UNESCO Student Mobility Number – Angola has 12,747 students studying abroad according to UNESCO, an increase of 9.38 percent compared to 2016 statistics.
CIA World Factbook – 66.37% of the Angolan population is under 24 years old.
Overview>
Overburdened classrooms, decaying infrastructure, few qualified teachers, outdated teaching methods and learning materials such as textbooks and manuals, are major causes hindering the delivery of good quality education services.
Inadequate education has contributed to a decrease in the number of skilled workers and to the opening of small private institutions that deliver short-term courses in specialized areas.
While the Angolan Government is combating illiteracy, it is also committing to education reforms at all levels and capacity building of teachers, to develop a more enriched and relevant curriculum.
With about 50 percent of the population under the age of 22, the demand for education is exceeding local supply. There are very few public and private institutions to adequately accommodate Angolan’s youth population. Hence, there is a high demand for good quality education and training services. Angolan families with financial capabilities opt for study abroad for better quality education. Top five destinations include Brazil, Portugal, the U.S., Namibia and South Africa. U.S. represents 10.97 percent market share of the study abroad market segment, and this market share can grow if more Angolans have access to foreign currencies.
Since 2015, significant decline in the Angolan economy has reduced Angolans’ access to U.S. dollars to pay for tuition fees and living expenses. Holding sufficient Angolan currency has not guaranteed access to study abroad. A shortage of foreign currency reserves has significantly limited international payments.
In two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018, the Institute of International Education reported a decrease in the number of Angolans attending tertiary education in the U.S. During the 2017-2018 academic year, only 1,183 Angolans were enrolled in U.S. higher learning institutions, a 6 percent decrease from the previous academic year 2016-2017.
Sub-Sectors>
Higher Education
The total number of Angolans studying in the U.S. has been declining since the economic recession. According to the Institute of International Education, 1,183 Angolans enrolled at a U.S. higher learning institution during the 2017-2018 academic year; 85.4 percent of Angolans were enrolled in undergraduate courses; 7.4 percent were in graduate programs; 4.4 percent pursued non-degree courses; and, 2.9 percent Optional Practical Training.
Undergraduate
According to 2018 statistics from the Open Doors Institute of International Education 2018 report, 85.4 percent of Angolans studying in the U.S. enrolled in undergraduate courses. Opportunities reside for community colleges with preferences for public institutions.
U.S. colleges and universities can work with multinationals such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil, BP, Total and Sonangol, the Angolan national oil company, as strategic partners to recruit Angolans for undergraduate study and intensive English language courses. Leading oil and gas multinationals include in their employees’ compensation plans international educational opportunities for their children in the U.S. or elsewhere.
Graduate Education
Attendance in graduate courses by Angolans in the U.S increased by 17.6 percent in the 2017-2018 academic year, but the number continues to be far below enrollment numbers in undergraduate courses.
Secondary Education
Boarding School and High School Demand
The Angolan educational system is comprised of the primary school, middle and high schools as secondary education. The service is provided by public and private institutions. Public education is free of charge; however, capacity is limited to absorb the demand of this age group.
There are a few international private schools funded by different international companies or by diplomatic missions that provide teaching from pre-school to secondary school. Tuition fees are very high but may be discounted or even fully paid for employees of the funding companies.
The American Schools of Angola, a branch of the Calvert Academy High School, is Maryland State Department of Education accredited, and opened its doors in 2017 to offer a U.S. education to primary, middle and high schools students in Angola at their two Luanda campuses.
Luanda International School (LIS) is an International Baccalaureate School and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). LIS provides U.S. education services in English for the primary, middle and secondary schools.
There is a demand at all levels for quality education including intensive English programs for secondary students provided locally within public and private high schools or in the U.S. during winter or summer camps. There are also opportunities for boarding school enrollment in the U.S. as well as opening of campuses in Angola that offer U.S. educational curricula.
The new Angolan government administration recently made English compulsory for students at all levels.
Online Programs
Some Angolans take the challenge to pursue online programs particularly graduate courses.
Research and Development
The National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, oversees scientific research.
Investment in scientific research in Angola remains minimal due to both limited state budgetary allocations and available private financing. Limited investment in scientific research has resulted in a lack of proper conditions or institutional structures to conduct research (laboratories, legal statutes governing the activity, School of Social and Human Sciences). As such, there is a visible absence of scientific research components and research competency in higher education in Angola.
Professional Training Services
U.S. colleges and universities can also target the professional training and capacity building segment in various sectors such as in oil and gas, healthcare, banking, insurance, commerce, computer science, and education as referred to earlier.
English language skills are becoming increasingly more important for Angolans seeking to distinguish themselves in the employment market. English is now effectively the business language, especially in the oil and gas industry, which dominates the Angolan economy. To advance in their careers, professionals need technical English courses in their field of interest, for instance, business English, English language for lawyers or English language for healthcare.
Opportunities>
Cost is the primary consideration for Angolans deciding to study abroad. U.S. colleges and universities with low tuition fees and located in areas with affordable living costs will have a competitive advantage as families mostly bear funding obligations for study abroad for Angolans. Most Angolans consider tuition fees in the median of US $ 20,000.00 affordable.
U.S. colleges and universities may also consider offering alternative financing options such as grants and scholarships particularly at an undergraduate level to attract Angolan students.
U.S. colleges and universities wishing to penetrate the Angolan market should partner with the Ministries, trade associations, recruiters and alumni in Angola in order to increase visibility; to design study abroad programs, exchange programs and English preparatory programs which will promote active recruitment of Angolans.
Events>
EducationUSA College Fair is held in Luanda on an annual basis.
Resources>
EducationUSA - https://educationusa.state.gov/
U.S. Commercial Service Contact
Clemencia Nogueira
Commercial Specialist
Luanda, Angola
Clemencia.Nogueira@trade.gov
T. +244 641 000 ext. 1076 | M. +244 932 572 822