15 Best Private Universities in Dakar for International Students
There are a lot of great countries and cities that need to be visited and discovered in your lifetime, and one of the main locations that need to be visited for your studies is Dakar, which is one of the cities in Senegal. When visiting Dakar, in addition to developing your skills and academic knowledge, you will become part of a new system and society that will open and enrich your cultural horizons.
Private institutions are a great way to reach your academic goals and get that well-deserved degree. To help you out, check out the list below if you’re looking to study in a private university in Dakar. Each university page provides you with specific details on tuition, admission, language requirements, available courses, and more. So, make sure to check the university pages! Let’s dig in!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graduate School of Business of Dakar | Dakar, Senegal |
| 2 | University of the Atlantic, Senegal | Dakar, Senegal |
| 3 | MIT University Dakar | Dakar, Senegal |
| 4 | Higher School of Electricity, Building and Public Works | Dakar, Senegal |
| 5 | Ensup Afrique | Dakar, Senegal |
| 6 | University of the Sahel | Dakar, Senegal |
| 7 | Central School of Free Software and Telecommunications | Dakar, Senegal |
| 8 | University Institute of Enterprise and Development | Dakar, Senegal |
| 9 | Polytechnic Institute of Dakar | Dakar, Senegal |
| 10 | International Institute of Management | Dakar, Senegal |
| 11 | Dakar Bourguiba University | Dakar, Senegal |
| 12 | Private Institute of Medical Training and Research of Dakar | Dakar, Senegal |
| 13 | Euro-Africa University | Dakar, Senegal |
| 14 | Higher School of Construction | Dakar, Senegal |
| 15 | Higher School of Engineering | Dakar, Senegal |
Private Universities in Dakar
1. Graduate School of Business of Dakar
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.
2. University of the Atlantic, Senegal
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.
3. MIT University Dakar
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.
4. Higher School of Electricity, Building and Public Works
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.
5. Ensup Afrique
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.
6. University of the Sahel
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.
7. Central School of Free Software and Telecommunications
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.
8. University Institute of Enterprise and Development
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.
9. Polytechnic Institute of Dakar
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.
10. International Institute of Management
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.
11. Dakar Bourguiba University
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.
12. Private Institute of Medical Training and Research of Dakar
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.
13. Euro-Africa University
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.
14. Higher School of Construction
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.
15. Higher School of Engineering
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.
As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.
We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they're affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities in Dakar to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.