Colleges & Universities in Senegal

Universities in Senegal New

Introduction

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:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Senegal
  • 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 Senegalese Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by Regions

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)  

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Overview of Universities in Senegal

Overview of Senegal Universities

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.

Top 10 Senegal Universities

  1. Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Cheikh Anta Diop University) - UCAD in Dakar, Dakar. Founded in 1918. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in sciences, medicine, humanities. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  2. Université Gaston Berger (University Gaston Berger) - UGB in Saint-Louis, Saint-Louis. Founded in 1990. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in arts, sciences, technology. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  3. Université Assane SECK de Ziguinchor (Assane SECK University of Ziguinchor) - UASZ in Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor. Founded in 2007. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in law, economics, sciences. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  4. Université de Thiès (University of Thies) - UT in Thiès, Thies. Founded in 2007. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in engineering, health sciences, education. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  5. Université Alioune Diop de Bambey (Alioune Diop University of Bambey) - UADB in Bambey, Diourbel. Founded in 2007. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in agriculture, technology, education. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  6. École Supérieure de Commerce de Dakar (Graduate School of Business of Dakar) - SUPDECO in Dakar, Dakar. Founded in 1993. Private teaching-focused institution. Specialized in business and management. Offers Bachelor's, Master's.
  7. Université Sine-Saloum El Hadji Ibrahima Niasse (University of Sine-Saloum) - USSEIN in Dakar, Dakar. Founded in 2013. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in agriculture, social sciences. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  8. École polytechnique de Thiès (Thiès Polytechnic School) - EPT in Thiès, Thies. Founded in 1973. Public research university. Specialized in engineering and applied sciences. Offers Bachelor's, Master's.
  9. Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow (Amadou Mahtar Mbow University) - UAM in Dakar, Dakar. Founded in 2012. Public research university. Comprehensive programs in humanities, social sciences. Offers Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate.
  10. École Centrale des Logiciels Libres et des Télécommunications (Central School of Free Software and Telecommunications) - EC2LT in Dakar, Dakar. Founded in 2009. Private teaching-focused institution. Specialized in IT and telecommunications. Offers Bachelor's, Master's.

Analysis of University Types

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.

Global Ranking and Standing

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.


Related Senegalese University Lists

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