Universities in Cape Verde ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 9 Universities in Cape Verde

The Republic of Cabo Verde is divided into 22 municipalities (Portuguese: concelhos), located across the Barlavento Islands and Sotavento Islands. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are found in the Praia and São Vicente municipalities. Praia, the capital and largest city, is situated on the island of Santiago and serves as the political and economic center of the country, offering a range of educational opportunities and cultural experiences. São Vicente, known for its vibrant cultural scene and music festivals, is located in the Barlavento Islands and is home to Mindelo, a key port city and a hub for education and tourism. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all municipalities that include at least one Cape Verdean higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Praia (4)  
Santa Catarina (1)  
Sao Vicente (4)  

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Overview of Cape Verde Universities

Cape Verde's higher education system comprises universities and specialized institutes established primarily since the 1990s. Dominated by private institutions (88.9%), the sector features one public university—Universidade de Cabo Verde—founded in 2006 through mergers of existing colleges. Universities concentrate in urban hubs like Praia and Mindelo, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields including business, law, arts and technology. Most institutions are teaching-focused with limited research output, reflecting the archipelago's developing education landscape and bilingual (Portuguese/Crioulo) academic environment.

Top Cape Verde Universities

1. University of Cape Verde (Universidade de Cabo Verde) - Uni-CV | Praia, Praia | Est. 2006 | Public | Comprehensive university offering sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 7,630
2. Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde (Universidade Jean Piaget de Cabo Verde) - UniPiaget | Praia, Praia | Est. 2001 | Private | Multi-disciplinary programs in education, health and technology
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 8,363
3. Mindelo University (Universidade do Mindelo) - UniMindelo | Mindelo, São Vicente | Est. 2002 | Private | Focuses on maritime studies, tourism and management
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 8,947
4. Lusophone University of Cape Verde (Universidade Lusófona de Cabo Verde) - ULCV | Mindelo, São Vicente | Est. 2007 | Private | Specializes in social sciences, communications and arts
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 9,555
5. University of Santiago (Universidade de Santiago) - US | Assomada, Santa Catarina | Est. 2008 | Private | Programs in education, agriculture and community development
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 12,305
6. Higher Institute of Economics and Management (Instituto Superior de Ciências Económicas e Empresariais) - ISCEE | Mindelo, São Vicente | Est. 1991 | Private | Specialized institute for business, finance and management
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 12,733
7. M_EIA University Institute of Art, Technology and Culture (M_EIA Instituto Universitário de Arte, Tecnologia e Cultura) - M_EIA | Mindelo, São Vicente | Est. 2004 | Private | Specialized in creative arts, design and cultural studies
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 13,192
8. Higher Institute of Law and Social Sciences (Instituto Superior de Ciências Jurídicas e Sociais) - ISCJS | Praia, Praia | Est. 2006 | Private | Specialized programs in law, public administration and social work
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 13,292
9. Intercontinental University of Cape Verde (Universidade Intercontinental de Cabo Verde) - UNICA | Praia, Praia | Control: Private | Focuses on business administration and technology
   Country Rank: Not Ranked | World Rank: Not Ranked

Analysis of University Types

Cape Verde has 9 universities total. The sector is overwhelmingly private-dominated with 8 institutions (88.9% of all universities). Public universities constitute just 1 institution (11.1%), reflecting limited government-funded higher education infrastructure. This distribution highlights private investment as the primary driver of tertiary education expansion in the archipelago since the 1990s.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Cape Verde universities currently rank among the world's top 200 institutions (0% of national universities). Similarly, none appear in the global top 1,000 rankings (0%). While institutions like University of Cape Verde (ranked 7,630 worldwide) lead nationally, the data indicates opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and academic visibility to improve global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the oldest university in Cape Verde?
A: The Higher Institute of Economics and Management (ISCEE), established in 1991, is the nation's oldest operating higher education institution.

Q: Are degrees from Cape Verdean universities internationally recognized?
A: Degrees from accredited institutions are recognized regionally and through bilateral agreements, particularly with Portuguese-speaking countries. Always verify specific program accreditation.

Q: What languages are used in Cape Verdean universities?
A: Portuguese is the primary instruction language, with some Crioulo usage. Select programs may offer English-taught courses.

Q: Which city has the most universities?
A: Praia (the capital) hosts 4 institutions, while Mindelo has 4. These two cities concentrate 89% of the nation's universities.

Q: Does Cape Verde have tuition-free public universities?
A: The public University of Cape Verde charges tuition, though at lower rates than private institutions. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

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

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