Global graduate students from Africa struggles

Large numbers of postgraduate and international students in a university major requirement for successful evaluation and ranking. African universities, but now 'internationalization and cooperation with foreign institutions through various programs, both for research purposes and international recognition.

South African universities lead other African universities and this can be seen in cooperation between universities in South Africa and those in Europe and America. This is a welcome development. It is internationalization to study other African nationals in South Africa under pressure.

Another major role of internationalization is to create an environment for South African students to learn the cultures of other countries create - especially from African students who come from the nations north of the Southern African Development Community, CADS.

But this internationalization is undermined by excessive international student fees. Non-CADS students struggling to access the postgraduate scholarships despite all kinds of funding - local and international - for postgraduate studies in South Africa.

But without further ado, let me briefly tell you my experience as an international student in one of South Africa's top universities.

My experience

I was in the final stages of an honors program in Nigeria when one of my teachers, who went to South Africa for his PhD, has me an email suggesting that I apply for a master's degree at a South African university. He said there were several postgraduate funding opportunities that could cover my studies.

I graduated with a good result and applied for masters at a leading South African university (which I will not name), with the intention of funding. I was working for an international company in Nigeria, the outcome of my application - and it was positive.

I was very happy, always dreamed of new experiences. But it seems that it is a mirage. I was supposed to start my masters that year, but could not, because I have no money to finance myself, so I deferred admission to the next academic year.

During this period, my prospective department sent all applicants a form to apply for a particular skill that the department is attached. I have a lot of spiritual vigils, fasting and praying, because I found out the application form the exchange is limited to South African students and those of SADC and that it rare for students from other African countries allocated.

It was a bright Monday morning when I received an e-mail saying I am the master accept a second time, and that for me in a competitive position for the exhibition because admission to the program was a prerequisite.

I began preparing myself for the great journey ahead, my mind to make use of the second occasion, on, come what may.

I immediately contacted someone to help with medical and other required documentation in order for the South African High Commission in my country to issue a study permit. My permit application was successful, but not without hassles.

While in the middle of the preparation I received an e-mail on the outcome of the exchange, and almost fainted when I read that I was unsuccessful. But something in me to me.

My former lecturer told me to find my way to South Africa and would have an exchange time there. I have little money I could from friends and family. Upon arrival, I discovered that the lecturer to accommodate more in South Africa for me, and after a stay with his friends for three weeks, I was sent on my way.

I could not register at the University, because I could not pay the fees. I went to the department for help, but nothing came of it. I go back and pray for a miracle.

The scholarships and financial aid office said all available scholarships were for South Africans, but I could apply for a university merit award because of my excellent result. I applied and was lucky to get it in the middle of the year. I immediately to the registration center - I could not wait to finally get a masters student.

Shocking international fees

But I got the shock of my life when I was assigned to an international student pays more than R16, 000 (US $ 2,000), in addition to a tuition of approximately R35,000 (US $ 4,500). I was so stressed that I almost developed psychological problems. I thought of returning to Nigeria because I at no point has anyone told about the exorbitant international student fee.

The international fee is jacked up to R2,500 R16,000 - and it keeps rising every year. In 2012, the international fee to the university, payable by all international students including Africans from outside the SADC, is about R21, 000.

I was incredibly happy to finally receive an international scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, paid my fees - a happy person with many foreign students in South Africa who are struggling to complete their studies.

I finished my masters, but was faced with the problem of funding PhD studies as an international student.

More help is needed for African postgraduates

What is interesting is that large numbers of international graduate students from African countries north of the SADC, but they pay the same rates as students of the rich countries.

What happens to internationalization when African students such high fees to pay on their own continent? Students leaving a European country to another as home students.

It is also interesting to note that some universities discrimination such fees also collected substantial government subsidies based on their numbers of postgraduate students.

Many African students landed on the streets due to the discriminatory policies of some institutions in South Africa, and completely lost. I know a lot of students from Nigeria and other SADC nations had to drop out of the university because of this problem.

I tried, in my capacity as an executive member of an international student association, to discuss it with my university, but the international office and management were dismissive. And most annoying was that kept international fees by more than 10% per year.

I appreciated the bursary awarded to me during my masters, but I was just happy.

I did not write this story to anyone or any institution blame, but to show that international students from non-SADC region of Africa find it really hard to survive, and to argue that they should be made to to pay non-Africans are paid in South African universities.

I believe South African and international funders have scholarships for international increase graduate students and must be non-SADC African students in their funding schemes include - because these students contribute positively to development in South Africa and through their skills, research and publications.

* Adagio Oluwafemi is now a PhD student in a South African university that lower international student fees.