Mogadishu Mogadishu

University Rankings in Somalia

Published by edu On May 12, 2025

Here’s a detailed overview of university rankings in Somalia, including recognized institutions, challenges in global rankings, and alternative quality indicators:

 

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 Somalia’s Higher Education Landscape

  1. Key Universities (2024):

– SIMAD University (Mogadishu) – Leading in business/IT, partnerships with Turkish universities.

– Mogadishu University – Strong in Sharia/Law, accredited by AU.

– University of Hargeisa – Top in STEM, diaspora-funded.

– Benadir University – Known for medicine (teaching hospital attached).

– Plasma University – Focused on tech/engineering (new but growing).

 

  1. Global Ranking Reality:

– No Somali universities currently rank in:

– QS World Rankings

– Times Higher Education

– ARWU (Shanghai Rankings)

– Primary reasons:

– Lack of research output/publications.

– Limited international faculty/student exchange.

– Infrastructure constraints (labs, libraries).

 

  1. 3. Regional Recognition:

– IGAD lists 3 Somali universities among East Africa’s “emerging institutions”.

– Association of African Universities (AAU): Mogadishu University is an associate member.

 

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 Alternative Quality Indicators

Instead of global rankings, consider:

  1. Local Accreditation:

– National Commission for Higher Education recognizes 32 institutions.

– Top accredited: SIMAD, Jamhuriya, Gollis.

 

  1. Employer Surveys:

– 2023 Somali Chamber of Commerce report ranked graduates by employability:

  1. SIMAD (Business/IT)
  2. University of Hargeisa (Engineering)
  3. Mogadishu University (Law)

 

  1. Diaspora Engagement:

– Universities with diaspora partnerships (e.g., Abaarso Tech → US colleges) show higher graduate success.

 

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 Top 5 Universities by Discipline (2024)

| Field       | Leading University       | Notable Program          |

|—————–|—————————–|—————————–|

| Medicine        | Benadir University          | MBBS (Teaching Hospital)    |

| Computer Science| Plasma University           | AI/Data Science Labs        |

| Islamic Studies | Mogadishu University        | Sharia Law (Arabic-medium)  |

| Business        | SIMAD University            | MBA with Turkish partnership|

| Engineering     | University of Hargeisa      | Civil Engineering           |

 

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 Challenges in Ranking

  1. Research Gap: <5 international journal publications/year (avg. per university).
  2. Funding: Heavy reliance on student fees (no government research grants).
  3. Brain Drain: Top graduates often leave for MENA/Europe.

 

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 Future Prospects

– 2025 Goal: 3 universities targeting QS Arab Region Rankings (SIMAD leading this effort).

– EU Support: Erasmus+ partnerships being negotiated for staff exchange.

– Digital Shift: Plasma University’s new e-learning platform may boost accessibility metrics.

 

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Recommendation:  

For Somali students, prioritize program accreditation and industry partnerships over global ranks. For example:

– Medicine: Benadir’s hospital ties > theoretical rankings.

– Engineering: Hargeisa’s Chinese-built labs offer practical edge.

 

Would you like specific comparisons with neighboring countries (Kenya, Ethiopia) or guidance on applying to these universities?

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