Thrive in Dakar

French and English Language Business, Social Science, and STEM Studies in Senegal's Coastal Capital. Starting at $12,500!

Overview Academics Support Housing Options In Dakar, Senegal Culture Dates & Fees Application

Application

Dakar Awaits! Your time to discover an exceptional experience in Senegal is now. A team is ready to assist you from interest to departure and everything in between. Have questions about the application process? Schedule a zoom, send an email or find us on campus, we are here to help you.

Apply Now

Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Application Process

APA has been confident in welcoming semester long students to Dakar since Fall 2021 and summer students since 2018. APA works with all students and institutions to ensure the smoothest application process possible.

  • Complete the application form on the Apply webpage.
  • After, you will be prompted to log in to the portal to complete the remaining components you can:
    • Schedule a conversation via Zoom or phone to talk about your goals.
    • Request contact information for an alum to hear about their experiences.
    • Peruse our social media accounts for photos and videos of students partaking in the program.

Apply

Complete the application form on the Apply webpage. After, you will be prompted to log in to the portal to complete the remaining components:

  • Personal Statement
  • Transcript
  • University Approval
  • 1 recommendation letters from a French professor (if taking classes in the French only track)

Once we’ve received your application, you’ll be contacted for a Zoom or Teams informal interview.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester 2026 and Academic Year 2026-27 Early Bird Admissions: February 15, 2026 (apply and submit your deposit by this date to receive a $300 reduction in program fees)
  • Fall Semester 2026 and Academic Year 2026-27: we must receive all of your documents by April 30, 2026
  • Spring Semester 2026 Early Bird Admissions: August 15, 2025 (apply and submit your deposit by this date to receive a $300 reduction in program fees)
  • Spring Semester 2026: we must receive all of your documents by October 15, 2025.

Applications received after the deadline will be considered according to space and availability.

Any Questions?

Lindsay Turlan leads our US operations and is the go-to person for all aspects of the application process, including billing, pre-departure preparation, and university liaising. If you have any questions, get in contact with the APA office!

Eligibility

The ideal APA student is bright, motivated, and internationally minded, with a desire to engage in cross-cultural exchange and fully experience Senegalese life.

We know that several factors play into a student’s ability to learn a second (or third, or fourth!) language, so the number of semesters of college-level French should be seen as a guideline—not a strict requirement.

Students may choose to take courses in English across a wide range of fields, while also benefiting from language immersion, French language acquisition, or individualized support depending on their goals and comfort level. This structure allows you to grow linguistically at your own pace, while staying academically on track.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at usa@apaparis.com—we’re happy to help you explore how the program can be tailored to your needs.

Dakar Program

  • 3.0 GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, or Senior university standing or higher
  • B1 French language level and up, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) [approximately 3 – 4 semesters of French or equivalent]
    • Do you find yourself in between language levels? The Intermediate French class in the Paris: August Short-Term program has been intentionally crafted to prepare students for a semester program with APA. Bundle these programs for maximum language proficiency!Students with no French, or who do not meet the B1 language level may be accepted: there is the possibility to take courses in English (management or economics track), and/or to take an intermediate French course.
  • Beginner French speakers looking to complete the program in English are excellent candidates.
    • APA Dakar offers the possibility to take courses in English (in multiple tracks), and/or to take an intermediate French course to gain skills.
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