Rift Valley University

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Founded 2000

Overview

English Name: Rift Valley University
Acronyms: RVU, RVUC
Founded: 2000
Control Type: Private
Religious Affiliation: None

Rift Valley University, a private university founded in 2000, is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The institution operates as a higher-education provider and contributes to higher-education provision in Ethiopia.

Rift Valley University's academic offerings include a catalogue of active programmes, structured across bachelor's and master's programmes and delivered through several faculties. Each unit operates with its own admissions criteria within institutional standards.

Rift Valley University's academic community includes 16,000 students alongside faculty and support staff. A full-time academic staff supports teaching and research, with day-to-day operations situated within its campus environment.

Location & Contact

Rift Valley University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Academic Details

Rift Valley University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Accrediting Agency: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Education and Training Authority
Total Students: 16,000
Full-Time Academic Staff: 727

Degrees

Rift Valley University's degree portfolio is grouped by level below. Each tier reflects different time commitments, academic depth, and career outcomes — useful when matching a programme to your current study stage.

Bachelor's 20 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Accountancy
  • Anthropology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Engineering Management
  • Finance
  • Health Sciences
  • Information Management
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Medical Technology
  • Medicine
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Pharmacy
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
Master's 12 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Epidemiology
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
Diploma & Certificate 25 programs

Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.

  • Accountancy
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Building Technologies
  • Computer Networks
  • Dispensing Pharmacy
  • Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Maintenance
  • Finance
  • Hotel and Restaurant
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Labour and Industrial Relations
  • Logistics Management
  • Maintenance Technology
  • Marketing
  • Medical Technology
  • Microelectronics
  • Midwifery
  • Network Technology
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Office Management
  • Secretarial Studies
  • Small Business
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Veterinary Science

Faculties & Divisions

The structure of Rift Valley University's faculties, with subjects each houses. Subject-area research clusters often cross faculty boundaries — check the institution's research strategy for active clusters.

Business and Social science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Business and Commerce
  • Economics
  • Management
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medical Technology
  • Medicine
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • 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.

Technology and Engineering (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Surveying and Mapping

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Look through Rift Valley University's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.

Bachelor's Degree

20 programmes

Browse 20 programmes at Rift Valley University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.

BSc in Computer Science Computer Sciences
BSc in Business Management Business & Management
BSc in Economics Economics
BSc in Hotel Management Tourism & Leisure
BSc in Marketing Management Marketing
BSc in Social Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
BSc in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
LLB
BSc in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
BSc in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
BSc in Software Engineering Software Engineering
BSc in Accounting and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
BSc in Medical Laboratory Science Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
BSc in Midwifery Midwifery
BSc in Nursing Nursing
BSc in Nursing Management Nursing
BSc in Pharmacy Pharmacy
BSc in Psychology Psychology
BSc in Public Health Public Health
BSc in Global Studies Politics & International Relations

Master's Degree

14 programmes

Explore 14 programmes of postgraduate study at Rift Valley University. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.

MSc in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
MSc in Accounting and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
MBA in Business Administration Business & Management
MSc in Development Economics Economics
MSc in Development Studies Politics & International Relations
MSc in Marketing Marketing
MA in Educational Leadership Educational Leadership
LLM
MSc in Adult Nursing Nursing
MSc in Human Nutrition Nutrition & Dietetics
MPH
MSc in Computer Science Computer Sciences
MSc in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
MSc in Project Management Business & Management

Doctorate

2 programmes

These 2 programmes make up Rift Valley University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.

DBA
PhD in Development Studies Politics & International Relations

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

9 programmes

These 9 programmes cover Rift Valley University's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.

Diploma in Economics Economics
Diploma in Law Law
Diploma in Management Business & Management
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Diploma in Nursing Nursing
Diploma in Pharmacy Pharmacy
Diploma in Computer Science Computer Sciences
MBBS Medicine
Diploma in Accounting Accounting

How to apply to Rift Valley University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Rift Valley University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Rift Valley University offers 45 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at Rift Valley 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.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    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.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via Rift Valley University's online portal at riftvalleyuniversity.net. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rift Valley University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Rift Valley University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

In what year was Rift Valley University established?

Rift Valley University was founded in 2000 (approximately 26 years ago).

In which city is Rift Valley University?

Rift Valley University is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Is Rift Valley University public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How many students study at Rift Valley University?

Rift Valley University has approximately 16,000 students.

What programmes are available at Rift Valley University?

Rift Valley University offers bachelor's and master's programmes.

Who recognises Rift Valley University?

Yes, Rift Valley University is recognised by Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Education and Training Authority.

What is Rift Valley University's official website?

The institution's website is riftvalleyuniversity.net.

Top-Ranked Universities in Ethiopia

Research output among Ethiopia's top universities sets the publication-and-citation upper bound. Comparing Rift Valley University's research output to this benchmark gives a fair institutional read.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities geographically close to Rift Valley University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.

Where Else to Study Business & Management

Looking for Business & Management programmes beyond Rift Valley University? Other universities in Ethiopia cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Universities Often Compared with Rift Valley University

Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Rift Valley University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.

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