What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in Senegal? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 Senegalese University Ranking of 28 Senegalese higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:
Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 28 Universities in Senegal
The Republic of Senegal is subdivided into 14 regions (French: régions), which are further divided into 45 departments and 103 arrondissements. The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the smallest region, Dakar, which hosts the capital and largest city of the same name. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all regions that include at least one Senegalese higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.
Dakar (21)
Diourbel (2)
Saint-Louis (2)
Thies (2)
Ziguinchor (1)
Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.
Senegal's higher education system comprises public and private institutions governed by the Ministry of Higher Education. Public universities receive state funding and prioritize research, while private institutions often specialize in professional fields like business and technology. The system includes comprehensive universities offering broad academic programs and specialized schools focused on engineering, business or IT. Degree levels span Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate programs across disciplines including sciences, humanities, engineering and health sciences.
Senegal has 28 accredited universities. Public institutions constitute 8 universities (28.6% of total), while private universities dominate with 20 institutions (71.4%). Regional distribution shows concentration in Dakar (hosting 5 top-10 universities), with key public universities established in regional hubs like Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor and Thiès since 2007.
Senegal has 0 universities ranked in the global top 200 and 0 in the top 1,000 worldwide. While institutions like Université Cheikh Anta Diop (ranked 2,304 globally) lead nationally, the absence from elite global rankings highlights opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration and funding.
What is Senegal's top-ranked university?
Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Dakar holds Senegal's #1 national ranking.
Are public universities in Senegal tuition-free?
Public universities charge nominal registration fees, but tuition is heavily subsidized by the government.
What degrees do Senegalese universities offer?
Programs span Bachelor's (Licence), Master's and Doctorate degrees across most institutions.
Where are most universities located in Senegal?
Dakar hosts the highest concentration, including 5 top-10 institutions, followed by Thiès and regional capitals.
Do Senegalese universities teach in English?
French is the primary language of instruction, though select programs (particularly postgraduate) may offer English options.
Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Senegalese universities and their online presence.