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Best Universities In Sierra Leone | Ranking

Are you a Sierra Leone citizen and wish to study at any of the Best Universities in Sierra Leone? Well, this article is written to aid you in making the right choice. So, you will find a comprehensive list of the best Universities in Sierra Leone alongside what programs they offer.

According to the Africa.com, about eighteen ethnic groups inhabit Sierra Leone, each with its language and customs. Also, Sierra Leone has the largest natural harbor in the world. In addition, the country has a solid journalistic tradition and was a journalism center for Africa in the 1860s.

Equally, Sierra Leone has excellent universities that stand out in research-based study. Students here come out outstanding in major fields of study, like management.

For this reason, we will make it easier for you to know the best universities in Sierra Leone. But before we go into that, there are essential facts you need to know about studying in Sierra Leone, such as the cost of study, admission requirements, etc.

You can take a brief look at the table of contents below; it highlights all the significant issues discussed in details in this article.

Table of contents

What You Need To Know About Sierra Leone

According to Wikipedia, Sierra Leone is located in West Africa and borders Liberia to the southeast, Guinea to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. Its area is 71,740 km².

Though a former British colony, Sierra Leone is now a constitutional republic. Currently, the population is estimated at 7,838,523 million inhabitants.

The capital of the country is Freetown, which is the economic center and the largest city. Also, Kenema, Koidu Town, Makeni, and Bo are other important cities.

Above all, the country has rich natural resources and diverse ethnic groups. And there are three provinces in Sierra Leone, which north, south, and east. Though there is an additional area which is the west area.

Krio is the language spoken in Sierra Leone, and it came from English languages and a variety of other African languages. This is officially the mother tongue of the Creoles and the country’s lingua franca.

In addition to what you need to know before studying in Sierra Leone, you must be aware that about two-thirds of the population are Muslims, while about one-quarter are Christians. Less than a tenth of the population practices a variety of traditional religions.

However, this number does not include the many Sierra Leoneans who practice traditional religions in tandem with their Muslim or Christian denominations. Other religions – including Bahāʾī, Hinduism, and Judaism – are practiced by small percentages of the population.

Hence, it will pay you well if you choose now to study in any of the universities in Sierra Leone whether as international students or not.

You Can Also Check Out This Top 10 Scholarships for Sierra Leone Students to Study Abroad

How Many Universities Are in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone is undoubtedly one of the most affordable places for higher education in Africa. The education system is of great value. So, if you ask how many universities are in Sierra Leone, you will get to see a full list of them.

Basically, in Sierra Leone, there are both public and privates universities, indeed the public with fewer annual fees. Generally, there are 3 public universities and 3 privates universities in Sierra Leone, which comprises 3 universities and 3 polytechnics.

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What are the Private Universities in Sierra Leone?

Here is a list of the private universities in Sierra Leone:

  • University of Makeni
  • Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

You Can Also Check Out This Fulbright Scholarships for Sierra Leone Students

What are the Public Universities in Sierra Leone?

If your choice is to study in public universities in Sierra Leone, there are great advantages to that. Indeed you have better chances of studying almost free, as a result of the Government’s free education policy and scholarships.

So, here is a list of the public universities in Sierra Leone with their locations:

  • Njala University
  • University of Sierra Leone
  • Eastern Polytechnic
  • Northern Polytechnic
  • Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology

What are the Admission Requirements for Universities in Sierra Leone?

The application process for a university in Sierra Leone is generally not complicated. Most universities have established an online application format, in which applicants must simply register, complete the application form and download copies of the requested documents.

So here is the requirement for the different level of study in Sierra Leone:

For Bachelor’s Level Studies:

One of the following certificates must be submitted with your application:

  • West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE). Your WASSCE results must include five (5) subjects or more: three (3) core subjects (English, Maths or Science and a humanities subject or a social science subject), and two (2) elective subjects.
  • Senior School Certificate (SSCE). Your SSCE results must include five (5) subjects or more, including English.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE). Your GCE results must include five (5) subjects or more, of which at least two (2) must be at the advanced level.

All upper secondary school results must be issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

You are required to submit the officially issued certificate. Print-outs from online verification are never accepted. Suppose you have not yet received your official certificate. In that case, you may, in exceptional cases send Result slips/Statements of results/Notifications of Results along with your scratch card details (see below).

In addition to a copy of your certificate, you are also required to submit a scratch card. Alternatively, you can send your serial number and PIN on paper. You may also submit the scratch card using the contact form. 

For Master’s Level Studies:

A Bachelor’s degree meets the general criteria.

To document your eligibility, please submit your diploma and transcripts (for all years, including the National Diploma/Higher National Diploma if accounted for in the bachelor’s degree).

How Much Does it Cost To Study in Sierra Leone?

According to local media reports, the Government will be sponsoring education, and it will move from 11% to 20%. Most importantly, this support comes from international partners, including the World Bank, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom.

Hence, if you are curious about how much it will cost to study in Sierra Leone, this is a great advantage. Because the cost to study in Sierra Leone is relatively minimal compared to other African countries.

The cost to study for an undergraduate degree in Sierra Leone ranges from 2,500,000 – 5,500,000 LE per annum.

Most Importantly, there are several means of studying in Sierra Leone at a low cost, so you can study in the country by applying for scholarships meant for Sierra Leone students.

You can also apply for other Africa Scholarships beneficial to Sierra Leone students.

What are the Best Ranking Universities in Sierra Leone?

Indeed, it is helpful if you are in a college or university that stands out in all areas of study and makes the admission process easy. There are a good number of schools in Sierra Leone, but knowing the best is what matters.

To help you find one, we have compiled a list of the top and best Universities in Sierra Leone. And we will be starting a full detail of our 2024 ranking criteria.

Ranking Methodology

We will consider several factors in selecting the Best Universities in Sierra Leone for International Students. They include:

Number of Programs: We consider these as one crucial criterion for ranking the best universities in Sierra Leone for international students. Because some of these schools can have a good number of programs they offer.

Accreditation: This criterion is very important because a school can be cheap yet not have quality. So, we consider the accreditation and certification body for each of these schools before ranking them. Whether they fall in the category of regional or national accreditation.

Acceptance Rate: This is one aspect that is considered necessary because of the lower the acceptance rate, the better the school.

Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency to graduate their students. Some can get enrolled but get stuck at the end. Also, we put into consideration whether school graduates are employable by great institutions. These factors are equally very much important.

This is Grand; check Out This Commonwealth Scholarships for Sierra Leone Students

List of 6 Best Universities in Sierra Leone 2024 Ranking

We have compiled a list of the best Universities in Sierra Leone, and we will start with full detail of our 2024 ranking criteria.

We understand that choosing the right university can be exciting and challenging. The options available to you here are endless. Take the time to explore and discover why each of these schools is the first choice, even for International students, and perhaps the best option for you.

So, here is a list of the Best and Accredited Universities in Sierra Leone:

  • #1. Njala University
  • #2. University of Makeni
  • #3. University of Sierra Leone
  • #4. Milton Margai College of Education and Technology
  • #5. Eastern Polytechnic
  • #6. Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology
  • #7. Northern Polytechnic

#1. Njala University

Address: Bo, Sierra Leone

Njala University, a comprehensive rural public research university in Sierra Leone. Above all, the University commits to providing the highest standards of excellence in higher education in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Also, it is known for fostering intellectual and personal development, stimulating research, and providing meaningful services for humanity.

Officially, the University operates on two campuses, the Njala campus, the main campus, and the Bo campus in Bo. They both offer undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs.

Njala University (NU) offers courses and programs that lead to officially recognized higher education degrees in various fields of study.

Firstly, the Njala campus is located about 125 miles east of Freetown in a generally flat landscape on the banks of the Taia River, at the Kori headquarters of the Moyamba district, in southern Sierra Leone.

While, the Bo campus is located on the outskirts of Bo, in the towns of Towama and Kowama.

In addition to these campuses, specific programs are offered at the University’s facilities at 17 Henry Street in Freetown.

Above all, the University of Njala houses 6 institutes and 6 centers dedicated to research in agriculture, home sciences, health and medicine, and many more.

Hence, International applicants are eligible to request admission in this school.

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#2. University of Makeni

Address: Lunsar-Makeni Highway, Makeni, Sierra Leone

The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) is a private university in the northern province of Sierra Leone that was accredited in 2009.

UNIMAK places “social development” at the center of everything it does. For this reason, UNIMAK has made great efforts to develop academic programs rooted in the daily reality of contemporary Africa.

Currently, approximately 1,500 students, 147 full-time teachers, 30 part-time teachers, and 31 guests make up the UNIMAK family. Also, the University of Makeni has 17 Departments and 4 Institutes.

At its Fatima campus in Makeni, UNIMAK offers undergraduate and graduate university programs and a series of courses that lead to a certificate and diploma.

Also, the departments of law, public health, and information technology are located on the Yoni campus, with separate but equal student services, six kilometers from Makeni.

In addition to having approximately twenty-five tutoring rooms, four conference rooms, two computer labs and a specialized legal library. Equally, the University has a main library of one hundred places with more than 25,000 books and periodicals. There are also more than 40 computers for free use by students with full Internet services.

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#3. University of Sierra Leone

Address: A.J Momoh Street Tower Hill

Higher education in Sierra Leone was restructured in 2005 by the University Act of 2005, which provides for creating private universities. In law, the University of Sierra Leone has been reconstituted to include Fourah Bay College (FBC), the Institute of Public Administration and Administration (IPAM), and the Allied College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMAHS).

Most importantly, the University of Sierra Leone (USL) offers courses and programs that lead to higher education degrees. Such as pre-baccalaureate degrees (certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation diplomas), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates in several fields of study.

Specifically, the University of Sierra Leone has three campuses:

Firstly, Fourah Bay College, the oldest constituent college in the university, was created on February 18, 1827, and includes four faculties.

Secondly, the Institute of Administration and Public Administration (IPAM) was created on November 5, 1980. It includes two faculties; the Faculty of Administration Sciences comprises four departments.

Finally, the College of Medicine and Related Health Sciences (COMAHS), the first medical school in Sierra Leone, was founded on April 12, 1988, by the government of Sierra Leone with the Nigerian government and the World Health Organization. It has four faculties: basic medical sciences, clinical sciences, nursing sciences, and pharmaceutical sciences.

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#4. Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

Address: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Established in 1963, Milton Margai College of Education and Technology is a private institution of higher education located in the medium-sized city of Freetown in the western region.

The Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) began as a teacher training department (TTD) at Fourah Bay College, Mount Aureol. Before that, the name changed, and the new university was called Milton Margai Teachers College (MMTC) in honor of the prime minister of Sierra Leone, Mr. Milton Margai.

Established by a Law of Parliament in 2001, the university became a polytechnic institute and was later renamed Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET). The institution has three campuses: Brookfields, Congo Cross, and Goderich.

Officially accredited by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) offers courses and programs ranging from professional certificate. As a result it leads to officially recognized higher education degrees in various fields of study.

In general, this University has 9 faculties

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#5. Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology

Address: Magburaka Kono Highway, Magburaka, Sierra Leone

The Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) includes the following universities:

  • Magburaka University College (which incorporates the Technical Institute of Government “GTI”), Magburaka
  • Makeni University College (which incorporates the Teko Veterinary Institute);
  • University of Port Loko

The Islamic College of Magburaka (ICM) was created with the initial support of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to provide training in Arab and Islamic studies.

In the same manner, the Port Loko Teachers College (PLTC) was created in 1966 by the Teacher Colleges Act. It was initially intended exclusively for teacher training at the elementary and lower secondary levels.

Above all, the Polytechnic Act of 2001 improved the PLTC to the state of the polytechnic school and other universities in the country.

Finally, Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. 

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#6. Eastern Polytechnic

Address: Kenema, Sierra, Leone, Sierra Leone

The Eastern Polytechnic was created on October 1, 2001, following the 2001 Polytechnic Act. This law gave Eastern Polytechnic its legal existence and began its activities by merging two foreground learning centers in the eastern region of Sierra Leone:

Bunumbu Teachers College (Bu.T.C.) and
The Government Technical Institute (T.I.K.) in Kenema.

Officially, the Eastern Polytechnic has four faculties and two schools with 17-degree programs. For this reason, Eastern Polytechnic now offers training courses for teachers, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, business administrators, merchants, technicians, and mechanics.

At Eastern Polytechnic, they believe that everyone, everywhere, should be able to study. Whether you are limited by location, cost, life commitments, or time, they are passionate about giving you access to a higher education that suits your hectic and modern life.

Above all, they offer access to certificates, diplomas, degrees, and master’s programs online and remotely and inflexible study modes on campus. Equally, they are proud to provide a non-standard ticket, which means they will consider your previous work experience and qualifications.

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Now You Know The School To Study, Check Out These Chevening Scholarships for Sierra Leonean Students

Universities in Sierra Leone FAQs

What are the best and most accredited universities in Sierra Leone?

Here is a list of the Best and Accredited Universities in Sierra Leone:

#1. Njala University
#2. University of Makeni
#3. University of Sierra Leone
#4. Milton Margai College of Education and Technology
#5. Eastern Polytechnic
#6. Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology

How many universities are in Sierra Leone?

There are 3 public and 3 private universities in Sierra Leone, comprising 3 universities and 3 polytechnics.

How much does an undergraduate degree in Sierra Leone cost?

The cost to study for an undergraduate degree in Sierra Leone ranges from 2,500,000 – 5,500,000 LE per annum.

What are the public universities in Sierra Leone?

Here is a list of the public universities in Sierra Leone:

1. Njala University
2. University of Sierra Leone
3. Eastern Polytechnic
4. Northern Polytechnic
5. Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology

What are the private universities in Sierra Leone?

Here is a list of the private universities in Sierra Leone with their locations:

1. University of Makeni
2. Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

In Conclusion

Indeed, if you want to study in Sierra Leone, you need to know which of its universities is right for you.

Hence, choosing, where to study in Sierra Leone is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

References

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