Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • Founded 1950 • QS 2027 #951-1000
Updated May 2026 · Source: aau.edu.et
Overview
Founded in 1950, the Addis Ababa University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Addis Ababa (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University (AAU) is a very large-sized coeducational Ethiopian higher education institution. Addis Ababa University (AAU) 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 74-year-old Ethiopian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
AAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Addis Ababa University are listed below.
Academic Details
Addis Ababa University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.
Academic Structures
Addis Ababa University's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- Centre for Democratic Training and Research
- Centre of Research Training and Information for Women Development
- College of Education
- College of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Informatics
- Institute of Development Research
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Languages and Cultures (Academy) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Cultural Studies
Business and Economics (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Public Administration
Development Studies (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
- Environmental Studies
- Gender Studies
- Regional Studies
- Rural Planning
- Water Science
Education and Behavioural Studies (College) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Research
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Higher Education
- Social Psychology
- Special Education
Health Sciences (College) 27 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Community Health
- Dental Hygiene
- Dermatology
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Midwifery
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Parasitology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Plastic Surgery
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Venereology
- Veterinary Science
Humanities, Language Studies, Journalism and Communication (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Communication Studies
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Law and Governance Studies (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Constitutional Law
- Government
- Human Rights
- International Law
- Law
- Public Law
Natural Sciences (College) 19 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Geophysics
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Paleontology
- Physics
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Seismology
- Sports
- Statistics
- Zoology
Performing and Visual Arts (College) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Theatre
Social Sciences (College) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- European Languages
- Geography
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Biomedicine
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Veterinary Science
Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Building Technologies
- Landscape Architecture
- Regional Planning
- Town Planning
Social Work (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Work
Programs Offered
Below are Addis Ababa University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.
144 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ethiopia
Bachelor's Degree 51 programmes
Showing 10 of 51.
Master's Degree 73 programmes
Showing 10 of 73.
Doctorate 20 programmes
Showing 10 of 20.
How to apply to Addis Ababa University
What applying to Addis Ababa University involves, in five steps.
-
1
Research programmes at Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa University's catalogue includes 144 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
-
2
Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Addis Ababa University's admissions process.
-
3
Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
-
4
Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Addis Ababa University's official website at www.aau.edu.et. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
-
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +251 (11) 123 9800. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Addis Ababa University
Quick reference for Addis Ababa University: founding, control type, and recognition status.
When did Addis Ababa University open?
Addis Ababa University traces its founding to 1950 (approximately 76 years ago).
In which city is Addis Ababa University?
Addis Ababa University is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Is Addis Ababa University public or private?
Addis Ababa University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Addis Ababa University?
Addis Ababa University has approximately 45,000-49,999 students.
What is Addis Ababa University's ranking?
It ranks QS 2027 #951-1000.
What programmes are available at Addis Ababa University?
Addis Ababa University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does Addis Ababa University have?
Addis Ababa University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Addis Ababa University?
The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education.
Where can I learn more about Addis Ababa University?
Addis Ababa University's official website is www.aau.edu.et.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU), alongside Addis Ababa University.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Addis Ababa University.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Business & Management is also taught at these universities in Ethiopia.
Universities Compared with Addis Ababa University
These universities are of a comparable scale to Addis Ababa University.
Studying in Ethiopia: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
Save this university to your shortlist
Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.
