Hawassa University

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

The foundation history of Hawassa University (HU) was laid; however, it came into existence really with the establishment of Awassa College of Agriculture in 1976. It is among the first higher education institutions established in Southern Ethiopia, becoming quickly a leading center for agricultural education and research in the region. The Wondo Genet College of Forestry was founded in Wondo Genet in 1978. This, too, was an innovation and quickly turned into a leading college for forestry education and research in the country. A college for teacher education and health sciences was also established in Dilla-the Dilla College of Teachers Education and Health Sciences-in 1996. It was the first higher education establishment in Southern Ethiopia to offer teacher education and health sciences courses. In 1998, the Ethiopian government decided to merge ACA, WGCF, and DCTEHS to create a new university.

Thus, the new institution was to be called Debub University. In 2000, the name changed to Hawassa University (HU). The HU very soon made its name as one of the leading universities in Ethiopia. The university grew in its range of programs and improved further on infrastructure-wise, welcoming high numbers of students and faculties from all over the country. It has now been re-established as part of a new university since 2011. The new HU was based on the original three colleges with the addition of a host of other new colleges and institutes. The University is one of the most reputed universities in Ethiopia and is well known for its excellent academic performance and research commitment. The university includes multiple research centers/institutes, which help to conduct research work in various areas such as agriculture, food security, health, education, and environment.

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