2025 - 2026 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Senegal For International Students
Senegal is surely one of the best places that you can consider if you’re planning to study abroad. The many grand opportunities that await while and after studying also add fuel to the fire. It also helps that besides the most popular schools, the country has more institutions to offer, with 25 in total.
With so many available options, it can be hard to find the best pick according to your budget, course preferences, and other factors. You want to find the institution that is the perfect fit or offers the best value for your money.
To help you out, we have ranked the best-value universities in Senegal. They are known for offering high standards of education while keeping the costs affordable for international students.
25 Best Value Institutions in Senegal for International Students
Here are the 25 best-value institutions in Senegal for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.
1 Cheikh Anta Diop University
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Cheikh Anta Diop University was established in 1957 and is named after Cheikh Anta Diop, a Senegalese historian and politician known for his significant contributions to the study of pre-colonial Africa. Following the ideas and views of its namesake, the university aims to provide high-quality education to everyone regardless of race and cultural background. It is also known for having an active campus community where each individual is well-represented, and all the concerns of stakeholders are heard.
2 Gaston Berger University
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Established in 1990, Gaston Berger University (GBU) is the second university established in Senegal. It is located just outside Saint-Louis. Originally known as the University of Saint-Louis, it was renamed Gaston Berger University, after the popular French-Senegalese philosopher Gaston Berger. GBU is funded by the Senegalese government and is Senegal’s second-largest educational institution.
3 University of Thies
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Established in 2007, the University of Thiès also referred to as Iba Der Thiam University is a public educational institution in Senegal. It is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of Senegal. The University of Thiès aims to contribute to social, cultural, and economic development on a local and international scale, focusing on service, research, and training to the community. The institution offers quality training in STEM fields (technology, mathematics, engineering, and science), and boasts of four research and training units.
4 Thies Polytechnic School
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With over 40 years of experience in training design engineers, Thies Polytechnic School (EPT) offers engineering programs in various fields like Civil Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, and Aeronautical Engineering among others. EPT is committed to offering intense engineering training programs that combine education, innovation, and research. Additionally, with partnerships with numerous International and local institutes, research organizations, and universities, EPT is also involved in industrial development projects.
5 Assane SECK University of Ziguinchor
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Assane SECK University of Ziguinchor, originally known as the University of Ziguinchor was established in 2007, and acknowledged as a public institution in 2008. Initially built as a regional university center, the institution was later expanded to cater to the South region of Senegal. The main goal of Assane SECK University is to promote the South region and create an institution that can incorporate the needs of the South region with its approach.
6 Alioune Diop University of Bambey
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Originally founded as the Regional University College of Bambey in 2007, Alioune Diop University of Bambey was later established as a public university in 2009. It was renamed after Alioune Diop, founder of the magazine Présence Africaine. The university is a member of the Francophone University Agency (AUF). Alioune Diop University of Bambey is committed to decentralizing higher education provision and offering higher education programs relevant to rural areas.
7 Graduate School of Business of Dakar
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Known as the first business school in Senegal, the Graduate School of Business of Dakar is a private educational institution dedicated to producing business leaders and entrepreneurs who will contribute to the development of African society. It strives to provide its students with an interdisciplinary learning experience. By carrying out various projects and initiatives, students gain the essential skills that will help them thrive in the business world.
8 University of Sine Saloum El Hadji Ibrahima Niasse
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The University of Sine Saloum El-Hadji Ibrahima Niasse (USSEIN) was established in 2013 by Senegal’s president of the time, President Macky Sall. It is an agricultural university, committed to training skilled individuals in agriculture and other associated fields like sustainable development, food security, and development of Senegal and the African sub-region. USSEIN aims to cater to the lack of training, employment, and entrepreneurial needs of young graduates by providing opportunities for further specialization, business creation, and employment.
9 Amadou Mahtar Mbow University
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Established in 2012, Amadou Mahtar MBOW University was originally known as the Second Public University in Dakar – UNIDAK 2. The university was then renamed in honor of a leading Senegalese academic and former Director-General of UNESCO, Amadou Mahtar MBOW. The institution is managed by a steering committee that oversees management, finances, and governance. Additionally, an International Scientific and Pedagogical Council was appointed to promote quality research and education and ensure adherence to quality standards.
10 University of the Atlantic, Senegal
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The University of the Atlantic, Senegal, was established in 2011. This private higher education institution is located in Dakar City, the capital and largest city of Senegal. The university offers various programs across several disciplines, including management, political science, and information technology, providing more options for incoming students. It aims to produce graduates who excel in their chosen fields and can effect positive change in their communities.
11 MIT University Dakar
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Established in 2004, MIT University Dakar is a leading private institution offering education in Engineering, Technology, and Management. With the approval of the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training of Senegal, and the Ministries of Higher Education and Research, MIT is dedicated to training graduates to be highly employable and well-versed in the latest technologies. Additionally, MIT’s partnerships with popular Management and ICT firms, allow it to integrate professional certificates into its training plans. Students may select training plans that best align with their academic and career goals.
12 Higher School of Electricity, Building and Public Works
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Higher School of Electricity, Building and Public Works is a leading higher education institute in Dakar, Senegal, offering various engineering programs. Established in 2008, this institution is committed to providing premium-quality education. Known for its strong academic programs, ESEBAT aims to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to the nation’s development. With a focus on innovation and excellence, this institute stands out as a top private institution in Senegal.
13 Ensup Afrique
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Established in 2012, Ensup Afrique is a fairly young higher education institution in Senegal that offers high-quality financial management and administration programs. It is situated in the country’s capital, Dakar City. This pioneer institution engages in partnerships and cooperations with various NGOs and institutions in Africa, France, and the USA. One of its major goals is to become the nation’s leading higher education institution and foster the growth of future Senegalese managers and entrepreneurs.
14 University of the Sahel
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Established in 1998, the University of the Sahel was officially authorized by the state of Senegal in 2000. It is a private educational institution, located in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. The university offers programs in various fields like Public Law, Business and Taxation, and Computer Science among others. Additionally, having adopted the LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) system in 2004, the university aims to conform to other continents, better facilitate the mobility of students and teachers, and improve access to knowledge.
15 Central School of Free Software and Telecommunications
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Established in 2009, Central School of Free Software and Telecommunications is a private higher education institution in Senegal offering high-quality programs in the fields of information technology and telecommunications. It is a duly accredited institution located in the largest city of Senegal, Dakar City. The institution’s main objective is to respond to the industry’s demands by equipping its students with the skills and knowledge needed for them to become leaders in their career paths.
16 University Institute of Enterprise and Development
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University Institute of Enterprise and Development is a private institution for higher education located in Dakar, one of the largest and most diverse cities in the West African region. It has a diverse range of course offerings designed to prepare college students for different industries and to contribute to the nation’s social and economic progress. Strongly dedicated to producing highly qualified professionals, the university carries out different internship programs supervised by academic and industry experts.
17 Polytechnic Institute of Dakar
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Polytechnic Institute of Dakar was established in 1991 as a private higher institution in Senegal. It is located in the nation’s largest city and capital, Dakar. This institution is well known for its engineering, computer science, and management programs. As a coeducational institution duly accredited by the Polytechnic Institute of Dakar, it is committed to fulfilling its social and environmental responsibility in addition to providing academic excellence. It encourages its students to develop innovative solutions to improve Senegal and the region.
18 International Institute of Management
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The International Institute of Management is a private higher education institution based in Dakar City, the capital of Senegal. It is one of the pioneering institutions in the country and is fully accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of Senegal. As a leading institution offering top-quality programs, this institute is recognized for its academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful community and industry partnerships.
19 Dakar Bourguiba University
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Dakar Bourguiba University is a leading private higher education institution in Senegal. It is located in Dakar, the nation’s capital and largest city. Founded in 1995 by Sakhir Thiam, a prominent professor, it has become one of the country’s notable universities. It is a coeducational university that admits local and international students from other countries. With its goal of helping strengthen the nation, the university partners with institutions and industry players in its research undertakings.
20 Kocc Barma University of Saint Louis
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The Kocc Barma University of Saint Louis is a private higher education institution in Saint Louis, Senegal. It is a coeducational university officially accredited by Senegal’s Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Offering courses and programs across several disciplines, this university continues to drive its purpose of delivering high-quality education at an affordable cost. In addition to academic facilities, the university is also equipped with non-academic facilities and services that its students can avail themselves of.
21 Private Institute of Medical Training and Research of Dakar
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The Private Institute of Medical Training and Research of Dakar is a leading institute for health education, training, and research in Senegal. It aims to provide high-level training to future medical practitioners and experts who will meet the health-related demands of the nation. Through various extracurricular activities, students of the university enhance their skills and get exposed to real situations and the needs of communities.
22 Euro-Africa University
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The Euro-Africa University is a private institution situated in Dakar, Senegal. It was established in 2009 and is among the youngest higher education institutions in the country. Dedicated to delivering academic excellence, the university offers a diverse range of courses and programs across various fields. Its faculty comprises esteemed educators ready to nurture and prepare students to become leaders in their chosen careers.
23 Higher School of Construction
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One of the top engineering educational institutions in Senegal is the Higher School of Construction. It was established in 2006 and is located in Senegal’s capital city of Dakar. One major goal of this institution is to train students to become future pioneers in the field of engineering. It is an accredited private higher education establishment by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research of Senegal.
24 Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba University
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Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba University is an esteemed private education institution in Touba, Senegal. Established in 1974, the university is named after Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a significant figure in the history of Islam in the country. That said, the university’s values and principles are based on the teachings of Islam. It aims to become among the leaders in providing academic excellence, not only in the region but also in the world.
25 Higher School of Engineering
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The Higher School of Engineering is a private institution in Dakar City, Senegal that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various engineering fields. As the nation’s leading higher education institution, it frequently partners with academic and industry professionals to develop and continually improve its course offerings. This institution trains its students to become future leaders in technology and engineering.
Education is one of the biggest investments a person can make. Many international students have found their school funds best spent in Senegal, particularly in these best-value universities we have shared above. Thus, it’s a great idea to include them in your list of institutions for studying abroad.