University education in Somalia is steadily expanding despite significant challenges.
In 2022, around 25,230 students graduated from 69 universities in 14 cities.
Of these graduates, about 9,196 (≈36.5%) were female and 16,034 (≈63.5%) were male.
In 2021, roughly 20,250 students graduated from universities in 12 cities. Among them, 7,812 (≈38.6%) were female, while 12,438 (≈61.4%) were male.
This steady growth shows increasing demand for university education in Somalia.
University Education in Somalia: Popular Fields of Study
The most popular programs among Somali university students in 2022 included:
- Computer Science, IT, and BIT (≈3,136 students, 12.4%)
- Nursing & Midwifery (≈2,945 students, 11.6%)
- Public Administration (≈2,672 students, 10.5%)
- Business Administration (≈1,966 students, 7.7%)
By contrast, Aviation, Statistics & Planning, Social Science, and Marine & Maritime studies accounted for less than 0.3% of graduates.
Where Somali Students Study
Mogadishu produces the largest number of graduates — about 18,047 students in 2022, roughly 71.5% of the national total.
Bosaso ranks second with approximately 3,560 graduates (14.1%).
In smaller towns, the numbers are much lower; for example, Las’anod recorded only eight graduates in 2022.
The Somali National University also saw a record number of applicants in 2024, with nearly 4,000 students taking its entrance exam — a sign of growing interest in higher education.
Gender Disparities
Although female enrolment is improving, women are still underrepresented in higher education.
In 2020, just over 30% of university graduates were women.
Cultural norms, early marriage, financial limitations, and limited access in rural areas remain major obstacles.
Read also: Education in Somalia – Important Facts to Know in 2025
Literacy and Pre-University Trends
Somalia’s broader education indicators reveal the challenges feeding into tertiary education:
- Adult literacy rate stands at about 37.8% overall (around 49.7% for males and 25.8% for females).
- Only about 4% of eligible students reach tertiary education.
- Secondary school enrolment is roughly 8%, with even lower completion rates.
University Education in Somalia: Challenges and Emerging Trends
- Gender gap: While improving, women remain the minority in university classrooms.
- Urban vs. rural divide: Most institutions are concentrated in large cities, leaving rural and nomadic students with limited access.
- Field imbalance: Health and social fields attract more female graduates, while STEM fields remain male-dominated.
- Growing demand: Record numbers sitting for entrance exams show youth are eager to continue their education.
How to Boost Students Enrollment in Somali Universities?
To boost university access and outcomes in Somalia, the country needs to:
- Expand university infrastructure in underrepresented regions.
- Provide more scholarships and targeted support for female and rural students.
- Strengthen secondary education to improve university readiness.
- Improve funding and quality, especially for STEM and technical disciplines.
