Graduate Studies in Tunisia: Opportunities and Benefits

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Studying abroad is an exciting and enriching adventure, and Tunisia is emerging as a top destination for many international students.

With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, this North African country offers not only quality education at reputable institutions but also the chance to explore a vibrant and diverse culture.

Students can benefit from relatively affordable tuition fees and competitive living costs while immersing themselves in the fascinating history of cities like Tunis, Sfax, and Carthage.

As Tunisia increasingly opens up to foreign students, it offers an invaluable opportunity to broaden academic horizons while discovering a rich and varied heritage.

Higher Education Options for Expatriates in Tunisia

Reputable Tunisian Universities and Institutes Hosting International Students

Institution	Languages of Instruction	Available International Programs	Accreditations and Partnerships
International University of Tunis (UIT)	French, English, German	Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Management	Partnerships with French, German, and European universities
Central University of Tunis	French, English	Engineering, Health, Management, Computer Science, Law	Dual degrees, African and European networks
Tunis Carthage University (UTC)	French, English	Architecture, Business, Engineering, Computer Science	Study abroad opportunities, international collaborations
Polytech Intl	French, English	Engineering, Computer Science, Management	International exchanges, 17% foreign students
Virtual University of Tunis (UVT)	French, English	Online programs, Computer Science, Management	Distance learning, in-person exams

Programs in English or International Languages

Several private and public universities offer programs in English (particularly in engineering, computer science, management, MBA).

Some institutions, like UIT and Polytech Intl, also offer courses in German or Spanish depending on the field.

French-language programs remain the majority, but English offerings are growing, especially to attract African and Middle Eastern students.

Specific Admission Requirements for Foreign Students

Equivalent to high school diploma for bachelor’s programs, bachelor’s or engineering degree for master’s programs.

Academic records, motivation letter, sometimes interview or aptitude test (particularly at Polytech Intl).

Student visa procedure: prior admission, official acceptance letter, application submission to Tunisian consulate (passport copy, enrollment certificate, photos, forms).

Personalized arrival assistance, help with settling in, housing search, tutoring (UTC, UIT, Central University).

Scholarship Opportunities

Bilateral cooperation scholarships between Tunisia and several African, European, and Asian countries.

Recent increase in scholarship quotas for international students.

Some universities offer excellence scholarships or fee reductions based on academic records.

International University Collaborations

Dual degrees with French, German, Italian, Spanish universities.

Erasmus+ exchanges for accredited institutions.

Participation in African and Mediterranean university networks.

Cultural and Social Integration of Expatriate Students

Immersion and welcome sessions at the start of the academic year.

Student life assistance services: administrative help, housing, dining, medical coverage.

Association activities, student clubs, intercultural events.

Specific support for cultural adaptation: student associations, tutoring, orientation.

Practical guide and welcome platform being created by the Ministry of Higher Education.

Resources and Support Services

Assistance with residence permit and administrative procedures.

Access to university housing or private partners.

Psychological and medical support.

Dedicated advisors for international students in most private universities.

Current Trends and Influence on Local Educational Landscape

Significant increase in foreign student numbers in recent years, mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb.

Increased opening of English-language programs and multiplication of international partnerships.

National policy to strengthen Tunisia’s attractiveness as a regional educational hub.

Diversification of student profiles, cultural enrichment of campuses, development of new services adapted to international student needs.

Creation of a national agency for welcoming foreign students and dedicated systems for their social and academic integration.

Key Takeaways:

Tunisia is establishing itself as an attractive higher education destination, thanks to multilingual offerings, strong international collaborations, structured welcome services, and affordable living costs for expatriates.

Understanding the Tunisian University System and Admission Procedures

The Tunisian university system is based on the European LMD model (Bachelor-Master-Doctorate), offering structured training in three cycles and aiming to adapt to international standards. It encompasses a wide range of fields, covering sciences, engineering, management, humanities, law, medicine, technology, arts, among others.

Main Characteristics of the Tunisian University System:

• Organization into semesters and teaching units, promoting student flexibility and mobility.
• Distribution of institutions between multidisciplinary universities, technological institutes, and private establishments.
• Diversity of degrees awarded, from undergraduate (Bachelor’s) to postgraduate (Doctorate).
• International openness and commitment to integration into the Euro-Mediterranean space.

Types of Higher Education Institutions:

Type of Institution	Approximate Number	Degrees Awarded	Main Features
Public Universities	13	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate	Multidisciplinary, open access or competitive entrance
Higher Institutes of Technological Studies (ISET)	24-25	Professional Bachelor’s	Application-oriented and technical professions
Private Institutions	76	Bachelor’s, Master’s	More specialized, do not award Doctorates

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS) oversees the management, accreditation, and coordination of all university institutions. It establishes policies, controls quality, and promotes international cooperation. Some institutions also fall under the joint supervision of other ministries depending on their specialty.

Admission Procedures for International Students:

Required Documents:

• Completed application form
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
• Valid passport
• Certificate of proficiency in French or Arabic depending on the language of instruction (often DELF/DALF for French)
• Motivation letter
• Letter(s) of recommendation (for certain programs)
• Proof of financial resources

Application Deadlines:

Applications are generally made between March and July for the September/October intake.

It is advisable to check specific dates with each institution, as they may vary.

Exams or Proficiency Tests:

Some programs require a language test or interview.

For highly selective fields (medicine, engineering), a competitive exam or specific test may be required.

Scholarship and Exchange Program Opportunities:

• Tunisian government scholarships for foreign students, awarded based on academic excellence and/or bilateral cooperation criteria.
• International exchange programs like Erasmus+, allowing part of the program to be completed in Tunisia with mutual credit recognition.
• Specific scholarships offered by certain universities or international organizations.

Practical Tips to Facilitate Admission:

• Prepare and legalize all documents well in advance.
• Check the language of instruction for the chosen program.
• Contact the international relations office of the target university directly for personalized information.
• Consult official MESRS and university websites for the latest updates on procedures and deadlines.

Useful Resources and Contacts:

• Official website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS)
• Tunisian university portals (“international students” section)
• Tunisian embassies and consulates in home country
• University cooperation centers and international mobility agencies

Diploma Equivalency and Higher Education Funding in Tunisia

Process for Obtaining Equivalency of Foreign Diplomas for Studies in Tunisia

The process for equivalency of foreign diplomas in Tunisia is based on a procedure regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS) for university degrees and the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment for vocational training diplomas.

List of Main Steps:

• Submission of application via online platform or by mail to MESRS or the Regional Directorate of Vocational Training and Employment.
• Review of application by a specialized sectoral commission.
• Notification to candidate of equivalency decision by email or mail.
• Verification of original documents when collecting the decision.

Required Documents:

• Certified copy of diploma subject to equivalency
• National ID card (or residence card for foreigners)
• Transcripts and exam results
• Detailed program of completed training (theoretical and practical aspects, duration, assessment methods)
• Proof that original institution is recognized/accredited
• Sworn translation of documents if written in language other than Arabic, French, or English
• Fiscal stamp (3 to 5 dinars depending on diploma type)
• Stamped envelopes for correspondence

Estimated Processing Time:

Generally 1 to 3 months depending on application complexity and submission period.

Eligibility Criteria and Exemptions

Eligibility Criteria:

• Diploma issued by institution recognized by competent authorities of home country
• Compliance of study program with Tunisian framework (duration, content, level)
• Complete provision of required documents

Automatic Recognitions or Exemptions:

• Some diplomas issued by public institutions from countries with bilateral agreements with Tunisia may benefit from facilitated recognition
• Diplomas from Bologna Process (EU) or international conventions (e.g., Lisbon Convention) are evaluated according to harmonized criteria, but automatic recognition remains rare
• If equivalency to specific academic grade is refused, equivalency of study level may be granted

Funding Options for International Students in Tunisia

Main Funding Options:

• Tunisian government study scholarships (rare for non-residents)
• Bilateral or multilateral scholarships (university cooperation, African Union, etc.)
• Student loans offered by some banks or private organizations (uncommon for foreigners)
• Funding programs from private institutions (tuition fee reductions, payment facilities)
• Support from international organizations or NGOs (special cases)

List of Specific Scholarships:

• Maghreb Excellence Scholarship for African students: intended for students from Sub-Saharan African countries, criteria of academic excellence and limited resources
• Islamic Development Bank Scholarship: reserved for students from member countries, criteria of merit and financial need
• Erasmus+ Scholarship: mobility for European students, partnership and study level criteria

Common Eligibility Criteria:

• Superior academic results
• Limited financial resources
• Motivation and study project aligned with scholarship objectives
• Sometimes, targeted nationality or country of origin

Overall Costs of Higher Education in Tunisia and Practical Tips

Destination	University Fees (€/year)	Cost of Living (€/month)	Student Housing (€/month)
Tunisia	500 – 2,000	250 – 400	100 – 200
Morocco	800 – 2,500	300 – 500	120 – 220
France	170 – 3,000 (public)	700 – 1,200	200 – 600
Turkey	300 – 1,500	250 – 400	100 – 250

Practical Tips for Managing These Costs:

• Prioritize public institutions to reduce tuition fees
• Seek subsidized university residences or shared housing
• Anticipate daily living expenses (food, transport, health)
• Apply for local or international scholarships during application preparation
• Budget for equivalency procedure and sworn translations

Testimonials and Case Studies

Testimonial:
“I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Cameroon and submitted my equivalency request to the Tunisian MESRS. The process took about two months, with thorough verification of transcripts and study program. Thanks to an excellence scholarship granted by a pan-African organization, I was able to fund my university fees and benefit from a room in student residence in Tunis.”

Case Study:
A Moroccan student who obtained a law degree followed the equivalency procedure to join a master’s program in Tunisia. Their diploma, from a recognized public university, was validated subject to translation of documents into French. They obtained an Erasmus+ mobility scholarship, covering part of their living and enrollment costs.

Important Tip: It is advisable to start the equivalency procedure several months before the university intake and gather all required official documents, including certified translations. As scholarships are highly competitive, prepare a complete application and apply to multiple funding sources simultaneously.

Impact of International Training on Expatriates’ Careers

International training in Tunisia offers expatriates several major advantages that enhance their attractiveness in the international job market:

• Acquisition of intercultural skills: Tunisia, a crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, offers an environment conducive to cultural exchanges. Expatriates develop strong adaptability, open-mindedness, and intercultural communication skills, assets highly sought after in global organizations.
• Access to an international network: Tunisian training centers host students from diverse backgrounds, enabling the building of an extensive professional network, often composed of stakeholders from different continents. These contacts facilitate access to international career opportunities.
• Exposure to new teaching methods: Programs in Tunisia favor innovative pedagogy, focused on practice, solving concrete cases, and integrating recent digital tools. This approach promotes the acquisition of skills immediately applicable in a globalized professional context.
• Dual diploma recognition: Some Tunisian institutions offer degrees recognized by both the Tunisian state and international partners, strengthening the legitimacy of trained profiles with employers abroad.

Sectors Where Tunisian Training is Valued	Reasons for Valuation
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)	Strong digitalization, updated technical skills
Management, Finance and Business	International approach and dual certification
Engineering and Logistics	Practical training, proximity to European and African markets
Health and Paramedical	Programs adapted to regional and international needs
Tourism and Hospitality	Intercultural know-how, international standards

Examples of Concrete Assets for International Employers:

• Proficiency in multiple languages (French, English, Arabic)
• Familiarity with emerging markets and multicultural contexts
• Ability to manage international projects and work in diverse teams
• Internationally recognized diploma, guarantee of seriousness and adaptability

Potential Challenges for Expatriates When Integrating into Foreign Job Markets After Training in Tunisia:

• Variable diploma recognition depending on countries or sectors; sometimes need to have diploma recognized or complete additional training
• Adaptation to regulatory and cultural differences in target professional environment
• Professional networks sometimes less developed outside Africa/Mediterranean sphere, requiring additional efforts to integrate into distant markets
• Specific linguistic or administrative barriers in host country

International training in Tunisia serves as a springboard for expatriates’ careers by providing practical skills, intercultural mindset, and solid academic recognition, particularly appreciated in digital, management, engineering, and tourism sectors. However, preparation for integration into foreign markets remains essential to fully benefit from this journey.