18 Best Universities In Dakar For International Students 2025

Dakar is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Senegal. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 18 universities and colleges in Dakar, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 18 universities in Dakar, Cheikh Anta Diop University and Graduate School of Business of Dakar are the top-performing schools in Dakar. This list covers both public and private institutions in Dakar.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Dakar. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Dakar.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Dakar?

Applying to the universities in Dakar involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Dakar to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

As we cover the best universities in Dakar for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Dakar for International Students

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.