Study in Benin
Benin offers a very affordable education, primarily in **French**, which is the main language of instruction. There are limited English programs. Students need a **Study Visa** and must register with the relevant authorities upon arrival. The education system follows the French model (LMD).
Application timeline
4-6 weeks (plus time for registration with local authorities).
Living cost
XOF 60,000 - 120,000/month (USD 100 - 200, extremely low cost of living).
Hourly wage
$0 - XOF 1,000/hr (Casual work is prohibited).
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Benin.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Study Visa (Long-stay)
Long-stay, Academic
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Processing time
4-6 weeks (via Embassy or E-Visa portal).
Fee
Varies (e.g., XOF 50,000 - 100,000, depends on bilateral agreements and duration).
Work rights
No. Strict restriction on part-time work for international students.
Documents required
Acceptance Letter, Financial Proof, Medical Certificate, Police Clearance Certificate, Passport, Application Form.
Dependents
Yes, Dependent Visa (Family Reunion) for spouse and children, but difficult and requires high levels of proof of financial support. · No (Dependents are not permitted to work).
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC)
Calavi · #1 (in Benin, varies regionally)
Licence (BSc) in Economics and Management
3 years · XOF 50,000 - 200,000/yr (Intl)
Polytechnic University of Abomey-Calavi (EPAC)
Calavi · Top Technical School
Diplôme d'Ingénieur (Engineering Diploma)
5 years · XOF 250,000 - 500,000/yr (Intl)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Benin Government Scholarships
Full or partial tuition waiver, sometimes with a small stipend.
Highly competitive, primarily for students from ECOWAS member states or based on bilateral agreements.
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship
Monthly stipend, tuition fee payment, medical insurance.
Students from IsDB member countries for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
University Scholarships (e.g., UAC Merit-Based)
Partial tuition waiver (merit-based).
High academic merit; highly competitive for international applicants.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
UEMOA Exchange Programs
1 semester or 1 year
Students from West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) member states.
Campus France Exchange
Varies
Students from French-speaking countries/universities in partnership with French institutions.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
French Language Requirement
Most higher education is conducted in French. High proficiency (B2/C1) is crucial for success, even if the program has an English track.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Secure proficiency in French (B2/C1) for academic and daily life success; ensure your financial proof covers the entire expected duration; rely on the university for initial residence registration.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
French
Currency
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
None (General casual work is prohibited)
N/A
Foreign students are strictly prohibited from engaging in any casual, part-time work off-campus.
Tutoring in English (Unpaid/Stipend)
XOF 500 - 1,000/hr
Highly limited, usually informal positions for native English speakers, and should not be relied upon.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Low. No direct post-study work visa. Employment requires a sponsored Work Permit and a Permanent Residence Permit, which is challenging.