Our Mission
Deliver high-quality, inclusive education that fosters peacebuilding, good governance and environmental stewardship, and meets the evolving needs of Somali society and the East African region.
Inclusive & accessible
Est. 1999 · Garowe, Puntland
Rebuilding society through knowledge & innovation
East Africa University is a leading institution of higher learning committed to academic excellence, research, and community transformation across the Horn of Africa.
27+Years of Excellence
8Campuses
50+Programs
15,000+Alumni Network
AccreditedQuality Assurance
100+Research Hubs & Global Partnerships
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Est. 1999 · Puntland, Somalia · Accredited
About East Africa University
Somalia's most transformative academic institution — rebuilding society through knowledge, unity and innovation. Since the post-civil-war era, EAU has pioneered accessible education, research and sustainable development across East Africa.
A not-for-profit university headquartered in Bosaso, Bari region, East Africa University now
reaches communities across Puntland and beyond — from Garowe and Galkacyo to Qardho, Erigavo,
Buuhoodle, Burtinle and Goldogob — alongside a distance-learning centre serving students remotely.
Jaamacadda Bariga Afrika
EAU
One university,
eight communities.
eight communities.
Bosaso · Garowe · Qardho · Galkacyo · Burtinle · Goldogob · Erigavo · Buuhoodle
1999Founded
BosasoHeadquarters
AccreditedNot-for-profit
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Years of Excellence
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Campuses
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Degree Programs
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Alumni Network
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Research Hubs
Our story
Our History
East Africa University cannot escape the political, cultural and economic impact of a constantly, rapidly changing global environment. The unending explosion of scientific knowledge and technological innovation is continuously stimulating such change, and our survival as individuals and organizations depends on how we face the challenges of the global village.
EAU was established in 1999 by academics and elders of the region interested in the development of national education. A former Bender Qassim University institution, it opened its doors in Bosaso in October of that year to around 500 students, initially teaching Arabic and Islamic studies alongside business administration.
Since its inception the university has undergone tremendous transformation in geographical coverage, courses offered and management structure — continuous innovations intended to develop teaching and learning in order to cope with international standards.
Integrity
Diversity
Excellence
Collaboration
Milestones
1999
Founded in Bosaso by a group of Somali academics and regional elders; first classes begin in October with roughly 500 students.
2000
Foundation stone laid for the original campus, about 5 km from the city centre, attended by Puntland officials, business and civil-society groups.
2005
The first cohort completes degree requirements in February and graduates in June.
2012
A new branch opens in Buuhoodle in April, extending access to students from the Ayn region.
2013
The Puntland government donates land in Garowe to support the university's growth in the administrative capital.
Today
Eight campuses, 50+ accredited programmes, dedicated research centres and a Virtual Distance Electronic Learning (VDEL) centre.
What drives us
Mission, vision & objectives
The commitments that shape every programme, campus and research project at East Africa University.
Our Vision
To be a premier, research-led university shaping East Africa's future — driving innovation, global partnerships and sustainable development while preserving local heritage.
Research-ledKey Objectives
- Standardize higher education & quality assurance
- Boost community resilience & environmental action
- Accelerate research, digital transformation & the knowledge economy
- Expand international academic cooperation
Dr. Abdullaahi Ali Ugaas
Rector
Academic leadership
Message from leadership
“
Welcome to East Africa University — where academic ambition meets compassionate mentorship. We have cultivated leaders, innovators and changemakers who serve their communities with integrity. Education is not just about filling minds with facts; it is about igniting the spirit of inquiry, nurturing compassion, and empowering the next generation to solve the greatest challenges of our time.
Dr. Abdullaahi Ali Ugaas
Rector, East Africa University
Rector, East Africa University
Academics
Nine core faculties
Bachelor's degrees are offered across nine undergraduate faculties, supported by diploma tracks, postgraduate study, language institutes and short professional courses.
Social Science & EconomicsSociology · Economics · Political science
Administration & ManagementBusiness administration · Management
Shariah & Islamic StudiesIslamic jurisprudence · Arabic
Information Science & TechnologyComputer science · IT
Education & ScienceTeacher training · Applied sciences
Medicine & Health ScienceMedicine · Nursing · Public health · Lab
EngineeringCivil · Electrical · Applied engineering
Veterinary & AgricultureAnimal health · Agricultural science
Marine, Environment & Earth SciencesMarine studies · Environmental science
Join us today
Admissions for the 2026 intake are open. Take the first step toward joining a community of leaders, innovators and changemakers.