Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso • Founded 1965 • World Rank #4935
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1974, the Université Ouaga I Joseph Ki-Zerbo (University of Ouaga I) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Ouagadougou (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Kadiogo.
This institution also has a branch campus in Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou. Officially recognized by the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche scientifique et de l'Innovation, Burkina Faso (Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of Burkina Faso), Université Ouaga I Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UO) is a very large-sized coeducational Burkinabe higher education institution.
Université Ouaga I Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 50-year-old Burkinabe higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
UO also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's internal academic organisation — faculties, schools, and constituent units — is broken down below. Each unit handles a specific subject cluster and houses its own programmes and faculty.
Unit 8 items
- Burkinabe Institute of Arts and Crafts
- UFR Applied Sciences
- UFR Economic Sciences and Management
- UFR Health Sciences
- UFR Human Sciences
- UFR LAC
- UFR Legal and Politic Sciences
- UFR Life and Hearth Sciences
Degrees
Browse Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's degree offerings by level. Programmes within a single level often share entry requirements and study durations.
Master's 65 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Adult Education
- African Studies
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Engineering
- American Studies
- Applied Linguistics
- Art Management
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Communication Studies
- Crop Production
- Dental Surgery
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- English
- English Studies
- Entomology
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Fine Arts
- Food Technology
- Genetics
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- German
- Gerontology
- Health Sciences
- Horticulture
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Mineralogy
- Modern Languages
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Neurosciences
- Nutrition
- Parasitology
- Parks and Recreation
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Surveying and Mapping
- Toxicology
- Translation and Interpretation
- Tropical Agriculture
Doctoral 11 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Dental Surgery
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Other 67 programs
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Art Management
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Communication Studies
- Crop Production
- Dental Surgery
- Dermatology
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Fine Arts
- Food Technology
- Gastroenterology
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- German
- Gerontology
- Health Sciences
- Hepatology
- History
- Industrial Management
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Nutrition
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Parks and Recreation
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Pneumology
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Relations
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Sports
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Stomatology
- Surgery
- Toxicology
- Urology
- Venereology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche scientifique et de l'Innovation, Burkina Faso.
Kaya Polytechnic University Centre (Centre) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Business
- Business Computing
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Industrial Management
- Mathematics
- Mining Engineering
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Statistics
- Technology
Ziniaré University Centre (Centre) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agronomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Horticulture
- Industrial Management
- Rural Planning
Arts and Crafts (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Technology
Demography (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
- Health Sciences
Environment and Sustainable Development (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Development
Media, Information and Communication (Panafrican) (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Journalism
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Open and Distance Training (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
Sports Sciences (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
- Social Work
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science and Climate Change (Doctoral) (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Doctoral) (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Letters, Human Sciences and Communication (Doctoral) (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Communication Studies
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (Doctoral) (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Exact and Applied Sciences (Unit) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Unit) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Chemistry
- Health Sciences
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Public Health
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Unit) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Arts and Humanities
- Geography (Human)
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Languages, Arts and Communication (Unit) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Management
- Arts and Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- English Studies
- Fine Arts
- Germanic Studies
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Modern Languages
- Translation and Interpretation
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life and Earth Sciences (Unit) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Microbiology
- Physiology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Each programme at Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo is grouped by the degree it leads to. New programmes can take 6–12 months to propagate through search engines, so the live catalogue here is the authoritative list.
42 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Burkina Faso
Bachelor's Degree 25 programmes
Showing 10 of 25.
Master's Degree 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
How to apply to Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's 42 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo processes applications through www.ujkz.bf. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +226 (25) 30 70 64. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo
Common questions students ask about Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
In what year was Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo established?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo was founded in 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).
What city is Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo in?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo operates from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Is Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's student body?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo serves approximately 30,000-34,999 students.
What is Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's ranking?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo is ranked #4935 globally and #1 in Burkina Faso.
What programmes are available at Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo delivers master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
What is Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's academic structure?
The institution comprises 8 academic units.
Who recognises Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo is accredited by Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation; Conseil africain et malgache pour l'Enseignement supérieur (CAMES).
Where can I learn more about Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo?
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's official website is www.ujkz.bf.
Members of Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW)
Faculty mobility within Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW) networks often signals shared standards. Faculty members frequently move between Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo and the institutions below over the course of careers.
Faculties at nearby universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Faculty publication output for Linguistics & Language Studies researchers at each Burkina Faso institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Compared with Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo
Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.
Studying in Burkina Faso: guides and resources
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