What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Sierra Leone? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Sierra Leonean University Ranking of 7 Sierra Leonean higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:
Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 7 Universities in Sierra Leone
The Republic of Sierra Leone is divided into 4 provinces and 1 Western Area, which are further subdivided into 16 districts. The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Western Area, which hosts Freetown, the capital and largest city. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings take into account all provinces that include at least one Sierra Leonean higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.
Eastern Province (1)
Northern Province (2)
Western Area (4)
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Sierra Leone's higher education system comprises universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The sector features public universities primarily funded by the government and private institutions operated independently. Most universities are comprehensive, though specialized technical and science-focused institutions exist. Established between 1963-2014, these universities concentrate in Freetown and provincial capitals. The Tertiary Education Commission regulates quality standards nationwide, supporting institutions recovering from civil war impacts.
Sierra Leone has 7 universities total. Public institutions dominate with 5 universities (71.4%), while private universities comprise 2 institutions (28.6%). This distribution reflects significant government involvement in tertiary education, though private providers increasingly supplement capacity, particularly in specialized fields.
No Sierra Leone universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 worldwide universities (0% of institutions). This indicates opportunities for enhanced research investment and international collaboration to boost global competitiveness.
Q: What is the oldest university in Sierra Leone?
A: Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, established in 1963.
Q: Are there medical schools in Sierra Leone?
A: Yes, the University of Sierra Leone's College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences offers medical degrees.
Q: Do Sierra Leone universities accept international students?
A: Yes, most universities welcome international applicants with equivalent qualifications.
Q: Which city has the most universities?
A: Freetown hosts 4 institutions: USL, NU, MMCET and FP.
Q: Are there distance learning options?
A: Several universities, including Njala University, offer blended and online programs.
Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Sierra Leonean universities and their online presence.