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National University of Lesotho

Maseru, Lesotho Founded 1945 World Rank #4932

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: National University of Lesotho
Acronyms: NUL
Founded: 1945
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
World Rank: #4932
Rank in Lesotho: #1
Front view of National University of Lesotho
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Within Lesotho's higher-education landscape, National University of Lesotho stands as a public university founded in 1945. It operates from Maseru, Lesotho as a higher-education provider.

Academically, National University of Lesotho spans bachelor's through doctoral programmes, hosted within numerous faculties and schools. The university runs a catalogue of active programmes across these constituent units.

Approximately 10,000 students study at National University of Lesotho across its programmes. The institution's daily rhythm unfolds within its campus environment, supported by academic and administrative staff.

In ranking terms, National University of Lesotho is ranked #4932 globally and #1 within Lesotho. The institution participates in Lesotho's academic ecosystem alongside other higher-education providers.

Location & Contact

Where National University of Lesotho sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.

Address: P.O. Roma 180
Map:
Phone: 266 2234 0601
Social Media:

Academic Details

National University of Lesotho's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.

Academic Year: July to June (July -December; January-June)
Accrediting Agency: Council on Higher Education
Admission Requirements: Cambridge Overseas School Certificate or equivalent, with credit in English
Total Students: 10,000

Degrees

Also Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Labour Law, Human Resources; Bachelor of Art Honours in English, Development Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy

Bachelor's 6 programs

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

  • Adult Education
  • Business Administration
  • Engineering
  • Management
  • Natural Sciences
  • Primary Education
Master's 13 programs

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

  • Adult Education
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Chemistry
  • Crop Production
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Law
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Soil Science
Doctoral 8 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • African Languages
  • Development Studies
  • Education
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Philosophy

Faculties & Divisions

National University of Lesotho's academic divisions and the subject areas each houses are mapped below. Knowing where your subject lives helps navigate department websites and identify the right contact points.

Agriculture (Faculty) 14 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Computer Science
  • Crop Production
  • Dairy
  • Ecology
  • Farm Management
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Genetics
  • Irrigation
  • Soil Science
  • Water Science

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

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

Education (Faculty) 12 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Education
  • Curriculum
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Research
  • Educational Technology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Higher Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Primary Education
  • Science Education
  • Secondary 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 (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Humanities (Faculty) 19 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • African Languages
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Cultural Studies
  • Development Studies
  • English
  • Ethics
  • French
  • Heritage Preservation
  • History
  • Information Sciences
  • Library Science
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Theology
  • Translation and Interpretation

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Editor
  • Cultural Analyst

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

Law (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Labour Law
  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

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

Science and Technology (Faculty) 16 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Regional Planning
  • Statistics
  • Town Planning

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

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

Social Sciences (Faculty) 16 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Anthropology
  • Business Administration
  • Demography and Population
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography (Human)
  • Human Resources
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

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

Education (Institute) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Curriculum
  • Education
  • Educational Research
  • Educational Testing and Evaluation
  • Human Resources

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

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

Extra-Mural Studies (Institute) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Adult Education
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Management
  • Mass Communication
Southern African Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • African Studies
  • Labour and Industrial Relations

Programs Offered

National University of Lesotho's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

100 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Lesotho

Bachelor's Degree 43 programmes

Bachelor of Arts in Demography and Statistics
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
Humanities & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Library and Information Studies
Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Honours)
Philosophy & Ethics
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Arts in Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics
Philosophy & Ethics
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Spiritual Care and Counseling
Counselling & Psychotherapy

Showing 10 of 43.

Master's Degree 46 programmes

Master of Arts in African Language and Literature
Literature
Master of Arts in Development Studies
Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Education (Language and Social Education)
Education & Teaching
Master of Arts in History
History
Master of Arts in Literature in English
English Language Studies
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Arts in Spiritual Care and Counseling
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
Islamic & Quranic Studies
Master of Education
Education & Teaching
Master of Laws
Law

Showing 10 of 46.

Doctorate 7 programmes

Doctor of Nursing
Nursing
PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics
Agriculture
PhD in Agricultural Extension
Agriculture
PhD in Animal Science
Animal Science
PhD in Crop Science
Horticulture and Crop Science
PhD in Law
Law
PhD in Soil Science and Resource Conservation
Natural Sciences

Diploma 4 programmes

Diploma in Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics
Philosophy & Ethics
Diploma in Development Studies
Politics & International Relations
Diploma in Library and Information Studies
Information Systems & Technology
Diploma in Pastoral Care and Counselling
Counselling & Psychotherapy

How to apply to National University of Lesotho

Below is a five-step path through the application process at National University of Lesotho, useful for first-time applicants and international students.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. National University of Lesotho runs 100 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to National University of Lesotho, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Lesotho.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with National University of Lesotho's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.nul.ls). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 266 2234 0601. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about National University of Lesotho

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about National University of Lesotho, drawn directly from institutional records.

How old is National University of Lesotho?

The institution opened in 1945 (approximately 81 years ago).

In which city is National University of Lesotho?

National University of Lesotho is based in Maseru, Lesotho.

What is National University of Lesotho's control type?

National University of Lesotho operates as a public institution.

How many students study at National University of Lesotho?

National University of Lesotho has approximately 10,000 students.

Where does National University of Lesotho stand in university rankings?

National University of Lesotho is ranked #4932 globally and #1 in Lesotho.

What qualification levels does National University of Lesotho offer?

Programmes at National University of Lesotho cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Is National University of Lesotho officially recognised?

The institution holds recognition from Council on Higher Education.

What is National University of Lesotho's official website?

The institution's website is www.nul.ls.

Universities Compared with National University of Lesotho

Selectivity rates (acceptance percentage) cluster around National University of Lesotho for the peer institutions below. Selectivity is one of the more stable signals of institutional positioning over time.

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