Colleges & Universities in Cameroon

Universities in Cameroon New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Cameroon? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Cameroonian University Ranking of 16 Cameroonian higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Cameroon
  • offering at least three-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees
  • delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format

2025 Ranking of Cameroonian Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Regions

The Republic of Cameroon is divided into 10 regions (French: régions). The Centre and Northwest regions host the majority of higher education institutions in the country. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all regions that include at least one Cameroonian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Adamawa Region (1)  
Centre Region (6)  
Far North Region (1)  
Littoral Region (1)  
Northwest Region (4)  
Southwest Region (1)  
West Region (2)  

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Overview of Universities in Cameroon

Overview of Cameroon Universities

Cameroon's higher education system comprises public and private institutions regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education. The landscape features 16 accredited universities, evenly split between public and private control. Public universities are state-funded with subsidized tuition, while private institutions include religious and secular establishments. Universities offer comprehensive programs across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels through French, English or bilingual instruction. Key academic strengths include medicine, engineering, agriculture and social sciences. The system follows the Bachelor-Master-Doctorate (LMD) structure aligned with international standards.

Top 10 Cameroon Universities

  1. University of Buea (Université de Buéa) - UB. Country Rank: #1 | World Rank: #7044. Located in Buéa, Southwest Region. Established 1992. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Arts, Sciences, Health, Technology. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  2. University of Dschang (Université de Dschang) - UDS. Country Rank: #2 | World Rank: #7459. Located in Dschang, West Region. Established 1993. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Agriculture, Economics, Medicine, Engineering. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  3. Catholic Institute of Yaounde (Institut Catholique de Yaoundé) - ICY. Country Rank: #3 | World Rank: #9101. Located in Yaoundé, Centre Region. Established 1989. Private, non-profit specialized university. Fields: Theology, Social Sciences, Philosophy. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  4. University of Douala (Université de Douala) - UDla. Country Rank: #4 | World Rank: #9407. Located in Douala, Littoral Region. Established 1977. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Business, Industrial Engineering, Health Sciences. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  5. University of Ngaoundéré (Université de Ngaoundéré) - UN. Country Rank: #5 | World Rank: #9741. Located in Ngaoundéré, Adamawa Region. Established 1982. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Veterinary Medicine, Earth Sciences, Literature. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  6. University of Yaounde II (Université de Yaoundé II) - UYII. Country Rank: #6 | World Rank: #10025. Located in Soa, Centre Region. Established 1962. Public, non-profit specialized university. Fields: Economics, Law, Political Science. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  7. University of Yaounde I (Université de Yaoundé I) - UYI. Country Rank: #7 | World Rank: #10107. Located in Yaoundé, Centre Region. Established 1962. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Medicine, Science, Arts, Education. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  8. University of Bamenda (Université de Bamenda) - UBa. Country Rank: #8 | World Rank: #10224. Located in Bamenda, Northwest Region. Established 2011. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Education, Agriculture, Technology. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  9. University of Maroua (Université de Maroua). Country Rank: #9 | World Rank: #10229. Located in Maroua, Far North Region. Established 2008. Public, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Arts, Science, Mining. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.
  10. University of the Mountains (Université des Montagnes) - UdM. Country Rank: #10 | World Rank: #12091. Located in Bangangté, West Region. Established 2000. Private, non-profit comprehensive university. Fields: Medicine, Pharmacy, Business. Levels: Bachelor's to PhD.

Analysis of University Types

Cameroon hosts 16 accredited universities with an equal distribution between public and private institutions:

  • Total universities: 16
  • Public universities: 8 (50% of total)
  • Private universities: 8 (50% of total)

Geographically, universities are distributed across all regions, with concentration in Yaoundé (Centre Region) and Douala (Littoral Region). Public universities typically have larger enrollments while private institutions often specialize in specific disciplines.

Global Ranking and Standing

While Cameroon universities serve critical national education needs, their global recognition is developing:

  • Top 200 universities globally: 0 (0% of Cameroon institutions)
  • Top 1,000 universities globally: 0 (0% of Cameroon institutions)

All ranked Cameroonian universities fall outside the top 7000 worldwide according to current data. The highest-ranked institution, University of Buea, holds position #7044 in global rankings. This indicates opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and academic investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities are in Cameroon?
Cameroon has 16 accredited universities, equally split between public and private institutions.

What is Cameroon's top-ranked university?
University of Buea ranks as Cameroon's #1 university according to current national rankings.

Are there English-language universities in Cameroon?
Yes, University of Buea is primarily English-speaking, while others like University of Yaoundé I offer bilingual programs. Most universities operate in French.

What are the oldest universities in Cameroon?
University of Yaoundé I (1962) and University of Yaoundé II (1962) are the oldest, followed by University of Douala (1977).

Do Cameroon universities offer medical programs?
Yes, medical schools exist at Universities of Yaoundé I, Douala, Bamenda and specialized health programs at University of Mountains.

How affordable are Cameroon universities?
Public universities charge approximately $500/year for undergraduates. Private institutions range from $1,000-$3,000/year.


Related Cameroonian University Lists

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