Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • Founded 1950 • World Rank #1308
Updated May 2026
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
Addis Ababa University's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.
Academic Details
Addis Ababa University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Addis Ababa University's qualifications.
Academic Structures
Addis Ababa University's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.
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
Degrees
Whether you're considering bachelor's, master's, or doctoral study at Addis Ababa University, qualifications are sorted by level. Stackable credentials (microcredentials adding up to full degrees) appear separately where available.
Bachelor's 7 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Animal Husbandry
- Arts and Humanities
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Veterinary Science
Master's 63 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- African Languages
- Agriculture
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Ecology
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geological Engineering
- Geophysics
- History
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Landscape Architecture
- Linguistics
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Paleontology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Power Engineering
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Railway Engineering
- Road Engineering
- Sociology
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Thermal Engineering
- Town Planning
- Veterinary Science
- Water Management
- Zoology
Doctoral 42 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- African Languages
- Agriculture
- Anatomy
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Food Technology
- Genetics
- Geological Engineering
- History
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Landscape Architecture
- Linguistics
- Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Sports
- Statistics
- Thermal Engineering
- Veterinary Science
- Water Science
- Zoology
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
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Economics (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Public Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities, Language Studies, Journalism and Communication (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Communication Studies
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Governance Studies (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Constitutional Law
- Government
- Human Rights
- International Law
- Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Biomedicine
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Building Technologies
- Landscape Architecture
- Regional Planning
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Work (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Work
Programs Offered
Addis Ababa University's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
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
A short guide to applying to Addis Ababa University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Frequently asked questions about Addis Ababa University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
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 #1308 globally and #1 in Ethiopia.
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)
Universities affiliated with Association of African Universities (AAU) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Addis Ababa University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Addis Ababa University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
For students considering Business & Management, these Ethiopia institutions deliver the discipline alongside Addis Ababa University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.
Universities Compared with Addis Ababa University
Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of Addis Ababa University sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.
Studying in Ethiopia: guides and resources
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