Universities in Libya ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 45 Universities in Libya

The State of Libya is divided into 22 districts (Arabic: shabiyat). Four of these districts host the majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all districts that include at least one Libyan higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Al Wahat (2)  
Bani Walid (1)  
Benghazi (8)  
Butnan (1)  
Elmergib (1)  
Jabal al Akhdar (2)  
Jabal al Gharbi (1)  
Jufra (1)  
Misrata (2)  
Murzuq (1)  
Nalut (2)  
Sabha (1)  
Sirte (2)  
Tripoli (16)  
Tripolitania (4)  

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Overview of Libya Universities

Libya's higher education system comprises 45 universities concentrated in major urban centers like Tripoli and Benghazi. The sector is dominated by public institutions (53.3%), established primarily between the 1950s-1980s, alongside a growing private sector (46.7%). Universities follow a traditional Arabic-English bilingual curriculum with programs spanning undergraduate to doctoral levels. Academic governance falls under the Ministry of Higher Education, with most institutions offering conventional campus-based education rather than distance learning. Recent decades have seen expansion into regional cities to improve access, though infrastructure challenges persist.

Top 10 Libya Universities

1. University of Tripoli (جامعة طرابلس, UoT) – Established 1957. Public institution in Tripoli, Tripoli Province. Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 7730. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
2. University of Benghazi (جامعة بنغازي, UoB) – Established 1955. Public institution in Benghazi, Benghazi Province. Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 8155. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
3. Sebha University (جامعة سبها, SU) – Established 1983. Public institution in Sabha, Sabha Province. Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 8694. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
4. Misurata University (جامعة مصراتة, MisurataU) – Established 1984. Public institution in Misrata, Misrata Province. Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 9471. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
5. Tobruk University (جامعة طبرق) – Established 2016. Public institution in Tobruk, Butnan Province. Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 9580. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
6. Libyan International University (الجامعة الليبية الدولية, LIMU) – Established 2007. Private institution in Benghazi, Benghazi Province. Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 9606. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
7. Omar Al-Mukhtar University (جامعة عمر المختار, OMU) – Established 1961. Public institution in Bayda, Jabal al Akhdar Province. Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 9837. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
8. Alasmarya Islamic University (الجامعة الأسمرية الإسلامية) – Established 1995. Public institution in Zliten, Misrata Province. Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 9848. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
9. Sirte University (جامعة سرت, SU) – Established 1991. Public institution in Sirte, Sirte Province. Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 9898. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.
10. University of Zawia (جامعة الزاوية) – Established 1988. Public institution in Zawiya, Tripolitania Province. Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 10489. Research status: Not available. University type: Not available. Fields of study: Not available. Levels: Not available.

Analysis of University Types

Libya's 45 universities divide between public (24 institutions, 53.3%) and private (21 institutions, 46.7%). This near-balanced distribution reflects significant private sector growth since the 1990s, complementing traditional state-funded universities. Public institutions dominate the top rankings, holding 9 of the top 10 positions, while private universities like the Libyan International University (#6) increasingly compete in major cities.

Global Ranking and Standing

Currently, no Libyan universities rank within the global top 200 (0% of national institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide universities (0%). This indicates significant opportunities for international collaboration and research investment to enhance global competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities are in Libya?
Libya has 45 recognized universities, with 24 public and 21 private institutions.

What is Libya's #1 ranked university?
The University of Tripoli holds Libya's top position (Country Rank #1), established in 1957.

Are Libyan degrees internationally recognized?
Degrees from accredited Libyan universities are generally recognized regionally, though global recognition varies by institution and program.

Which Libyan city has the most universities?
Tripoli and Benghazi host the highest concentration of universities, including top-ranked institutions.

Does Libya have private universities?
Yes, 21 private universities operate in Libya (46.7% of total institutions), primarily established after 1990.

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

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