Study and find schools in Haiti

Studying in Haiti

Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. The national statistics institute (IHSI) estimates the population at 11,867,032 in 2024, and the capital, Port-au-Prince, is by far the largest city and the centre of higher education. Under the Constitution, Creole and French are the official languages; French is the usual language of university teaching and administration.

Haiti is not a common destination for international degree students, and in 2026 the security situation is the first thing to consider. Both the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign Office advise against all travel to the country. The sections below describe how higher education works, but anyone thinking of studying in Haiti should first read the current official travel advice of their own government.

The education system

Haitian higher education follows the French model. Students reach university after secondary school and the baccalaureate, and universities award licence-level degrees, master's degrees (maîtrise or master) and, at a few institutions, doctorates. Higher education is provided by a public university and a number of private institutions.

• Université d'État d'Haïti (UEH): the public state university, one of the largest in the country. According to the UEH, all its schools recruit through a competitive entrance exam (concours), teaching is free and programmes last four to six years.
• Private universities: institutions such as the Université Quisqueya (UniQ), which set their own admission rules and charge fees.

The academic year is organised in sessions, and each faculty publishes its own calendar and programme structure. University programmes are taught mainly in French, so a good command of French is a practical requirement for degree study.

Admission and recognition

Each institution runs its own admission process. At the Université Quisqueya, applicants first apply online and then submit a file that includes their birth certificate and the secondary-school leaving certificate (Bac II or an equivalent), with the marks from the baccalaureate exams. After paying a non-refundable admission fee, every candidate must sit the faculty's admission exam. Applicants from the US school system must have at least 800 in the SAT or 18 out of 36 in the ACT. Transfers from another university are assessed on the basis of the student's file.

Foreign students should check in advance that their school-leaving certificate is accepted as equivalent to the Haitian baccalaureate, and, before enrolling, how their own country recognises Haitian degrees. Recognition is decided by the authorities of the country where the degree will be used.

Visa and entry

According to the UK government, British citizens do not need a visa to visit Haiti for up to 90 days, but to stay longer, including to study, they must meet the Haitian government's entry requirements. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Spanish citizens need a passport valid for more than six months and pay a tourist entry tax of US$10 on arrival. Rules differ by nationality, so students should confirm the requirements for a study stay with the nearest Haitian embassy or consulate before travelling.

Costs

Costs differ greatly between the public and the private sector. The UEH states that its teaching is free, but places are limited and allocated by competitive exam. Private universities charge admission and tuition fees; the Université Quisqueya, for example, charges a non-refundable admission fee each time a candidate sits its entrance exam. Fee levels are published by each institution and change from session to session. The official currency is the gourde (HTG), but the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the economy is heavily dollarised.

Where to study

Port-au-Prince is the main place to study. The Université Quisqueya, a private non-profit university inaugurated in October 1990, currently has six faculties: economics and administration, engineering and architecture, agriculture and environment, law and political science, education, and health sciences. It also runs a doctoral school and master's programmes, such as its master's in social sciences. Its new campus in Turgeau was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 12 January 2010, and teaching later resumed. Students interested in public higher education can apply to the UEH, also based in the capital.

Safety, health and practical life

In its travel advice, last updated on 13 May 2026, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against travelling to Haiti because of kidnappings, armed violence and frequent shortages of fuel and basic goods. It also advises against public transport. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Haiti because of the volatile security situation. These warnings affect daily life, travel between cities and access to the airport.

Health insurance is essential: the Spanish ministry considers international medical insurance covering the whole stay and repatriation indispensable, and notes that the hospital network is fragile. Haiti has a tropical climate, and the hurricane season runs from June to November, often with heavy rain.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to study in Haiti?

Not at present, according to official advice. Spain strongly advises against travelling to Haiti and the UK advises against all travel there, so check your own government's travel advice before making any plans.

Which language are university courses taught in?

Mainly French. Creole and French are both official languages, but French is the usual language of university teaching.

Is university free in Haiti?

Teaching at the public Université d'État d'Haïti is free, according to the university, but admission is by competitive exam. Private universities such as the Université Quisqueya charge admission and tuition fees.

Do I need a visa to study in Haiti?

Many nationalities can visit without a visa, but a study stay must meet the Haitian government's entry requirements. Ask the Haitian embassy or consulate in your country before you travel.