Mauritania sends 9 students to Algeria for medical studies
The move contradicts a 2024 policy to halt overseas scholarships for high school graduates.
Mauritania's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has sent nine high school graduates to Algeria to study general medicine. This is part of a 50-place medical contingent for the 2026-2027 academic year. The decision raises questions about a government policy announced in August 2024 to stop scholarships abroad for baccalaureate holders.
A document obtained by Sahara Media shows the list includes nine students for general medicine and 41 for specialized medical studies, with a total of 241 students being sent abroad. Sidi Mohamed Ahmed, interim director of orientation, scholarships, and international cooperation, signed the document. The National Commission for Orientation and Scholarships announced in September 2024 the suspension of state-funded scholarships abroad for baccalaureate holders, limiting them to master's and doctoral levels.
The ministry has not revealed the selection criteria or mechanisms for the 50 students going to Algeria for medical studies. The commission stated the new policy aims to strengthen national sovereignty at the undergraduate level and redirect funds to master's and doctoral scholarships and university infrastructure. A supplementary list is expected to fill the remaining 350 available places.
Why it mattersNine Mauritanian high school graduates are sent to Algeria to study general medicine, contradicting a recent government policy.