Overview
Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), located in Dakar, Senegal, is widely recognized as one of the most influential universities in West Africa. Founded in 1957, UCAD has built a strong reputation for research, academic depth, and graduate training across disciplines ranging from medicine and law to science, engineering, and the humanities. As a result, it continues to attract students from across Senegal and many other African countries seeking a respected public-university education.
UCAD is named after the renowned Senegalese historian, anthropologist, and physicist Cheikh Anta Diop, whose work helped advance African cultural and scientific scholarship. Today, the university combines established faculties, active research laboratories, and a large student population, while also strengthening academic links through collaborations with institutions in Africa and internationally.
2. General Information
| Name | Cheikh Anta Diop University |
|---|---|
| Established | 1957 |
| Type | Public |
| Location | Dakar, Senegal |
| Website | ucad.sn |
If you are comparing public options in Senegal, you may also want to review other universities such as Alioune Diop University of Bamby and Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor.
3. Fee Structure
Tuition and administrative fees can vary by faculty, residency status, and academic year. The figures below are commonly cited as approximate costs, so applicants should confirm the latest rates through UCAD’s official channels before applying.
| Program | Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 150,000 XOF per year |
| Master’s | 200,000 XOF per year |
| Doctorate | 250,000 XOF per year |
4. Academic Programs
UCAD offers a wide portfolio of programs across major academic areas. Below are the subject groups that applicants most commonly consider when exploring undergraduate and graduate study options:
- Medicine and Pharmacy
- Law and Political Science
- Science and Technology
- Economics and Management
- Education and Training Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Engineering
If you are interested in education pathways beyond UCAD, you can also compare with schools in the region, such as Amadou-Maathar M’Bow University (Senegal) and Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor.
5. Facilities
- Central Library
- Research Laboratories
- Computer Labs
- Medical Center
- Student Restaurants
- Sports Complex
- Wi-Fi Access
For students planning projects, internships, or research-based study, UCAD’s laboratories and academic support spaces are among the key factors to consider—especially in science, engineering, and health-related fields.
6. Accommodation
UCAD provides on-campus housing options, though availability may vary depending on the intake and demand. Dormitories are generally positioned for convenience near academic areas, and many students use them as a starting point before deciding whether to move to private accommodation.
In practice, applicants should consider both budgeting and commute time. If on-campus options are limited, nearby student hostels and shared housing can be more flexible, especially during peak registration periods.
- University Dormitories
- Nearby Student Hostels
- Private Apartments
- Shared Housing with Other Students
7. Contact Information
- Email: contact@ucad.sn
- Phone: +221 33 825 06 29
- Address: Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
For official updates on admissions, academic calendars, and administrative processes, verify the latest announcements on UCAD’s official website.
Explore More Universities Senegal
- Gaston Berger University
- University of Thiès
- Alioune Diop University of Bamby
- Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor
- Amadou-Maathar M’Bow University
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