Colleges & Universities in the Dominican Republic

Universities in the Dominican Republic New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in the Dominican Republic? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Dominican University Ranking of 42 Dominican higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

2025 Ranking of Dominican Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Provinces

The Dominican Republic is divided into 31 provinces (Spanish: provincias), which are further subdivided into municipalities (Spanish: municipios). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Distrito Nacional, situated in the southern part of the country and home to the capital and largest city, Santo Domingo. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings take into account all provinces that include at least one Dominican higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Azua (1)  
Barahona (1)  
Distrito Nacional (27)  
Duarte (1)  
La Altagracia (1)  
La Vega (2)  
Monsenor Nouel (1)  
San Cristobal (1)  
San Pedro de Macoris (1)  
Sanchez Ramirez (1)  
Santiago (3)  
Santo Domingo (2)  

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Overview of Universities in the Dominican Republic

Overview of Dominican Republic Universities

The Dominican Republic higher education system features diverse institutions concentrated primarily in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Spanish serves as the primary language of instruction, with English increasingly used in international programs. The sector is characterized by strong private sector participation (48% of institutions) alongside historic public universities. Most universities offer comprehensive programs, though specialized technological and pedagogical institutes are prominent. Key features include growing international partnerships, emphasis on business and technology fields and accreditation supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT).

Top 10 Dominican Republic Universities

  1. Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (Autonomous University of Santo Domingo) - UASD. Country Rank: 1, World Rank: 995. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1538 (Public). Non-Profit. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Diverse disciplines. Levels: Undergraduate to doctorate.
  2. Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (Santiago University of Technology) - UTESA. Country Rank: 2, World Rank: 1914. Located in Santiago, Santiago. Established 1974 (Private). Not reported. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Technology-focused. Levels: Undergraduate to graduate.
  3. Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra) - PUCMM. Country Rank: 3, World Rank: 3139. Located in Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago. Established 1962 (Private). Not reported. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Liberal arts to engineering. Levels: Bachelor's to doctoral.
  4. Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Institute of Technology) - INTEC. Country Rank: 4, World Rank: 3382. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1972 (Private). Non-Profit. Specialized institute. Fields of study: STEM and business. Levels: Undergraduate to master's.
  5. Universidad Iberoamericana (Ibero-American University) - UNIBE. Country Rank: 5, World Rank: 4326. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1982 (Not reported). Not reported. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Health sciences and business. Levels: Bachelor's to doctorate.
  6. Universidad del Caribe (University of Caribe) - UNICARIBE. Country Rank: 6, World Rank: 4353. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1995 (Private). Non-Profit. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Tourism and communications. Levels: Undergraduate to master's.
  7. Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña (Salomé Ureña Higher Institute of Teacher Education) - ISFODOSU. Country Rank: 7, World Rank: 4912. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1880 (Not reported). Not reported. Specialized institute. Fields of study: Education. Levels: Undergraduate to graduate.
  8. Instituto Tecnológico de Las Américas (Technological Institute of the Americas) - ITLA. Country Rank: 8, World Rank: 5271. Located in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo. Established 2000 (Not reported). Not reported. Specialized institute. Fields of study: IT and engineering. Levels: Technical to undergraduate.
  9. Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University) - UNPHU. Country Rank: 9, World Rank: 5466. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1966 (Private). Non-Profit. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Architecture to health sciences. Levels: Undergraduate to doctorate.
  10. Universidad APEC (APEC University) - UNAPEC. Country Rank: 10, World Rank: 5535. Located in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional. Established 1965 (Private). Non-Profit. Comprehensive university. Fields of study: Business and economics. Levels: Bachelor's to master's.

Analysis of University Types

The Dominican Republic has 42 higher education institutions. Public universities represent 5% (2 institutions), while private institutions dominate at 48% (20 universities). The remaining 47% (20 institutions) have unreported control types. This distribution highlights the significant role of private and specialized institutions in the country's educational landscape.

Global Ranking and Standing

No Dominican Republic universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of national institutions). However, one university (2.4%) ranks within the top 1,000 worldwide, reflecting emerging global recognition for top Dominican Republic universities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many universities are in the Dominican Republic?
A: The country has 42 recognized higher education institutions, including universities and specialized institutes.

Q: What is the oldest university in the Dominican Republic?
A: Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (est. 1538) holds the distinction as the oldest university in the Americas.

Q: Are Dominican Republic degrees internationally recognized?
A: Degrees from accredited institutions are recognized regionally, with growing international acceptance through exchange programs.

Q: What percentage of universities are private in the Dominican Republic?
A: Approximately 48% of higher education institutions are private, serving most of the student population.

Q: Which Dominican university has the highest global ranking?
A: Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo holds the highest global position (World Rank #995) among Dominican institutions.


Related Dominican University Lists

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