Paying for higher education as a Djiboutian student
Djibouti offers no standard public or bank student loan: studies are funded through the University of Djibouti's moderate fees, State and partner country scholarships, family support and sometimes a personal loan taken out by a salaried parent.
The University of Djibouti, the country's main institution
Founded in 2006, the University of Djibouti takes in most Djiboutian school leavers on its Balbala campus and its sites in the capital. Its registration fees stay moderate compared with studying abroad, which requires far heavier funding.
No formal student loan on record
Unlike some North African countries, Djibouti has no State-guaranteed student loan, and local banks do not advertise any product dedicated to students. Families therefore have to rely on other solutions to pay for higher education.
National scholarships to study abroad
The ministry responsible for higher education awards scholarships to the best school leavers in priority subjects, often for France, Morocco, Turkey or Egypt. The criteria and number of places change every year according to the country's needs.
Scholarships from partner countries
France, Turkey, Morocco, China and Gulf countries offer scholarships to Djiboutian students, managed by their embassies or agencies. They often cover tuition and sometimes accommodation, and competition for them is very strong.
When a Djiboutian parent borrows for the student
With no dedicated loan, a parent who is a civil servant or employee can borrow in their own name to pay for studies abroad. The applicable rules are described on the page on school credit in Djibouti, which also covers fees for younger children.
The cost of leaving for France or Morocco
Air fare, housing deposit, insurance, visa and the first months of living costs add up to a large budget for a family paid in Djibouti francs. Consulates also ask for proof of sufficient funds before granting a student visa.
Proving your funds for the visa
For a student visa, you often need to show a funded account, a scholarship certificate or a signed sponsorship from a relative. A Djiboutian bank can issue a balance certificate, but not a State-guaranteed loan for the student.
Working while studying in Djibouti
Some students combine classes at the University with part-time jobs in retail, private teaching or call centres. These earnings remain modest and irregular, which generally rules out getting a bank loan on the strength of them.
The diaspora and the wider family
Uncles, aunts and cousins living in Europe, Canada or the Gulf often contribute to a Djiboutian student's costs through Dahabshiil, Western Union or bank transfer. Putting these commitments in writing helps avoid funding gaps during the year.
After graduation: loans for young graduates
Once they graduate, young people can apply for FDED loans aimed at graduates with projects. The page on the business loan for Djiboutian founders presents these schemes and the support offered by the Leadership and Entrepreneurship Centre.
How it works in the Comoros
Comorian students face similar constraints, with few bank products and heavy dependence on foreign scholarships. The page on the student loan in the Comoros describes the options available in this other member of the Arab League.
Beware of scholarships you have to pay for
Adverts on social media promise a scholarship or guaranteed admission in return for fees. Genuine government and embassy scholarships are never sold, and their results are only ever published through official government or embassy channels.
Building the funding for your studies when you live in Djibouti
- Compare the cost of enrolling at the University of Djibouti with the cost of studying abroad.
- From your final school year, follow the calls for applications for national and embassy scholarships.
- Prepare a strong academic file with transcripts and letters of recommendation.
- Draw up a full annual budget in DJF and foreign currency, including housing, transport and insurance.
- If needed, ask a salaried parent to look into a personal loan with their bank.
- Gather the proof of funds the consulate requires for the student visa.
Study budget for a Djiboutian family
| Item | Benchmark | What makes it vary |
|---|---|---|
| University of Djibouti registration | Moderate fees set by the university | Subject and level of study |
| Tuition abroad | Varies by country | Public or private institution |
| Air fare and visa | Several hundred thousand DJF | Destination and season |
| Housing and living costs abroad | Monthly budget in foreign currency | Host city and scholarship obtained |
| Personal loan taken by a parent | Rate set by the bank | Salary and term |
Documents for a Djiboutian or foreign scholarship application
- National identity card and passport
- Baccalaureate certificate and transcripts
- Letter of admission from the target institution
- Scholarship certificate or sponsorship signed by a relative
- Payslips of the borrowing parent, where applicable
- Bank statements proving available funds
Mistakes made by Djiboutian students and their families
- Leaving for abroad without a budget for the whole year, counting on a scholarship that has not yet been confirmed.
- Paying fees to an agency promising a guaranteed Turkish, Moroccan or Chinese scholarship with no selection process.
- Having a parent borrow over a term that is too long given their age and retirement date.
- Missing the application deadlines for national scholarships, which often close several months before the academic year starts.
Funding your studies: questions from Djiboutians
Do Djiboutian banks offer student loans?
Local banks publish no product dedicated to students, and a student with no income cannot borrow alone. The usual solution remains a personal loan taken out by a salaried parent whose salary is paid into the bank.
How can I get a Djiboutian State scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded by the ministry responsible for higher education, mainly on baccalaureate results and priority subjects. Follow the official announcements and submit your file on time, usually as soon as the results are published.
Are there grants for studying at the University of Djibouti?
Support may exist for some students, depending on current policies and the University's partnerships. It is best to ask the student services directly, as the schemes change from one year to the next.
Can a young graduate borrow to launch a project?
Yes, the Fonds de Développement Économique de Djibouti offers loans for young graduates with projects. The application must include a solid business plan, and support from the Leadership and Entrepreneurship Centre can help prepare it.