Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 66 Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is divided into 25 provinces and an autonomous city, Kinshasa, which serves as the nation’s capital. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are concentrated in Kinshasa, the largest city located in the western part of the country. As a key educational and cultural hub, Kinshasa plays a significant role in the higher education landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all provinces that include at least one Congolese higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Haut-Katanga (3)  
Haut-Lomami (2)  
Haut-Uele (1)  
Ituri (3)  
Kasai-Central (2)  
Kasai-Occidental (1)  
Kasai-Oriental (2)  
Katanga (2)  
Kinshasa (14)  
Kongo Central (4)  
Kwango (1)  
Kwilu (2)  
Lomami (3)  
Maniema (2)  
Mongala (1)  
North Kivu (10)  
Sankuru (4)  
South Kivu (4)  
Tanganyika (1)  
Tshopo (1)  

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Overview of Democratic Republic of Congo Universities

The Democratic Republic of Congo higher education system comprises universities providing undergraduate and graduate programs. Institutions are categorized as public (state-funded) or private (religious/independent). Key characteristics include French as the primary language of instruction, concentration of universities in major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi and non-profit governance models. Most universities offer comprehensive programs across humanities, sciences and professional fields, though specialized institutions exist in pedagogy and theology.

Top 10 Democratic Republic of Congo Universities

1. Université Adventiste de Goma (Goma Adventist University) - UAGO. Country Rank: 1, World Rank: 8252. Located in Goma, North Kivu. Established 2000 (Private). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
2. Université Officielle de Bukavu (Official University of Bukavu) - UOB. Country Rank: 2, World Rank: 8353. Located in Bukavu, South Kivu. Established 2010 (Public). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
3. Université de Kikwit (University of Kikwit) - UNIKIK. Country Rank: 3, World Rank: 8530. Located in Kikwit, Kwilu. Established 1992 (Public). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
4. Université Pedagogique Nationale (National Pedagogy University) - UPN. Country Rank: 4, World Rank: 8746. Located in Kinshasa, Kinshasa. Established 1961 (Public). Not reported research status. Specialized university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
5. Université Protestante de Lubumbashi (Protestant University of Lubumbashi) - UPL. Country Rank: 4, World Rank: 8746. Located in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga. Established 2002 (Private). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
6. Université de Kolwezi (University of Kolwezi) - UNIKOL. Country Rank: 6, World Rank: 8946. Located in Kolwezi, Katanga. Established 2010 (Public). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
7. Université de Kinshasa (University of Kinshasa) - UNIKIN. Country Rank: 7, World Rank: 9158. Located in Kinshasa, Kinshasa. Established 1954 (Public). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
8. Université Saint Augustin de Kinshasa (Saint Augustin University of Kinshasa) - USAKIN. Country Rank: 8, World Rank: 9256. Located in Kinshasa, Kinshasa. Established 1981 (Private). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
9. Université de Lubumbashi (University of Lubumbashi) - UNILU. Country Rank: 9, World Rank: 10403. Located in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga. Established 1955 (Public). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.
10. Université Catholique du Congo (Catholic University of Congo) - UCC. Country Rank: 10, World Rank: 10951. Located in Kinshasa, Kinshasa. Established 1957 (Private). Not reported research status. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Not reported. Levels: Not reported.

Analysis of University Types

The Democratic Republic of Congo has 66 universities. Public institutions dominate at 56% (37 universities), while private universities comprise 35% (23 institutions). The remaining 6 universities (9%) have unreported control types. This distribution reflects significant government involvement in higher education alongside growing private and religious-sector participation.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Democratic Republic of Congo universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of national institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide universities (0%). These metrics indicate opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and academic infrastructure development to boost global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many universities exist in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
A: The country has 66 recognized universities, with 37 public and 23 private institutions.

Q: Which is the highest-ranked university in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
A: Université Adventiste de Goma currently holds the top national position (Country Rank #1).

Q: Are there English-taught programs in Congolese universities?
A: French is the primary language of instruction, though some private universities may offer English courses.

Q: What is the oldest university in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
A: Université de Kinshasa (est. 1954) is among the nation's oldest higher education institutions.

Q: Do Congolese universities appear in global rankings?
A: Currently, no universities from the DRC rank within the world's top 1,000 institutions.

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

• Oldest Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Congolese (DRC) post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  Search for Congolese (DRC) higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Congolese (DRC) Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Congolese (DRC) town or city.
• Top Public Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  Discover Congolese (DRC) public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  Find out about Congolese (DRC) private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  Explore Congolese (DRC) not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
  Look for Congolese (DRC) for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Congolese (DRC) Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Congolese (DRC) Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Congolese (DRC) Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Congolese (DRC) Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.