Students who are interested in studying in Mauritania will find reasonable information that will help them to navigate this country. From the official language to other languages routinely spoken throughout the country, to what to expect for a month-to-month rent living situation.
We will even cover what universities are currently open to the public and private institutions that are still open. There are a few universities that some students will find within their internet search that have closed in Mauritania. But we have the currently open universities list below.
Along with living costs, we have provided an annual tuition cost section that will detail a bit about what a student can expect to spend in tuition per academic year. There is an average cost along with a maximum amount that can be expected with more needed resources topics such as medical.
We always suggest that within the student’s study search, or where to study and at what university to look through each university website and utilize the contact information to gain more insight.
Universities in Mauritania:
- University of Nouakchott
- Lebanese International University (Mauritania)
- Ecole Supérieure Polytechniques Nouakchott
- Institut National de Recherches en Sante Publique
- College des Garçons
- College of Science and Technology (Mauritania)
The list above are all the available universities in the country.
Cost of Tuition
Mauritania is a developing country with a relatively small higher education system, and the cost of college tuition can vary depending on the university and the program of study.
Public universities in Mauritania generally have lower tuition fees than private universities. For example, the University of Nouakchott Al-Aasriya, the largest university in the country, charges around 200,000-300,000 MRO (around 550-830 USD) per year for undergraduate programs for both Mauritanian and international students. Private universities in Mauritania can charge higher fees, with some programs costing up to 1,000 USD per year.
It’s important to note that the quality of higher education in Mauritania can vary, and international students may face language barriers if they do not speak Arabic or French. Additionally, there are limited scholarship opportunities available for international students in Mauritania.
Cost of Living in Mauritania
Housing in Mauritania is generally affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment in the capital city of Nouakchott costing around 150-300 USD per month. Food and drink prices are also relatively cheap, with a basic meal at a local restaurant costing around 3-5 USD, while a bottle of water costs around 0.30 USD.
Transportation costs in Mauritania are also affordable, with a single bus or taxi ride in Nouakchott costing around 0.50-1 USD. However, public transportation outside of the capital city can be limited.
Main Languages Spoken in Mauritania
The official language of Mauritania is Arabic, and it is the language of administration, education, and media. However, there are several other languages spoken in the country due to its diverse ethnic makeup.
Pulaar, also known as Fulani or Peul, is widely spoken in southern Mauritania and is the mother tongue of the Fulani people. Wolof, a language spoken in many West African countries, is also spoken in Mauritania, particularly in the capital city of Nouakchott and along the coast. Soninke, Bambara, and Hassaniya Arabic are also spoken by significant populations in the country.
French is the second official language of Mauritania and is used in government, business, and education. Many Mauritanians also speak some English, particularly those involved in tourism and international trade.
