Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa University (AAU) is a national university located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is the oldest university in Ethiopia and one of the most prestigious universities in Africa.

The history of Addis Ababa University (AAU) dates back to 1950 when it was founded as the University College of Addis Ababa (UCAA). UCAA was established at the appeal of Emperor Haile Selassie I, who envisioned a university that would help to modernize Ethiopia and prepare its citizens for the challenges of the modern world.

UCAA initially offered courses in law and engineering, but in the late 1950s, programs in social sciences such as history and geography were also added. In 1961, UCAA was restructured and renamed Haile Selassie I University (HSIU). HSIU grew rapidly in the following years, and by the mid-1970s, it was one of the largest universities in Africa.

In 1975, following the overthrow of the Haile Selassie regime, the university was renamed Addis Ababa University (AAU). Under the new regime, AAU underwent a period of reform, with a focus on expanding access to education and promoting social justice.

In the 1980s and 1990s, AAU faced several challenges, including the Ethiopian Civil War and the economic crisis of the 1990s. Despite these challenges, the university continued to grow and develop. In recent years, AAU has benefited from increased government investment and international support.

Addis Ababa University has played a vital role in the development of Ethiopia. It has produced many of the country's leaders and professionals, and it has been a center for research and innovation. AAU continues to be a leading university in Africa, and it is committed to serving the needs of Ethiopia and the world.

Addis Ababa University is ranked as the #1 top university in Ethiopia during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.