Rivers State University
Port Harcourt, Nigeria • Founded 1972
Overview
Founded in 1980, the Rivers State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Port Harcourt (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Rivers.
This institution also has branch campuses in Emouha, Ahoada, Etche and Sakpenwa. Officially recognized by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria, Rivers State University (RSU) is a very large-sized coeducational Nigerian higher education institution.
Rivers State University (RSU) 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 44-year-old Nigerian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this Nigerian higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. RSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with Rivers State University or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Rivers State University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Rivers State University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 20 items
- Advancement and Linkages Centre
- Centre for Continuing Education
- Centre for Information Technology
- College of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Basis Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Technical and Science Education
- Institute for Pollution Studies
- Institute of Agricultural Research
- Institute of Foundation Studies
- Institute of Geoscience and Space Technology
Degrees
Also Professional Master of Science (PMS) (24 months) and Professional Doctorate Science Degree (PDSD) (36 months) in Water and Sanitation; Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH)
Bachelor's 12 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Surgery
Master's 138 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Mathematics
- Aquaculture
- Architecture
- Archiving
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Education
- Cell Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Studies
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Cultural Studies
- Curriculum
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Econometrics
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Endocrinology
- English
- Entomology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Farm Management
- Finance
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Forestry
- French
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- Geological Engineering
- Geophysics
- Government
- Haematology
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Histology
- History
- Horticulture
- Human Resources
- Hygiene
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- International Economics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Laboratory Techniques
- Labour Law
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Library Science
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marine Biology
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Transport
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Mineralogy
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Naval Architecture
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
- Organic Chemistry
- Pathology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Power Engineering
- Protective Services
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Publishing and Book Trade
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Religious Studies
- Rural Planning
- Rural Studies
- Sanitary Engineering
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Sustainable Development
- Taxation
- Technology Education
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Town Planning
- Transport Engineering
- Transport Management
- Waste Management
- Water Science
- Wildlife
Doctoral 137 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Mathematics
- Aquaculture
- Architecture
- Archiving
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Astrophysics
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Business Education
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Comparative Law
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Crop Production
- Cultural Studies
- Curriculum
- Ecology
- Econometrics
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Endocrinology
- English
- Entomology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Farm Management
- Finance
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Forestry
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- Geological Engineering
- Geophysics
- Government
- Haematology
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- History
- Horticulture
- Human Resources
- Human Rights
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- International Economics
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Laboratory Techniques
- Labour Law
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Library Science
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marine Biology
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Transport
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Mineralogy
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources
- Naval Architecture
- Neurosciences
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
- Organic Chemistry
- Pathology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Power Engineering
- Private Law
- Protective Services
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Publishing and Book Trade
- Real Estate
- Religious Studies
- Rural Studies
- Sanitary Engineering
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Sustainable Development
- Taxation
- Technology Education
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Transport Engineering
- Waste Management
- Water Science
- Wildlife
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under National Universities Commission of Nigeria.
Basic Clinical Sciences (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Haematology
- Immunology
- Medical Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Basic Medical Sciences (College) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Physical Therapy
- Physiology
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Clinical Science (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Paediatrics
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Administration and Management (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Management
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agriculture (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
- Fishery
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Soil Science
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication and Media Studies (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Cinema and Television
- Communication Studies
- Journalism
- Printing and Printmaking
- Public Relations
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Science Education
- Technology Education
- Vocational Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Entrepreneurial Studies (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Entrepreneurship
Environmental Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Environmental Management
- Geography
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- English
- Film
- French
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Theatre
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- International Law
- Law
- Private 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.
Medical Laboratory Science (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Haematology
- Histology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Geology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
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) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Postgraduate Studies (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Programs Offered
Rivers State University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
Bachelor's Degree
74 programmes
These 74 programmes make up Rivers State University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Land Surveying Civil Engineering & Construction
Urban and Regional Planning Business & Management
Theatre Arts Performing Arts
Technical Education Education & Teaching
Soil Science Natural Sciences
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Mathematics Mathematics
Food Science and Technology Food Science
Mass Communication Communication Studies
Marketing Marketing
Marine Engineering Marine Science
Literature in English English Language Studies
Library and Information Science Information Systems & Technology
Law Law
Land Survey Civil Engineering & Construction
Home Science and Management Business & Management
History and Diplomatic Studies History
Geology Earth Sciences & Geology
Geography Geography
Forestry And WildLife Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry / Forest Resources Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Fisheries Management Business & Management
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Medical Laboratory Science Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Medicine and Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Microbiology Microbiology
Nursing / Nursing Science Nursing
Office And Information Management Business & Management
Petroleum Engineering Earth Sciences & Geology
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Physiology Biological Sciences
Plant Science and Biotechnology Biotechnology
Political Science Politics & International Relations
Psychology Psychology
Quantity Surveying Civil Engineering & Construction
Religious Studies Religious Studies
Animal and Environmental Biology Biological Sciences
Chemical / Petrochemical Engineering Chemistry
Business Management Business & Management
Business Education Business & Management
Biological Science(s) Biological Sciences
Biochemistry Biochemistry
Banking and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Architecture Architecture
Applied Biology Biological Sciences
Animal Science Animal Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Anatomy Biological Sciences
Agriculture Agriculture
Agricultural Science and Education Agriculture
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Agriculture
Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
Agricultural Economics and Extension Agriculture
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Agriculture
Adult and Community Education Education & Teaching
Education and Mathematics Mathematics
Estate Management Business & Management
Environmental Management Business & Management
English Language English Language Studies
Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Educational Management Business & Management
Educational Administration and Planning Education & Teaching
Education and Science Education & Teaching
Education and Physics Physics & Astronomy
Accountancy / Accounting Accounting
Education and Chemistry Chemistry
Education and Biology Biological Sciences
Economics Economics
Crop Science Horticulture and Crop Science
Criminology and Penology Criminal Law & Justice
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Rivers State University
What applying to Rivers State University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Rivers State University's catalogue includes 74 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Rivers State University's admissions process.
- 3 Get your documents ready
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 Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Rivers State University's official website at www.ust.edu.ng. 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 Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +234 (709) 541 5002. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rivers State University
A short Q&A covering Rivers State University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When did Rivers State University open?
Rivers State University traces its founding to 1972 (approximately 54 years ago).
Where can I find Rivers State University?
The institution is located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Is Rivers State University public or private?
Rivers State University is a public institution.
How many students does Rivers State University have?
The institution has a student body of 40,000-44,999.
What qualification levels does Rivers State University offer?
Programmes at Rivers State University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Rivers State University organised academically?
The institution comprises 20 academic units.
Who recognises Rivers State University?
Rivers State University is accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC).
Where can I learn more about Rivers State University?
You can find Rivers State University online at www.ust.edu.ng.
Top-Ranked Universities in Nigeria
Top universities in Nigeria differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Beyond Rivers State University, these universities also belong to Association of African Universities (AAU) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Rivers State University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Capstone publication or portfolio output from Business & Management programmes affects what you graduate with. Some Nigeria institutions retain student work; others publish it as part of programme outputs.
Universities Often Compared with Rivers State University
Comparable institutions to Rivers State University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
