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Cameroon Education
Last published date:

Capital:  Yaounde
Population:  27,744,989 (July 2020 est.)
GDP:  $89.54 billion (2017 est., Purchasing Power Parity)
Currency:  Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF)
Language:  English (official), French (official), 24 major African language groups

UNESCO Student Mobility Number:
Cameroon has 25,993 students studying abroad according to UNESCO.

CIA World Factbook:
61.75% of the population in Cameroon is under 24 years old. 

Overview

Cameroon continues to lead Central Africa with the most students independently studying in U.S. institutions of higher education.  There were over 1,188 students registered in the U.S. during the academic year 2019/2020.  Cameroonians currently studying in the United States have credited the rigorous and demanding course load of the Cameroonian education system as good preparation for study in the United States.

EducationUSA routinely collaborates with the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon to provide information to students about the visa process.  This promotes transparency and prepares prospective students to present important information at the time of their interview.

The Cameroonian education system continues to stay strong.  Notwithstanding COVID-19, students in exam classes were able to successfully complete their studies during the 2019/2020 academic year.

The EducationUSA Center is reaching new audiences by working with populations in the north region of Cameroon and with American Spaces for joint sessions on educational opportunities in the United States.  Furthermore, EducationUSA partnered with several higher education institutions in the United States and in Cameroon to organize virtual information sessions.

The Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon is ready to provide support through U.S. Commercial Service branded services, including the Single School Promotion, Gold Key Service, and International Partner Search, to U.S. higher education institutions seeking to broaden their base in the Cameroonian market.

Sub-Sectors

SECTOR (OPEN DOORS REPORT)

PERCENTAGE BY SECTOR

% CHANGE IN SECTOR

Undergraduate

56.7% / 54.5%

3.0% / -17.3%

Graduate

27.5% / 29.3%

7.6% / -8.4%

Non-degree

4.5% / 4.8%

0.0% / -8.1%

OPT

11.3% / 11.4%

-1.3% / -13.5%

Opportunities

Cameroonian students looking to study in the U.S. are interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.  The most popular fields of study for Cameroonians are business and management, health professions, computer science, physical and life science, and intensive English programs.   

Digital Marketing Strategies

In Cameroon, the most popular social media sites for students are WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Google is most used to research information, and Google, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, jumiajobscm, and Njorku Cameroon are used by students to search for job opportunities.  To stream videos, students use Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom.

Students and parents receive information about educational opportunities via email, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

The Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon recommends that U.S. study state consortia and/or education institutions connect with the EducationUSA Advising Center in Cameroon to organize joint sessions and in-person recruitment, when feasible. 

Events

International Education Week is observed during the month of November.  U.S. Commercial Service Cameroon looks forward to developing Virtual Education Fairs and customized programming for visiting education institutions, as well as continuing to hold on-site group advising sessions.

Resources

  • U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service Global Education Team: www.trade.gov/education-industry
  • Industry and Analysis, Office of Supply Chain, Professional & Business Services: www.trade.gov/professional-and-business-services
  • In addition to the EducationUSA Advising Center/Fulbright, Cameroon has American Corners in other regions of the country, which help support and provide information on U.S. education institutions.  There are also non-profit organizations and regional language centers that help share information about studying in the United States.

U.S. Commercial Service Contact

Ekom Christopher, Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service – Cameroon
Email:  EkomCA@state.gov
Phone:  +237 222201500 Ext 4382

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