Hawassa University

Hawassa University is a residential national university in Hawassa, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

The history of Hawassa University (HU) can be traced back to the establishment of Awassa College of Agriculture (ACA) in 1976. ACA was one of the first higher education institutions in Southern Ethiopia, and it quickly became a leading center for agricultural education and research in the region.

In 1978, Wondo Genet College of Forestry (WGCF) was established in the nearby town of Wondo Genet. WGCF was also a pioneer in its field, and it quickly became a leading center for forestry education and research in Ethiopia.

In 1996, Dilla College of Teachers Education and Health Sciences (DCTEHS) was established in the town of Dilla. DCTEHS was the first higher education institution in Southern Ethiopia to offer programs in teacher education and health sciences.

In 1998, the Ethiopian government decided to merge ACA, WGCF, and DCTEHS to form a new university. The new university was named Debub University ("Southern" University).

In 2000, Debub University was renamed Hawassa University (HU). HU quickly became one of the leading universities in Ethiopia. The university expanded its programs and facilities, and it attracted a large number of students and faculty from all over the country.

In 2011, HU was reestablished as a new university. The new HU was based on the original three colleges, but it also included a number of new colleges and institutes.

HU is a highly respected university in Ethiopia and is known for its academic excellence and its commitment to research. The university has a number of research centers and institutes that conduct research in a variety of fields, including agriculture, food security, health, education, and the environment.

Hawassa University is ranked as the #7 top university in Ethiopia during 2025.