Study in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde’s higher education system includes public and private institutions. The 2023 ARES-AVAI overview identified 10 higher education institutions: the public Uni-CV and UTA, and the private UniPiaget, UM, ULCV, US, UNICA, ISCJS, M_EIA and ISCEE. Uni-CV operates in Praia, Mindelo, Assomada and through centres in Fogo and Brava; UTA is based in Mindelo. The available register was updated on 31 August 2026, so applicants should check the exact institution, programme, campus and study mode rather than relying only on an institution’s general name. DESP and CESP are tertiary professional diploma routes. A Licenciatura normally comprises 180 to 240 credits over six to eight full-time semesters. A Mestrado normally comprises 90 to 120 credits over three to four semesters and includes at least 30 credits of dissertation, project or internship work. An integrated Mestrado normally comprises 300 to 360 credits over ten to twelve semesters. Doutoramento normally requires a Mestrado, although an applicant with a Licenciatura and a recognised academic or professional curriculum may also qualify under the applicable rules and must complete an original thesis. Non-degree courses do not automatically confer an academic degree; their value depends on evaluation and certification. Admission to a Licenciatura normally requires the 12º ano or an equivalent qualification, sometimes together with an aptitude assessment. Applicants over 25 may use a special aptitude examination, and a DESP in a suitable field can provide access. Each institution sets its selection procedure, quotas, deadlines and possible entrance examination, so admission is not automatic. For example, Uni-CV’s 2026/27 application process was online, allowed up to three preferences and required identification, a NIF tax number, the 12º ano certificate, a transcript and proof of the application fee. The Ministry responsible for higher education and science, MEFPESCI, coordinates policy. DGES handles higher education administration, registration and information on foreign study offers. ARES accredits, evaluates and inspects programmes and handles recognition of foreign degrees and diplomas. An accredited programme must also have DGES registration before it starts, and applicants should distinguish an accredited programme from one marked discontinued or conditional. Study may be presencial or distance-based only when the approved programme permits that mode. During a programme, students complete enrolment and registration, select course units, take examinations and accumulate credits. Depending on the programme, practical training, internships or fieldwork may be required. Institutional rules govern assessment, prerequisites, prescription periods, deadlines and final documents. Students have rights to equality and equal opportunity, including the legally recognised worker-student regime, and must follow the institution’s study and examination rules, meet performance requirements and pay applicable fees. From the 2026/27 academic year, public higher education for a Licenciatura and covered higher professional studies is tuition-free when the cumulative legal conditions are met: the student must be Cabo Verdean or have the applicable equivalent status, attend a public higher education institution and have achieved positive study results in the preceding year. Foreign students may be covered where reciprocity applies. This rule does not automatically cover Mestrado, Doutoramento, private institutions, application charges, other administrative fees, accommodation, transport or living costs. Private tuition must be checked with the institution. FICASE administers scholarships and university residences. The 2025/26 national scholarship scheme provided a non-repayable state contribution of up to 25,000 CVE per month, with at least the monthly tuition amount paid to the institution, for eligible national students and descendants of emigrants. Social need, the Cadastro Social Único and school results affect the weighting, and renewal is annual; the 2025/26 amount does not automatically carry over to 2026/27. External scholarships and places may be published through DGES or MEFPESCI and can be restricted by country, subject or period. FICASE residences prioritise financial need together with distance or transport difficulties. Uni-CV’s 2025/26 fellowship scheme offered 18 internal places with tuition exemption in exchange for an internship, especially from the third year, and did not allow double scholarships. A national diploma has secure legal standing only when the programme was accredited and registered. Graduates receive the relevant Carta de curso, Carta magistral or Carta doutoral and a Supplemento ao Diploma containing information about the institution, qualification, access, duration, level and learning outcomes. Recognition of a foreign degree or diploma is handled by ARES through the ARES-PD procedure and may require the application form, diploma or certificate, transcript, supplement, translation and legalisation. Recognition does not automatically create professional authorisation. The current transition requires care because Decree-Law 16/2026 repealed Decree-Law 22/2012 while the ARES web process still refers to Portaria 32/2021 and Decree-Law 22/2012; applicants should confirm the rule currently applicable before submitting an application. ARES also provides statistics for 2019/20 to 2025/26 by institution, programme, year, gender and graduates.