Colleges & Universities in Sierra Leone

Universities in Sierra Leone New

Introduction

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:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Sierra Leone
  • 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 Sierra Leonean Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Provinces

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)  

Country Featured Universities

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Overview of Universities in Sierra Leone

Overview of Sierra Leone Universities

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.

Top Sierra Leone Universities

  1. University of Sierra Leone (USL) - Founded 2005. Public comprehensive university in Freetown, Western Area. Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 9856. Offers diverse fields including law, medicine and social sciences. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
  2. Njala University (NU) - Established 1964. Public comprehensive university in Freetown, Western Area. Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 10197. Specializes in agriculture, environmental sciences and education. Undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  3. University of Makeni (UNIMAK) - Founded 2005. Private comprehensive university in Makeni, Northern Province. Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 10737. Features theology, business and development studies. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
  4. Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) - Established 2014. Public specialized university in Magburaka, Northern Province. Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 12557. Focuses on engineering, technology and applied sciences. Undergraduate programs.
  5. Eastern Technical University (ETU-SL) - Founded 2001. Public specialized university in Kenema, Eastern Province. Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 12795. Technical programs in engineering, ICT and vocational studies. Undergraduate programs.
  6. Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) - Established 1963. Private specialized institution in Freetown, Western Area. Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 12967. Teacher training, technical education and vocational programs. Undergraduate diplomas and degrees.
  7. Freetown Polytechnic (FP) - Founded 1964. Public specialized institution in Freetown, Western Area. Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 13409. Technical fields including engineering, construction and applied sciences. Undergraduate diplomas.

Analysis of University Types

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.

Global Ranking and Standing

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.


Related Sierra Leonean University Lists

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.


Feedback / Error Report

© uniRank since 2005