Top Universities and Higher Education Institutions in Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast boasts a number of prestigious universities and higher education institutions, each offering a diverse range of programs and contributing significantly to the country’s academic and professional landscape. Here is an overview of some of the top institutions:

Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny

• Located in Abidjan, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Ivory Coast. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including sciences, humanities, and professional studies.
• Established in 1964, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) is a prominent non-profit public higher education institution located in the bustling metropolis of Abidjan, which has a population range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 inhabitants. UFHB is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Ivory Coast (Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique de Côte d’Ivoire), underscoring its legitimacy and esteemed status within the national education system.
• Size and Enrollment
• UFHB is classified as a very large-sized institution, with an enrollment range exceeding 50,000 students. This coeducational Ivorian university caters to a diverse student body, offering a wide array of academic opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment for higher learning.
• Academic Programs
• Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny offers a comprehensive range of courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees. These include undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees across various fields of study. The university is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to research, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen careers.

Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB)

• INP-HB is renowned for its engineering and technical programs. Located in Yamoussoukro, this institution specializes in training engineers, architects, and other technical professionals, contributing significantly to the country’s industrial and technological development.
• Founded in 1969, the École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Économie Appliquée (ENSEA) is a leading non-profit public higher education institution located in Abidjan, a bustling metropolis with a population range of 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 inhabitants. ENSEA is officially recognized by the Ministry of Planning and Development of the Ivory Coast (Ministère du Plan et du Développement, Côte d’Ivoire), which underscores its importance in the country’s educational and economic development sectors.
• Academic Programs: ENSEA offers a variety of courses and programs that lead to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the fields of statistics and applied economics.
• Facilities and Services: In addition to its robust academic offerings, ENSEA provides numerous facilities and services to support its students, including:
• A well-equipped library
• Comprehensive administrative services
• Various academic support services

École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Économie Appliquée (ENSEA)

• ENSEA, located in Abidjan, is one of the leading institutions in Africa for training statisticians and economists. It provides high-quality education and research opportunities, playing a crucial role in economic planning and policy formulation in the region.
• Established in 1996, the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) is a prominent non-profit public higher education institution located in Yamoussoukro, a medium-sized city with a population range of 250,000 to 499,999 inhabitants. INP-HB also operates a branch campus in Abidjan, enhancing its reach and accessibility. The institution is officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Ivory Coast (Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique de Côte d’Ivoire).
• Academic Programs: INP-HB offers a comprehensive range of courses and programs leading to various officially recognized higher education degrees, including:
• Pre-bachelor’s degrees (certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees)
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees
• Doctorate degrees
• These programs cover multiple areas of study and are designed to foster academic excellence and professional competence.
• Admission and Selectivity: With a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations, INP-HB has an acceptance rate range of 10-19%, making it an extremely selective institution. The rigorous selection process ensures that the institution maintains high academic standards.
• Facilities and Services: INP-HB offers a wide array of academic and non-academic facilities and services to its students, including:
• A well-stocked library
• On-campus housing
• Sports facilities
• Financial aid and scholarships
• Study abroad and exchange programs
• Comprehensive administrative services

Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé

Established in 1996, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé (UJLoG) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Daloa. Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UJLoG offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees. The university also provides several academic and non-academic facilities, including a library and administrative services.

• Situated in Daloa, Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé offers a variety of academic programs in fields such as agriculture, environmental sciences, and social sciences. The university is dedicated to fostering research and development in these critical areas.

Université Alassane Ouattara

• Located in Bouaké, Université Alassane Ouattara provides a broad spectrum of programs, including sciences, arts, and business studies. The university emphasizes research and community engagement, contributing to regional development.
• Founded in 1992, Université Alassane Ouattara (UAO) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Bouaké. This medium-sized institution, with an enrollment range of 7,000-7,999 students, is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. UAO offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees and provides several facilities, including a library and administrative services.

École Supérieure Africaine des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (ESATIC)

• ESATIC in Abidjan focuses on information technology and communication studies. It offers specialized programs aimed at developing skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of the digital economy.
• Established in 1967, École Supérieure Africaine des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (ESATIC) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Abidjan. Recognized by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, ESATIC offers courses leading to officially recognized degrees in various fields. The institution provides academic and non-academic facilities, including a library and administrative services.

École Nationale d’Administration de Côte d’Ivoire (ENA)

• ENA is the premier institution for training civil servants and public administrators in Ivory Coast. Located in Abidjan, it offers programs designed to enhance governance and public administration efficiency.
• Founded in 1960, École Nationale d’Administration de Côte d’Ivoire (ENA d’Abidjan) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Abidjan. Recognized by the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reform, ENA d’Abidjan offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees in several areas of study. The institution provides several facilities, including a library and administrative services.

Université Nangui Abrogoua

• Based in Abobo, Abidjan, Université Nangui Abrogoua offers a variety of programs in the sciences and humanities. The university is known for its research initiatives and commitment to academic excellence.
• Established in 1995, Université Nangui Abrogoua (UNA) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Abidjan. Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UNA has an enrollment range of 4,000-4,999 students. The university offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees and provides several facilities, including a library and administrative services.

Université Péléforo-Gbon-Coulibaly

• Situated in Korhogo, Université Péléforo-Gbon-Coulibaly provides academic programs in areas such as agriculture, environmental studies, and social sciences. The university plays a vital role in the educational and socio-economic development of the northern region.
• Founded in 2012, Université Péléforo-Gbon-Coulibaly (UPGC) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Korhogo, with a branch campus in Abidjan. Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UPGC is a very small-sized institution with an enrollment range of 1,000-1,999 students. It offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees and provides facilities, including a library and administrative services.

École Normale Supérieure d’Abidjan (ENS)

• ENS is a leading teacher training institution in Abidjan. It prepares future educators for primary and secondary education, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in Ivory Coast.
• Established in 1964, École Normale Supérieure d’Abidjan (ENS) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Abidjan. Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, ENS offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees in several areas of study. The institution provides several academic and non-academic facilities, including a library and administrative services.

These institutions collectively contribute to the advancement of education, research, and professional development in Ivory Coast, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s growth and progress.