Overview
Hawassa University is one of Ethiopia’s leading comprehensive public universities, established in 2000 in the capital city of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). Located 275 km south of Addis Ababa on the shores of Lake Hawassa, the university has grown into a well-known option for students interested in health sciences, agriculture, and technology.
For applicants planning their next step, Hawassa University stands out for its applied teaching approach, research activity connected to regional needs, and community engagement. If you are comparing similar public universities, you may also want to review guides such as Bahir Dar University and Mekelle University before deciding where to apply.
2. General Information
| Name | Hawassa University |
| Established | 2000 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia |
| Website | www.hu.edu.et |
| Student Population | Over 40,000 (2023) |
| Academic Staff | 2,000+ |
| Campuses | Main Campus, College of Agriculture, Health Sciences Campus |
3. Fee Structure
Tuition varies by program level and residency status. The ranges below reflect commonly published annual tuition for undergraduate programs and typical graduate fee bands. For the most accurate figure before applying, confirm with the university’s latest announcements on its official website.
| Program | Annual Tuition (ETB) |
| Health Sciences | 18,000-22,000 |
| Engineering | 15,000-17,000 |
| Agriculture | 12,000-14,000 |
| Natural Sciences | 13,000-15,000 |
| Social Sciences | 10,000-12,000 |
| Graduate Programs | 25,000-40,000 |
4. Academic Programs
Hawassa University organizes its academic offerings through multiple colleges. Below are core program areas commonly available to students, grouped by college for easier planning.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- General Medicine
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Pharmacy
- College of Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Textile Engineering
- College of Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Plant Science
- Horticulture
- Agricultural Economics
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- College of Business and Economics
- Accounting
- Management
- Economics
- Tourism Management
5. Facilities
Facilities at Hawassa University support both classroom learning and practical training. The university’s health sciences programs are complemented by its specialized hospital services, while engineering and technology students benefit from workshops and lab-based learning.
- Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
- Modern engineering workshops and laboratories
- Agricultural research centers and demonstration farms
- Advanced textile technology center
- Comprehensive library with digital resources
- ICT centers with high-speed internet
- Student recreational and sports facilities
Students who want a broader regional perspective on public universities may also compare program environments with institutions such as Haramaya University, especially for agriculture and health-related study pathways.
6. Accommodation
Hawassa University provides on-campus housing for about 60% of its regular students. Priority is typically given to first-year and female students, but availability can vary by semester and program. If you are planning to apply, start early and confirm deadlines for dormitory requests.
- On-campus dormitories: ETB 1,500-3,000 per semester
- Graduate student housing
- International student housing
- Campus dining services
- 24-hour campus security
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@hu.edu.et
- Phone: +251 462 205 001
- Address: P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
More Universities in Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa University
- University of Gondar
- Jimma University
- Bahir Dar University
- Mekelle University
- Haramaya University
- Arba Minch University
- Adama Science & Technology University
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