After A Levels: university, professional school or private institute – how to choose?

After the GCE A Level or the baccalauréat, there are three main routes in Cameroon: faculties at state universities, public professional schools (admission by competitive exam) and private higher education institutions (IPES). Each has its strengths.

Faculties at state universities

• Admission: registration with your certificate, sometimes after a file review.
• Cost: the lowest tuition fees.
• Things to consider: crowded lecture halls, you need to be self-motivated.
• Best for: independent students aiming for a bachelor’s and master’s, and possibly a competitive exam later.

Public professional schools

• Admission: competitive entrance exam with a limited number of places.
• Strengths: close supervision, internships, alumni networks; some programmes lead to a civil service position (teacher training colleges, for example), under the conditions set for each exam.
• Best for: students who prepare seriously, often sitting several exams.

Private institutes (IPES)

• Admission: on application, sometimes with a test.
• Cost: higher tuition, which varies from one institution to another.
• Key point: check that the institution and the programme are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and which state university awards the degrees (academic supervision).

Questions to ask yourself

1. Which job or sector am I aiming for, and which programme leads there?
2. What budget can my family set aside for the whole course?
3. Is the degree recognised, and can I continue (master’s, competitive exams)?
4. Where is the institution, and where will I live?
5. What do former students go on to do?

Compare institutions in our directory, follow the competitive exams and browse internships and first jobs to see what employers are looking for.