African students are turning their backs on the United States as a preferred destination for higher education, citing challenges such as visa issues, high tuition fees, and cultural differences. According to a report by Open Doors 2024 Data, nearly 60% of African student applicants were denied F-1 visas by the State Department last year, making it the highest denial rate among all regions.

This trend is attributed to the ever-changing political landscape in the US, including religious policies and uncertainty around immigration laws, which creates a sense of instability for international students. As a result, African students are increasingly opting for other countries that offer more favorable immigration policies, lower tuition fees, and better work opportunities.

Asian countries, in particular, are becoming a popular alternative for African students. For instance, Belarus welcomed international students from about 30 African countries in 2024. China has also seen a significant increase in African students, with the percentage of African students rising from 2% in 2006 to nearly 17% (81,562) as of 2018.

European countries are also becoming more welcoming to international students, with countries like Italy actively seeking to attract more African students. These countries often offer more generous scholarship opportunities and support systems for international students, making them attractive alternatives to the US.

A recent report by Business Insider Africa highlighted the African countries with the highest number of students in the US. However, a closer look at the data reveals that there are several African countries that show a lower preference for the US as a study destination. According to Open Doors data, the following African countries recorded the least number of students in US universities: Djibouti (9), Guinea Bissau (11), Seychelles (17), Central African Republic (20), Mauritania (38), Cape Verde (51), Comoros (56), Chad (66), Eritrea (73), and Guinea (78).

This shift in preference is likely to have significant implications for the US education sector, which has traditionally been a popular destination for international students. As African students increasingly look to other regions for higher education, the US may need to re-examine its immigration policies and tuition fees to remain competitive in the global education market.

In conclusion, the decline of African students in the US is a significant trend that highlights the need for the country to reassess its approach to international education. As the global education landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the US will adapt to changing student preferences and remain a competitive destination for international students.