Universities in Benin ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 24 Universities in Benin

The Republic of Benin is divided into 12 departments (French: départements), which are further subdivided into 77 communes. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Littoral department, situated in the southern part of the country. This department hosts Benin's largest city, Cotonou, and is the smallest in terms of area. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all departments that include at least one Beninese higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Atlantique (1)  
Borgou (1)  
Littoral (18)  
Oueme (2)  
Plateau (1)  
Zou (1)  

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Overview of Benin Universities

Benin's higher education system comprises universities, specialized institutes and grandes écoles offering undergraduate to doctoral programs. The landscape is dominated by private institutions (83%), with public universities concentrated in major cities like Abomey-Calavi and Parakou. Established under the Ministry of Higher Education, universities follow the LMD system (License-Master-Doctorate) aligned with European standards. Key characteristics include French as the primary language of instruction, growing STEM programs and increasing vocational training initiatives. Public universities receive state funding while private institutions often specialize in business, technology or religious studies.

Top 10 Benin Universities

1. Original name: Université d'Abomey-Calavi
   English name: University of Abomey-Calavi
   Acronym: UAC
   Rank: #1 in Benin, #6034 globally
   Location: Abomey-Calavi (Atlantique)
   Established: 1970
   Control: Public
   Type: Comprehensive university
   Fields: Sciences, Humanities, Law, Health Sciences
   Levels: Bachelor's to Doctoral
   
2. Original name: Université Protestante de l'Afrique de l'Ouest
   English name: Protestant University of West Africa
   Acronym: UPAO
   Rank: #2 in Benin, #9864 globally
   Location: Porto Novo (Oueme)
   Established: 2003
   Control: Private
   Type: Comprehensive university
   Fields: Theology, Social Sciences, Management
   Levels: Bachelor's to Doctoral
   
3. Original name: Université de Parakou
   English name: University of Parakou
   Acronym: UP
   Rank: #3 in Benin, #10691 globally
   Location: Parakou (Borgou)
   Established: 2001
   Control: Public
   Type: Comprehensive university
   Fields: Medicine, Agriculture, Engineering
   Levels: Bachelor's to Doctoral
   
4. Original name: Université Nationale d'Agriculture
   English name: National University of Agriculture
   Acronym: UNA
   Rank: #4 in Benin, #11397 globally
   Location: Kétou (Plateau)
   Established: 2012
   Control: Public
   Type: Specialized university
   Fields: Agronomy, Food Science, Rural Economics
   Levels: Bachelor's to Master's
   
5. Original name: Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques
   English name: National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics
   Acronym: UNSTIM
   Rank: #5 in Benin, #12569 globally
   Location: Abomey (Zou)
   Established: 2014
   Control: Public
   Type: Specialized university
   Fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics
   Levels: Bachelor's to Master's
   
6. Original name: Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l'Audiovisuel
   English name: Higher Institute of Audiovisual Professions
   Acronym: ISMA
   Rank: #6 in Benin, #12668 globally
   Location: Cotonou (Littoral)
   Established: 2006
   Control: Private
   Type: Specialized institute
   Fields: Film Production, Journalism, Multimedia
   Levels: Vocational Certificates to Bachelor's
   
7. Original name: ISSIC University
   English name: Not available
   Acronym: ISSIC
   Rank: #7 in Benin, #12749 globally
   Location: Cotonou (Littoral)
   Established: 2015
   Control: Private
   Type: Specialized institute
   Fields: Business Administration, Information Technology
   Levels: Bachelor's to Master's
   
8. Original name: Institut Supérieur de Management Adonaï
   English name: Higher Institute of Management Adonai
   Acronym: ISM Adonaï
   Rank: #8 in Benin, #12800 globally
   Location: Cotonou (Littoral)
   Established: 2006
   Control: Private
   Type: Business school
   Fields: Finance, Marketing, Human Resources
   Levels: Bachelor's to MBA
   
9. Original name: Université IRGIB Africa
   English name: IRGIB Africa University
   Acronym: IRGIB
   Rank: #9 in Benin, #12854 globally
   Location: Cotonou (Littoral)
   Established: 2006
   Control: Private
   Type: Technical university
   Fields: Engineering, Quality Management, Logistics
   Levels: Bachelor's to Master's
   
10. Original name: PIGIER Benin
    English name: Not available
    Acronym: Not available
    Rank: #10 in Benin, #12855 globally
    Location: Cotonou (Littoral)
    Established: 1997
    Control: Private
    Type: Vocational institute
    Fields: Secretarial Studies, Accounting, Business Management
    Levels: Vocational Certificates to Diplomas
    

Analysis of University Types

Benin's 24 universities show significant imbalance between public and private sectors:

• Public universities: 4 institutions (17% of total)
• Private universities: 20 institutions (83% of total)

Private institutions dominate Benin's higher education landscape, concentrated primarily in urban centers like Cotonou. Public universities maintain broader research mandates and comprehensive program offerings despite their smaller number.

Global Ranking and Standing

Benin universities show emerging global presence:

• Top 200 universities globally: 0 institutions (Global Top 200 Ranking)
• Top 1,000 universities globally: 0 institutions (0% of Benin's universities)

While no Benin university currently ranks in global top tiers, institutions like University of Abomey-Calavi (#6034 globally) lead regional academic development. Continued investment in research infrastructure may enhance international competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Benin's top-ranked university?
University of Abomey-Calavi consistently ranks as Benin's #1 institution, known for its extensive research output and diverse academic programs.

Are Benin university degrees internationally recognized?
Degrees from accredited public universities are recognized across ECOWAS countries. International recognition varies by institution and program, with public universities generally having broader recognition.

What languages are used in Benin universities?
French is the primary language of instruction. Some private institutions offer English-language programs in business and technology fields.

How many public universities are in Benin?
Benin has 4 public universities located in Abomey-Calavi, Parakou, Kétou and Abomey, focusing on comprehensive education and research.

Which city has the most universities in Benin?
Cotonou hosts 6 of Benin's top 10 universities, making it the country's higher education hub, particularly for private institutions and vocational training.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Beninese universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Benin
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Beninese post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Benin
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• Beninese Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Beninese town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Benin
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• Top Private Universities in Benin
  Find out about Beninese private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Benin
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• Top For-Profit Universities in Benin
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• Top Beninese Universities on Twitter
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• Top Beninese Universities on Instagram
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• Top Beninese Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Benin with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.