Gabon is a country on the west coast of Central Africa with the capital city of Libreville. This country is considered one of the richest countries on the African continent.

Education system

The education system of the Republic of Gabon is mostly built based on French education but adapted to the needs of the Gabonese people. Education is a priority for the government and this proves that there will be schools in villages all over the country. The education system in Gabon is managed by two ministries: the Ministry of Education deals with preschool and school education, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovative Technologies manage universities and vocational schools.

Children between the ages of 6 and 16 must receive basic education, which is free. The entire course of education consists of 13 classes. The language of school education is French. Half of the schools in the country, by the way, are supported by the church or they are private.

In general, most children in Gabon attend nursery school, then go to kindergarten, and at the age of 6 enter primary school. The next level is high school, which consists of seven classes. Usually, under this system, children graduate at the age of 19. Those who have completed a full course of study can enter higher education institutions and vocational schools.

Primary education

Children at the age of 6 are enrolled in primary school for 6 years of basic education. Their sixth-form entrance exam results determine the quality of the secondary school they will be sent to later.

Secondary education

There are several different types of secondary schools in Gabon, with general and technical institutions being the most common. Others include private and international schools. Implementation of the state program is designed for 7 years. After 4 years, students write an exam. At the end of the period, they graduate with a bachelor's degree.

Vocational and technical education

The Vocational and continuing education of adults is under the control of the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training. Its main role is to propose strategies that reintegrate citizens into more important sectors of the economy.

Higher Education

Gabon has a variety of higher education institutions, including national colleges and institutes. The two public universities are Masuku University of Science and Technology and Omar Bongo University. The latter was founded in 1978 and is based in Libreville. Its departments include the faculties of management, engineering, forestry, hydraulics, law, literature, management, science, and teacher training.

International schools in Gabon

This includes kindergartens and primary and secondary (senior) schools. In some schools, children study according to American or British programs, while others are governed by the French education system.

Also, international schools can be an ideal solution for foreign students (executives of multinational corporations, children of diplomats, and NGO workers) in Gabon. Locals can also study in these schools, but these institutions, as a rule, are oriented towards an international student contingent. Schools usually follow the UK or French curriculum model. The main teaching can be in any language (and usually several languages are taught), but it is usually English or French. Schools offer the same standards of education around the world.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Often the number of places is limited and preference may be given to students by nationality. Tuition is generally expensive by local standards but offers a high standard.

Visa

If you decide to study in Gabon, you will need a visa. So upon arrival in the country, register your name at the nearest local police station within the first seven days of your arrival in Gabon. Depending on where your classes are held, take your passport and your full address written on a piece of paper to the immigration officer in Libreville. If you are a US, Canadian, or EU citizen, you do not need to register upon arrival in Gabon.

You must apply for a student visa within 30 days of arriving in Gabon to avoid deportation. A student residence visa is renewed annually. If your parents are permanent residents of Gabon, you do not need to obtain a student visa as long as you are still dependent on your parents. Remember that you cannot work while in Gabon on a student visa.

To apply for a visa, you will need the following documents:

• Passport;

• cover letter for a visa;

• a cover letter from the school / higher educational institutions/university, addressed to the Authorized Department of Immigration Control;

• admission letter from school/higher educational institution/university;

• copies of parents' passports

• a cover letter from the school to the immigration department indicating the year of admission and duration of the study.

For a better understanding of all the nuances of visa processing, we advise you to contact a specialist in legal matters.