In recent years, Senegal's higher education system has become one of the most advanced in Africa. Both public and private universities offer open and specialized courses with diplomas recognized in other countries of the world.

Popular universities in Senegal

The University of Sheikh Anta Diop in Dakar (UCAD) is the most famous university in Senegal and offers a wide range of courses. The large campus covers the area of ​​almost an entire district in the center of Dakar with all individual faculty buildings. UCAD, often referred to as the University of Dakar, offers courses in natural sciences, engineering, humanities, finance, medicine, accounting and law. It also provides a large number of study abroad programs and has ties with European and American universities.

University of Gaston Berger (UGB), formerly known as University of Saint-Louis. UGB is located 13 km from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal. The campus has a student dormitory and eight faculty buildings: Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aquaculture and Food Technologies, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Civilizations , Religions, Arts and Communications, Faculty of Education, Training and Sports, Faculty of Medical Sciences.

IAM (African Institute of Management) offers bachelor's and master's degrees as well as advanced courses. Located in Mermoz, in one of the most characteristic and tallest buildings in Dakar, it is particularly famous for its business school. Here, students can take courses in accounting, marketing, human resources management and banking. IAM also offers a language school and an engineering school.

University admission process

Universities and postgraduate institutions have their own entry requirements, so it is best to visit their website to understand what is required to become a student at your chosen institution. However, as a rule, the university administration will ask to provide:

The following documents are required for foreign students entering the university:

• The original of your diploma (certificate) on completion of previous education.

• A handwritten application addressed to the dean of the university indicating the chosen option.

• A certified transcript photocopy of your grades (points) from previous education.

• A certified photocopy of a diploma (certificate) from previous education.

• Certificate of citizenship.

• A cover letter from your embassy or consulate.

Once you have submitted all the relevant documents, the university will determine whether you are suitable for admission. For public universities, the number of international enrollments will be determined by available places on each course.

If your enrollment has been confirmed, you will need to register in person at the Senegalese university of your choice. This step is mandatory and must be completed within the specified time. For example, at UCAD, registration is open from September 1 to October 1, and every student must register every year.

When registering, you pay fees to institutions.

Please note that candidates wishing to study Medicine must be at least 18 years of age and those wishing to study Dentistry or Pharmacy must be at least 22 years of age. Prospective students must also have good grades in mathematics, natural sciences and physical sciences.