Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Cabo Verde
CapitalPraia
Population491,233
Area4,033 km² (1,557 sq mi)
LanguagesPortuguese
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo (Esc)
TimezoneUTC-01:00
RegionAfrica / Western Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$11,195 (2024)
Inflation Rate1.1% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$290 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend25.7% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)4.3% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Cabo Verde varies depending on the type of institution and the level of education, with public schools being generally free or subsidized, while private schools and international institutions charge tuition fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)4.3%
Literacy Rate87%
School System12 years of compulsory education
Academic Year10 months
CurrencyCVE

Education System Overview

The education system in Cabo Verde is divided into pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with Portuguese being the primary language of instruction. Public education is generally considered to be of good quality, with a strong emphasis on basic education, while private schools offer a more diverse range of subjects and extracurricular activities. Compulsory education in Cabo Verde lasts for 12 years, from the age of 6 to 18, and is free for all citizens. International schools are also available, primarily in the capital city of Praia, offering a range of curricula, including International Baccalaureate and British systems.

The quality of public education in Cabo Verde is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on basic education, while private schools offer a more diverse range of subjects and extracurricular activities. However, there are some challenges facing the education system, including a shortage of qualified teachers and inadequate infrastructure in some areas. Despite these challenges, Cabo Verde has made significant progress in increasing access to education, with a literacy rate of around 87% and a net enrollment rate of over 90% for primary education.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)High-quality education, but limited resources
Private Primary$200-$500Range of prices depending on the school and location
Public Secondary$0 (free)Good quality education, but some schools may have limited resources
Private Secondary$500-$1,000Range of prices depending on the school and location
International School$2,000-$5,000Offers a range of curricula, including International Baccalaureate and British systems

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$100-$300$500-$1,000Limited programs available for international students
Private University$1,000-$2,000$2,000-$3,000Range of programs available, including business and engineering
Top-Ranked University$1,500-$2,500$3,000-$4,000University of Cabo Verde, offers a range of programs, including law and medicine

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$50-$100Limited availability, especially outside of Praia
Private Tutoring (per hour)$10-$20Available for a range of subjects, including math and languages
Language Course (monthly)$50-$100Available for a range of languages, including Portuguese and English
School Supplies (annual)$50-$100Basic supplies, such as notebooks and pens
School Uniform$20-$50Required for most schools, including public and private institutions

Education Quality & Tips

  • The University of Cabo Verde is the top-ranked university in the country, offering a range of programs, including law and medicine.
  • Scholarships are available for students, including those from low-income families and those pursuing studies in certain fields, such as science and technology.
  • Online learning options are limited, but some universities offer distance learning programs, especially for graduate studies.
  • The education system in Cabo Verde is generally considered to be of good quality, but there are some challenges facing the system, including a shortage of qualified teachers and inadequate infrastructure in some areas.
  • International schools are a good option for expats, offering a range of curricula and a more diverse range of subjects and extracurricular activities.
  • Language courses are available for those who want to learn Portuguese, the primary language of instruction in Cabo Verde.
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