Colleges & Universities in South Sudan

Universities in South Sudan New

Introduction

What are the most popular Universities and Colleges in South Sudan? uniRank answers this question by publishing the 2025 South Sudanese University Ranking of 12 South Sudanese higher-education institutions meeting the following uniRank selection criteria:

  • being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in South Sudan
  • 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 South Sudanese Universities

2025 University Sub-rankings by States

The Republic of South Sudan is divided into 10 states and 3 administrative areas. The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in Central Equatoria state, which hosts Juba, the largest city and capital. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables consider all states and areas that include at least one South Sudanese higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.


Central Equatoria (4)  
Jonglei (2)  
Lakes (1)  

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Overview of Universities in South Sudan

Overview of South Sudan Universities

South Sudan's higher education system has developed rapidly since independence in 2011, comprising 12 recognized universities nationwide. These institutions primarily fall into two categories: public universities funded by the government and private universities operated by religious or independent organizations. Most universities were established after 2005, with newer institutions concentrated in state capitals outside Juba. The system focuses on undergraduate education with emerging postgraduate programs. Key challenges include infrastructure development and academic resource access, though universities increasingly prioritize agriculture, technology and healthcare fields crucial for national development. All institutions operate as non-profit entities, with public universities dominating the landscape.

Top 10 South Sudan Universities

  1. University of Juba (JU): Established in 1975 as South Sudan's oldest university. Public comprehensive institution in Juba, Central Equatoria. Offers undergraduate/postgraduate programs in sciences, humanities and professional fields. Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 10710.
  2. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology (JGMU): Founded 2006 in Bor, Jonglei. Public science and technology university. Focuses on STEM fields at undergraduate/postgraduate levels. Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 12213.
  3. The Catholic University of South Sudan (CAUSS): Private institution established 2008 in Juba, Central Equatoria. Comprehensive programs emphasizing humanities, theology and social sciences. Undergraduate focus. Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 13042.
  4. Rumbek University of Science and Technology (RUST): Public technical university founded 2010 in Rumbek, Lakes State. Specializes in engineering, agriculture and applied sciences. Undergraduate programs. Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 13221.
  5. Yei Agricultural and Mechanical University (YA&MU): Private specialized institution (2011) in Yei, Central Equatoria. Focuses on agricultural sciences and mechanical engineering at undergraduate level. Unranked globally.
  6. Akobo Heritage and Memorial University (AHMU): Private university in Akobo, Jonglei. Established date unknown. Comprehensive programs with cultural heritage focus. Undergraduate studies. Unranked globally.
  7. St Mary's College (SMUJ): Private institution founded 2009 in Juba, Central Equatoria. Comprehensive undergraduate programs including business and education. Unranked globally.
  8. University of Northern Bahr El-Ghazal (UNBEG): Public university (2011) in Aweil. Comprehensive undergraduate programs serving northern regions. Unranked globally.
  9. University of Western Equatoria (UWE): Public institution (2011) in Yambio. Comprehensive undergraduate education with regional focus. Unranked globally.
  10. University of Torit: Public university in Torit, Eastern Equatoria. Establishment year unknown. Comprehensive undergraduate programs. Unranked globally.

Analysis of University Types

South Sudan has 12 recognized higher education institutions. Public universities dominate the sector with 8 institutions (66.7% of total universities). Private universities comprise 4 institutions (33.3%). Geographically, universities are distributed across all 10 states, with multiple institutions in Central Equatoria (Juba). All public universities operate as non-profit entities, while private universities primarily serve religious or specialized educational missions.

Global Ranking and Standing

No South Sudanese universities currently rank in the global top 200 universities (0% of national institutions). Similarly, none appear in the top 1,000 global rankings (0%). This reflects the nascent stage of the higher education system in the world's youngest nation. Top-ranked institutions like University of Juba (World Rank 10710) and John Garang University (World Rank 12213) represent South Sudan's highest-performing universities internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the oldest university in South Sudan?
The University of Juba, established in 1975, is the nation's oldest higher education institution.

Are there English-taught programs in South Sudanese universities?
Yes, English is the primary language of instruction across all universities in South Sudan.

Which South Sudanese university is best for engineering?
Rumbek University of Science and Technology specializes in engineering and technical programs.

Do South Sudan universities offer postgraduate degrees?
Select universities like University of Juba offer postgraduate programs, though undergraduate degrees dominate nationally.

How many private universities operate in South Sudan?
There are 4 private universities, constituting 33% of the national higher education institutions.

Which city has the most universities?
Juba hosts three universities: University of Juba, Catholic University of South Sudan and St Mary's College.


Related South Sudanese University Lists

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