16 Best Public Universities in Phnom Penh for International Students
Phnom Penh is one of the cities in Cambodia you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Phnom Penh can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 36 universities you can find in Phnom Penh, and 16 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Phnom Penh a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Phnom Penh, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal University of Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 2 | Institute of Technology of Cambodia | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 3 | University of Health Sciences – Cambodia | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 4 | Royal University of Agriculture | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 5 | Royal University of Fine Arts | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 6 | Royal University of Law and Economics | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 7 | National University of Management | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 8 | University of Economics and Finance | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 9 | National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 10 | Royal School of Administration | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 11 | Royal Academy of Cambodia | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 12 | Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 13 | National Institute of Education | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 14 | Human Resources University | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 15 | National Institute of Business | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| 16 | Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
Public Universities in Phnom Penh
1. Royal University of Phnom Penh
The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is arguably one of the best higher education universities in Cambodia. But, before it became one of the country’s best, it has undergone several reformations, such as improving the educational structure, building modern facilities and advanced technologies, and developing cutting-edge programs. Today, RUPP is responsible for providing a capable workforce who are in charge of reshaping the country’s socio-economic development.
2. Institute of Technology of Cambodia
With more than 50 years in the academic industry, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) is a leader in delivering cutting-edge education in engineering and technology. ITC has tremendously put in the efforts to develop quality programs that will produce competent human resources. Presently, it partners and has agreements with outstanding international universities and institutes to help improve the school’s educational system, as well as develop future-oriented programs.
3. University of Health Sciences – Cambodia
Universite des Sciences de la Sante, which translates into the University of Health Sciences, is a public university in Cambodia that offers degrees in health sciences. The school has one of the best facilities used in training future medical practitioners in various fields. It also has some of the most respected medical personnel in the country as lecturers, and other academic staff.Â
4. Royal University of Agriculture
As Cambodia’s first administrative public institution, the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, in terms of knowledge dissemination.
RUA aspires to progressively develop its educational and research quality according to international standards. While also aiming to contribute to the development of Cambodia’s agricultural sector in a sustainable manner.
5. Royal University of Fine Arts
Royal University of Fine Arts is a public university established in 1917 and among Cambodia’s most prestigious institutions. The university is dedicated to preserving, advancing, and promoting Cambodia’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. It aims to nurture talented individuals and promote contemporary arts and science innovation.
6. Royal University of Law and Economics
The Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) is among the earliest higher educational institutes in Cambodia. It was first established as the National Institute of Law, Politics, and Economics and later gained its university status in 2003.
RULE aims to become an internationally renowned institute for high-quality education, innovation, research, and publication. It has therefore set itself to equip its students with competent knowledge, abilities, skills, social responsibility, and professional ethics.
7. National University of Management
The National University of Management is a public university established in 1983. The University aims to provide its students with the best quality education and research facilities to create competent and socially responsible human resources. The University has well-experienced faculty members, a strong network of industry partnerships and modern facilities for research and innovation.
8. University of Economics and Finance
Economics and Finance Institute, also known as the University of Economics and Finance, was established in 2009. The University encourages research and offers opportunities to students to improve their problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical thinking skills. It also prepares students to excel in economic research, banking, finance, and policy-making careers. The practical application of theoretical education enables students to understand economic principles and financial practices better.
9. National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia
As one of Cambodia’s reputable institutions, the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia serves as a gateway to improve the quality of life of the people of Cambodia. The institute’s commitment to providing human resources who can quickly adapt to the new advancements and demands of the various industries has earned praise from the public and private sectors. Although still relatively new in the academic industry, it has already gained quite a reputation for producing competent individuals. It has and continues to find ways to provide an advanced and top-notch education that can meet the demands of the future.
10. Royal School of Administration
Royal School of Administration (Ecole Royale d’Administration) serves as an institute for training young individuals with the necessary skills needed to contribute to the administrative framework of the Government of Cambodia and other organizations. The school imbibes discipline, creativity, and competence that enable students become officials who are intentional and deeply interested in achieving the mission of public service.
11. Royal Academy of Cambodia
Despite being established in the 1960s, the Royal Academy of Cambodia was unable to begin operations until 1999 due to the war in Cambodia. At present, the institute is now renowned for its research and training and offers higher education programs at several levels with an increased emphasis on social sciences programs.
12. Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture
Prek Leap National Agricultural Institute first began providing agricultural education in 1951. It faced closure during the civil war and reopened in 1984. Located in Phnom Penh, the institute’s vision is to become a leading provider of agricultural education in Cambodia. Prek Leap provides training in different agriculture-related fields through a variety of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
13. National Institute of Education
The National Institute of Education (NIE) was established to train professional teachers who promote excellence and professionalism in the country’s educational sector. This institution is also dedicated to providing equitable and inclusive academic programs that meet international professional standards. So, teachers who pass through this school can be equipped with soft and hard skills, good attitudes, and emotional intelligence.
14. Human Resources University
The National Institute of Education seeks to train and promote the professional status of its students. This prestigious institute provides efficient services, infrastructure, academic resources, and curricula that has ensured its students’ growth and made them worthy of employment in their various fields. NIE is also committed to contributing to the nation’s economic development and the labour market.
15. National Institute of Business
The National Institute of Business was established to provide quality entrepreneur education and training in accounting and finance, business administration, international business administration, and other related fields. This institution which is accredited by the International Standard Organization and the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia has shown a deep commitment to training quality human resources that meet the needs of foreign and domestic labour markets.
16. Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University
Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University is a leading Buddhist institute of higher education in Cambodia that has been engaged in the training of Buddhist students, with a focus on Buddhism, philosophy, and language. Established in 1954 in Phnom Penh, it was closed during the political strife in the country in 1975. The institute was eventually restored and reorganized over the years into a university, expanding to offer graduate programs and opening two new branches in Kampong Cham and Battambang.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Phnom Penh?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Phnom Penh can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Phnom Penh charge up to 2,257,800 KHR for bachelor’s and 13,390,000 KHR for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Phnom Penh. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.