Universities in Somalia ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 52 Universities in Somalia

The Federal Republic of Somalia is divided into 18 administrative regions (Somali: gobollo). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the Banaadir region, which hosts Mogadishu, the capital and largest city of Somalia. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables take into account all regions that include at least one Somali higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Banaadir (32)  
Bari (4)  
Bay (1)  
Hiran (1)  
Lower Juba (1)  
Nugal (1)  
Puntland (1)  
Sanaag (1)  
Somaliland (2)  
Sool (1)  
Togdheer (1)  
Woqooyi Galbeed (4)  

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Overview of Somalia Universities

Somalia's higher education system has experienced significant growth since the 1990s, with universities primarily concentrated in urban centers like Mogadishu and Hargeisa. The sector is characterized by a strong presence of private institutions alongside revitalized public universities. Most universities offer comprehensive programs across disciplines including business, medicine, law and education, with teaching delivered in Somali, Arabic and English. The system focuses on undergraduate education, with limited postgraduate opportunities. Academic calendars typically follow semester systems and institutions face challenges related to infrastructure development and international accreditation.

Top 10 Somalia Universities

1. SIMAD University (Jaamacadda SIMAD) (SU) in Mogadishu, Banaadir ranks #1 nationally and #9861 globally. Founded in 1999, this private nonprofit institution offers comprehensive programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across multiple disciplines.
2. Mogadishu University (Jaamacadda Muqdisho) (MU) in Mogadishu, Banaadir holds CountryRank #2 and WorldRank #9883. Established in 1997, this private nonprofit comprehensive university provides diverse academic programs.
3. University of Hargeisa (Jaamacada Hargeysa) (UoH) in Hargeisa, Woqooyi Galbeed ranks #3 nationally (#10376 globally). Founded in 2000, this private institution delivers comprehensive education in multiple fields.
4. Puntland State University (Jaamacadda Puntland State University) (PSU) in Garoowe, Nugal is CountryRank #4 (#10672 globally). Established in 2004, this public nonprofit comprehensive university serves northeastern Somalia.
5. Amoud University (Jaamacadda Camuud) (AU) in Borama, Somaliland ranks #5 nationally (#11209 globally). Founded in 1998, this public nonprofit comprehensive institution offers diverse academic programs.
6. University of Burao (Jaamacada Burco) (UB) in Burao, Togdheer holds CountryRank #6 (#11244 globally). Established in 2004, this public comprehensive university serves the Togdheer region.
7. Benadir University (Jaamacadda Banaadir) (BU) in Mogadishu, Banaadir ranks #7 nationally (#11609 globally). Founded in 2002, this private nonprofit comprehensive institution offers medical and general programs.
8. Somali National University (Jaamacada Ummada Soomaaliyeed) (SNU) in Mogadishu, Banaadir holds CountryRank #8 (#11790 globally). Reestablished from the historic 1971 institution, this public nonprofit comprehensive university is undergoing revitalization.
9. Indian Ocean University (Jaamacada Badweynta Hindiya) (IOU) in Mogadishu, Banaadir ranks #9 nationally (#11880 globally). Founded in 1993, this private nonprofit comprehensive institution serves the capital region.
10. Horseed International University (Jaamacadda Caalamiga ah ee Horseed) (HIU) in Mogadishu, Banaadir holds CountryRank #10 (#12012 globally). Established in 2010, this private nonprofit comprehensive university focuses on multiple academic disciplines.

Analysis of University Types

Somalia's 52 universities show a predominance of private institutions, which constitute 82.7% (43 universities) of the higher education landscape. Public universities represent 17.3% (9 institutions) of the total. This distribution reflects the significant role of private investment in rebuilding higher education after state collapse, with public institutions gradually reemerging since the 2000s. Geographically, Mogadishu hosts the highest concentration of universities (including 6 of the top 10), while regional capitals like Hargeisa, Garowe and Burao anchor higher education in their respective territories.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Somali universities currently rank in the global top 200 (0% of institutions), they also remain absent from the top 1,000 worldwide (0% representation). This indicates ongoing challenges in international competitiveness and research output. Somali universities face development barriers including limited research funding, infrastructure constraints and academic isolation. However, recent partnerships with international universities and growing digital learning initiatives show potential for future ranking improvements as the higher education sector continues its post-conflict reconstruction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Somalia's top-ranked university?
A: SIMAD University in Mogadishu holds Somalia's #1 national position according to uniRank.

Q: Are there public universities in Somalia?
A: Yes, 9 public universities operate nationally, including Puntland State University and Somali National University.

Q: What languages are used in Somali universities?
A: Instruction commonly uses Somali, Arabic and English depending on the program and institution.

Q: Which city has the most universities?
A: Mogadishu hosts the highest concentration, including 6 of Somalia's top 10 institutions.

Q: Do Somali universities offer postgraduate programs?
A: Limited master's programs exist, but PhD opportunities remain scarce with most institutions focusing on undergraduate education.

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

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