These four countries have led African enrolment in US higher education since 2008/09 academic session

Key Takeaways

  • Ghana recorded the most striking recent growth, reaching 12,825 students in 2024/25.
  • Nigeria remained Africa’s leader with 21,847 students.
  • Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt have held the top four positions since 2008/09.
  • Their combined share of African enrolment increased from 46.1% to 60.7%.
  • Africa had 73,406 students enrolled in US higher education in 2024/25.

Ghanaian students have driven the most striking recent change in African enrolment in US higher education.

After remaining close to 3,000 annually from 2008/09 to 2017/18, their number increased from 4,916 in 2021/22 to 12,825 in 2024/25, placing Ghana second behind Nigeria’s 21,847.

Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt have occupied Africa’s top four positions since 2008/09, although their order has changed. Together, their share of African enrolment rose from 46.1% in 2008/09 to 60.7% of the continent’s 73,406 students in 2024/25.

Source:

IIE Open Doors

Period:

2008/09-2024/05
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