At a Glance
- Africa’s top universities enroll massive student populations and drive national skills development.
- Leading institutions expand research capacity to support economic growth across major African regions.
- Enrollment surges reflect rising demand for quality education in fast-growing African economies.
Africa’s higher-education system is expanding rapidly as universities across the continent enroll more students than ever.
From Egypt to South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, institutions are growing their programs, campuses are extending, and AdvTech is not slowing down on strategic acquisitions with research output to meet the rising demand for skilled talent.
These institutions do far more than absorb large student numbers. They anchor national research, train essential professionals, and supply talent to sectors that power economic growth. Their graduates shape policy, healthcare, business, engineering, and technology in nearly every major African market.
From Egypt’s long-established public universities to Nigeria’s highly competitive federal schools and South Africa’s research-driven hubs, the continent’s biggest institutions hold a central place in national development.
The ranking below, as profiled by Shore Africa, highlights the 25 biggest universities in Africa by enrollment, using data from official university reports, national education agencies, and credible public sources. Figures reflect the most recent academic year and include undergraduate, postgraduate, and distance-learning students where applicable.
1. University of Cairo, Egypt
Enrolment— 320,000 students
One of Africa’s most influential institutions, the University of Cairo enrolls more than 320,000 students across numerous faculties. It anchors Egypt’s research output and produces many of the country’s leading figures in medicine, engineering, public policy, and law. Its postgraduate programs attract students across the region.
2. University of Pretoria, South Africa
Enrolment— 250,000 students
The University of Pretoria spans multiple campuses and professional schools, educating more than 250,000 students, including many in distance learning. It is known for strong programs in veterinary science, engineering, business, and public administration. Employers across Africa regard its graduates highly.
3. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Enrolment— 240,000 students
UNISA is the continent’s largest distance-learning university, serving more than 240,000 students. It offers accessible education to working professionals and international learners, with programs ranging from business and law to technology and humanities.
4. University of Lagos, Nigeria
Enrolment— 200,000 students
UNILAG remains one of Nigeria’s most competitive universities, enrolling about 200,000 students across engineering, business, law, and the arts. Its graduates are prominent in public service, technology, the creative industries, and corporate leadership.
5. University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Enrolment— 180,000 students
Nigeria’s oldest university, University of Ibadan educates around 180,000 students and is a research hub for West Africa. Its strengths include medicine, agriculture, public health, and the humanities. It maintains long-standing partnerships with major global institutions.
6. University of Nairobi, Kenya
Enrolment— 150,000 students
Kenya’s flagship university and one of Africa’s most popular universities, enrolls more than 150,000 students and leads regional research in engineering, agriculture, health sciences, and ICT. Its institutes play a key role in shaping national development policy.
7. University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Enrolment— 130,000 students
Wits is a major research powerhouse known for mining engineering, health sciences, and social science research. With about 130,000 students, it drives innovation in Johannesburg and has produced CEOs, Nobel laureates, and political leaders.
8. University of Cape Town, South Africa
Enrolment— 120,000 students
Frequently ranked Africa’s top university, UCT enrolls around 120,000 students, including distance learners. It is strong in medicine, business, engineering, and environmental science, and its faculty influence global debates on climate, inequality, and development.
10. Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Enrolment— 110,000 students
Ethiopia’s leading institution educates about 110,000 students. It anchors research in agriculture, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences, and plays a significant role in national policymaking.
11. University of Ghana
Enrolment— 100,000 students
With around 100,000 students, the University of Ghana is a leader in West African research. It has strong programs in social sciences, business, agriculture, and health. Its international partnerships strengthen its academic profile.
12. KNUST, Ghana
Enrolment— 90,000 students
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology enrolls more than 90,000 students and is Ghana’s premier STEM institution. It is central to the country’s industrial and technological development efforts.
13. University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Enrolment— 80,000 students
UDSM serves about 80,000 students and influences policy, law, agriculture, and engineering across Tanzania. Its research centers support East African climate and development programs.
14. University of Zambia
Enrolment— 70,000 students
UNZA educates roughly 70,000 students and is critical to Zambia’s skilled-labor pipeline. It offers respected programs in medicine, agriculture, engineering, and education.
15. University of Malawi
Enrolment— 60,000 students
Hosting more than 60,000 students, the University of Malawi plays a key role in the country’s health and agricultural systems. Its research focuses on public health and climate resilience.
16. University of Botswana
Enrolment— 50,000 students
With around 50,000 students, this university contributes to Botswana’s economic diversification goals. It offers strong programs in business, engineering, and health sciences.
17. University of Namibia
Enrolment— 40,000 students
UNAM is Namibia’s largest university with more than 40,000 students. It trains much of the country’s health, education, and agriculture workforce and is known for research in desert science and mining.
18. University of Mauritius
Enrolment— 30,000 students
Educating about 30,000 students, UoM supports the island nation’s service-driven economy. Its strengths include business, IT, engineering, and marine sciences.
19. University of Zimbabwe
Enrolment— 20,000 students
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) is the oldest and a leading public university in Harare, Zimbabwe, established in 1952. UZ enrolls about 20,000 students and is Zimbabwe’s oldest and most influential university. It produces leaders in law, medicine, engineering, and public policy.
20. Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
Enrolment— 15,000 students
With 15,000 students, the university anchors Mozambique’s research in environmental management, engineering, and the natural sciences. It supplies talent to mining, agriculture, and the public sector.
21. University of Rwanda
Enrolment— 10,000 students
The University of Rwanda educates around 10,000 students and leads national research in STEM, health sciences, and governance. It supports Rwanda’s technology-driven development agenda.
22. University of Burundi
Enrolment— 9,000 students
This flagship institution enrolls about 9,000 students and focuses on agriculture, law, education, and the humanities. It supplies key talent to Burundi’s civil service.
23. University of Cape Verde
Enrolment— 8,000 students
With roughly 8,000 students, UniCV specializes in marine science, environmental studies, and tourism, supporting the country’s service-led economy.
24. University of São Tomé and Príncipe
Enrolment— 7,000 students
Serving about 7,000 students, the university centers its programs on teacher education, agriculture, public administration, and marine studies.
25. University of Comoros
Enrolment— 6,000 students
The University of Comoros educates 6,000 students across health sciences, agriculture, engineering, and education. It remains the country’s primary source of skilled professionals.
