Jimma University
Jimma, Ethiopia • Founded 1983 • World Rank #2040
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1983, the Jimma University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Jimma (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Oromia Region.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia, Jimma University (JU) is a very large-sized coeducational Ethiopian higher education institution. Jimma University (JU) 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 41-year-old Ethiopian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Ethiopian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
JU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Find Jimma University on the map and reach the right office through the contact channels listed below. Use these for general enquiries; specific departments often run their own contact pages.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Jimma University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
The internal academic structure of Jimma University — by faculty, school, and unit. Research-only units exist alongside teaching units; their function and student involvement differ.
Unit 6 items
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Natural Sciences
- College of Public Health and Medical Sciences
- College of Social sciences and Law
- Jimma Institute of Technology
Degrees
Jimma University's degree range. Credit-recognition across borders depends on the level and the qualification framework; check whether your home system accepts Jimma University's credits.
Bachelor's 36 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Economics
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Dentistry
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Horticulture
- Information Technology
- Law
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Native Language
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Plant Pathology
- Sociology
- Sports
- Statistics
- Veterinary Science
- Zoology
Master's 56 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Business
- Agronomy
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Linguistics
- Astrophysics
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Construction Engineering
- Cultural Studies
- Curriculum
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Electrical Engineering
- Entomology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Finance
- Folklore
- Geological Engineering
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- History
- Horticulture
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Information Management
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Organic Chemistry
- Paediatrics
- Parasitology
- Pharmacy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Power Engineering
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Sports Management
- Structural Architecture
- Surgery
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Zoology
Doctoral 12 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Animal Husbandry
- Ceramics and Glass Technology
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Health Education
- Horticulture
- Materials Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Plant Pathology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Ethiopia.
Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (College) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Husbandry
- Aquaculture
- Crop Production
- Fishery
- Forestry
- Harvest Technology
- Horticulture
- Natural Resources
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Soil Science
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Economics (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education and Behavioural Sciences (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Administration
- Psychology
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
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) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Epidemiology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Governance (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- 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) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Sports
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences and Humanities (College) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Folklore
- Geography
- Government
- History
- Law
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Continuing and Distance Education (Course/Programme) 23 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- African Languages
- Banking
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Geography
- History
- Horticulture
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Native Language
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Physics
- Secretarial Studies
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Technology (Institute) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Water Science
Graduate Studies (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Entomology
- Epidemiology
- Horticulture
- Medicine
- Natural Resources
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Plant Pathology
- Public Health
- Surgery
Programs Offered
Search and filter Jimma University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
128 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ethiopia
Bachelor's Degree 52 programmes
Showing 10 of 52.
Master's Degree 60 programmes
Showing 10 of 60.
Doctorate 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
How to apply to Jimma University
How to apply to Jimma University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Jimma University offers 128 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Jimma University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Jimma University's online portal at ju.edu.et. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +251 (471) 112 202. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jimma University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Jimma University as a study destination.
When was Jimma University founded?
Jimma University was established in 1983 (approximately 43 years ago).
What city is Jimma University in?
Jimma University operates from Jimma, Ethiopia.
What is Jimma University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Jimma University's student body?
Jimma University serves approximately 30,000-34,999 students.
What is Jimma University's ranking?
It ranks #2040 globally and #2 in Ethiopia.
What programmes are available at Jimma University?
Programmes at Jimma University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Jimma University have?
The institution comprises 6 academic units.
Is Jimma University officially recognised?
Jimma University is accredited by Ministry of Education.
Where can I learn more about Jimma University?
The institution's website is ju.edu.et.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Association of African Universities (AAU)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Jimma University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.
Faculties at nearby universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Jimma University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Business & Management is taught at multiple universities across Ethiopia — these alternatives to Jimma University are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Compared with Jimma University
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for Jimma University if location flexibility matters.
Studying in Ethiopia: guides and resources
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