Study abroad
Study in Somalia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Somalia
Thinking about studying in Somalia? The country is in the Horn of Africa, with higher education centred on cities such as Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Kismayo. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in agriculture, maritime trade and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant. Many courses are taught in Somali and Arabic, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Before planning a move, read your government's current travel advice for Somalia and ask institutions how they support international students.
Why study in Somalia?
Students choose Somalia for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in the Horn of Africa. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Agriculture, maritime trade and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Maritime & Shipping and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Kismayo each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Somalia means everyday contact with Somali and Arabic and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Somalia
Students heading to Somalia often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Maritime & Shipping
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Transport & Logistics
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
Links to agriculture, maritime trade and healthcare mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Somalia on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Somalia
- Daaru Salaam University (DSU)Mogadishu, SomaliaBased in Mogadishu, Somalia. Listed in the THE World University Rankings 2026 data (not ranked).Explore University
- Frontier University GaroweGarowe, SomaliaBased in Garowe, Somalia. About 11% of students are international (THE 2026 data).Explore University
Scholarships to Study in Somalia
Scholarships for studying in Somalia are offered by different kinds of organisations, each with its own rules and deadlines.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Somalia
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Somalia
Academic calendars in Somalia differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Somalia
Before you commit to a course in Somalia, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Somalia
Whether you need a visa to study in Somalia depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Somalia in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Somalia
Day-to-day costs in Somalia are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Mogadishu can differ noticeably from those in Hargeisa or Kismayo and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Somalia
Is Somalia a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Somalia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in the Horn of Africa and study in Somali and Arabic (with some English-taught options). Students interested in agriculture, maritime trade and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Somalia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Maritime & Shipping, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Transport & Logistics. The subjects page for Somalia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Somalia?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Somalia?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Somalia?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Somalia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Somalia?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Somalia?
Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Kismayo are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Somalia?
Many courses are taught in Somali and Arabic. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.