Market Intelligence
Higher Education Angola

Angola Higer Education Certification and Exchange Programs

Overview: Certification and Exchange Program Needs in Angola

Angola’s education system has made significant progress in recent years, with over 100 higher education institutions now in operation. However, Angola continues to face gaps in certification programs that align with global job market needs. English is increasingly in demand, with parents, students, and job seekers searching for international certification to improve employability and prepare for higher education study abroad. Angolan educational institutions seek to offer international English language certification in Angola, so that students can use their certification for applications to institutions of higher-education and jobs.

Angola’s Development Goals and Alignment with Certification

Certification and exchange programs represent a fast-growing segment of Angola’s higher education market, driven by student and parent demand for English, prospects for future international accreditation, preparation for more job opportunities, and U.S. education and cultural exposure. By engaging with Angolan schools, universities, and scholarship bodies, in addition to U.S. companies in the market, U.S. institutions can establish long-term partnerships that can create sustainable pipelines of Angolan students for U.S. education opportunities.

Key Opportunities for U.S. Institutions

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

  • Market Demand: Parents and students increasingly view English as a gateway to jobs in multinational firms (oil & gas, banking, hospitality, and IT), and study abroad.

  • Opportunities: U.S. ESL schools can partner with Angolan secondary schools, private language centers, and universities to offer curricula, teacher training, and certification programs aligned with U.S. standards. These programs can open the door to two and four-year studies in the United States.

Bilingual Education Programs

  • Market Demand: Growing interest in bilingual (Portuguese/English) schools in Luanda and Benguela.

  • International schools and private academies are introducing English-based instruction from early grades.

  • U.S. bilingual program providers can collaborate on teacher training and curriculum design and provide exchange opportunities with U.S. K-12 schools.

TOEFL and English Proficiency Certification

  • Market Demand: TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge certifications are currently available but limited to test centers in Luanda.

  • U.S. companies and institutions offering TOEFL preparation, test administration expansion, and online training can meet growing demand for more testing sites throughout Angola and to scale up.

High School and Boarding School Exchanges

  • Market Demand: Parents are showing interest in U.S. boarding schools for short-term immersion or full diploma programs.

  • U.S. schools offering academic summer camps, STEM bootcamps, and cultural immersion programs can market through fairs and local school counselors. Angolan schools can sign partnership agreements with U.S. schools to recruit students to their specific programs.

University Exchange and Joint Programs

  • Market Demand: Angolan universities are seeking joint degrees, research collaborations, and faculty exchange.

  • U.S. universities can introduce student mobility programs, semester-abroad opportunities, and dual-degree models in high-demand fields (engineering, business, public health, and hospitality).

Market Challenges

  • Affordability: U.S. companies can tap into partnership with oil & gas companies, banking, and telecommunications sectors that are looking for English programs as part of their training and benefits packages for employees. U.S. companies could provide scholarships or partial financing as high inflation and currency devaluation may affect many families.

  • Regulatory Framework: Certification programs require Ministry of Education recognition. U.S. providers need strong, local partners to ensure compliance. The U.S. Commercial Service in Angola (CS Angola) can help to connect U.S. companies and providers with vetted, local school networks and institutions.

  • Awareness and Competition: Portugal, Brazil, and China dominate existing exchange pipelines. U.S. schools must actively promote the value-added of U.S. certification and exchange, especially given the higher price point. CS Angola can help to you understand the market and connect with local schools through CS programs.

  • Geographic Concentration: Most institutions are in Luanda (Angola’s capital and most populated city). Outreach beyond the capital requires creative online and hybrid delivery.

For more information about opportunities for U.S. certification providers and exchange programs with Angolan schools and higher education institutions and to design your market-entry strategy for Angola, please contact Commercial Assistant & Budget Analyst Tandeo Peshi at Tandeo.Peshi@trade.gov.