Postgraduate Programs. The campuses are spread across Arua, Jinja, Mbale & Mbarara.
Click here for more information.
- Uganda Christian University
Uganda Christian University (UCU) is a private, university whose main campus is located in Mukono, Uganda. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes across various disciplines, including business; computer science; education; law; medicine; dentistry; engineering; visual arts and design; nursing; agricultural sciences; social sciences; journalism, media and communication; and theology, among others.
Click here for more information.
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology
MUST was established in 1989 as one of the second public universities in Uganda. It was founded to address the shortage of professionals in science and technology-related fields in the country’s workforce. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields including medicine, engineering, computer science, nursing, business administration, agriculture, and education among others. The university has two campuses: Kihumuro Main and the Mbarara Town campus.
Click here for more information.
Universities in Tanzania
- The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is a leading public university located in Dar es Salaam. Established in 1961, UDSM is Tanzania’s oldest and largest university. It was formed through the merger of the University College of Dar es Salaam (which offered only arts and science courses) and Makerere University College in Uganda. UDSM offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business, law, education, and health sciences.
Click here for more information
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) is a public university located in Morogoro, Tanzania. SUA was established in 1984 and named after Edward Sokoine, the former Prime Minister of Tanzania, who was known for his contributions to agricultural development in the country. As the name suggests, SUA specializes in agricultural education, research, and extension services. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various agricultural disciplines including crop science, animal science, forestry, agricultural economics, agribusiness, and agricultural engineering.
Click here for more information.
- The University of Dodoma
UDOM was established in March 2007 following the relocation of the capital of Tanzania from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. DOM offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, education, business, law, engineering, and health sciences.
Click here for more information.
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is a public university located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. MUHAS was established in 2007 following the transformation of the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS), which was founded in 1991. The university has its roots in the former Faculty of Medicine of the University of Dar es Salaam. MUHAS specializes in health sciences education, research, and service delivery. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various health-related disciplines including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, and allied health sciences.
Click here for more information.
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION EDUCATION BOARD