Somali National University

Overview

The Somali National University (SNU) is Somalia’s historic public university, originally established in 1954 and officially recognized as a national university in 1969. After years of disruption during civil conflict, the university reopened in Mogadishu in August 2014 and has since focused on rebuilding access to higher education. Today, SNU serves approximately 16,000 students across multiple campuses, including Gahler, Digger medical campus, Lafoole Teaching College, and the Polytechnic College. As a tuition-free public institution, students typically pay modest yearly faculty fees that help support teaching and academic operations.

SNU delivers education through 15 faculties, including medicine, engineering, veterinary science, agriculture, economics, law, education, social sciences, Islamic studies, languages, and health sciences. The university’s current strategy emphasizes research, community service, and strengthening human capital—while supporting equitable access to learning through modern academic delivery and multilingual study options. If you’re comparing options, you may also want to review guides for other institutions in Mogadishu, such as Mogadishu University or Benadir University.

2. General Information

3. Fee Structure

Note: Faculty charges can change from year to year. Before paying, applicants should confirm the latest fee details on the official SNU website or through the admissions office.

4. Academic Programs

• Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across major faculties, including Medicine & Surgery, Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Architecture), Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Economics & Management, Law, Education, Islamic & Language Studies, Social Sciences, Health Sciences & Tropical Medicine, plus Science and Languages.
• Professional training and certificate programs in partnership with regional institutions, where available.
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) preparatory support to improve language proficiency and academic readiness for coursework.

Because SNU’s offerings span both science-heavy and humanities-focused tracks, many applicants choose based on career direction (for example, healthcare pathways vs. education or law). If you’re comparing similar routes, you can also explore SIMAD University, which provides an alternative option for students looking at institution fit alongside faculty choice.

5. Facilities

• Key campus locations in Mogadishu, including Gahler (main site), Digger medical faculty, Lafoole Teaching College, and the Polytechnic College.
• Faculty-specific learning spaces such as medical clinic facilities connected to teaching environments near Digger Hospital and engineering workshops for practical instruction.
• Libraries and bookstores supporting course materials and study needs, including support for language-based learning.
• Research and outreach activities that contribute to graduate learning and community service goals.

For students preparing for practical programs—especially in medicine, engineering, and health sciences—facility access and supervised training opportunities are usually as important as the degree title. Reviewing how the university organizes campus-based teaching can help you plan your academic schedule effectively.

6. Accommodation

SNU does not run official student dormitories. Most students arrange accommodation in Mogadishu through shared or private rentals. University student services typically provide guidance and referrals for housing, particularly for incoming or returning students.

• Private or shared rental housing within Mogadishu
• Referrals via student support or admissions offices

If you’re comparing living and study options across schools in the region, consider checking how other institutions describe campus support. For example, Mogadishu University and Benadir University may offer different student support structures that can influence your housing plan.

7. Contact Information

• Email: via official contact forms on snu.edu.so
• Phone: listed through the university’s central admissions directory
• Address: Multiple campuses in Mogadishu; main administration at Gahler Campus, Mogadishu, Somalia

Explore More Universities Somali

• SIMAD University
• Mogadishu University
• Amoud University
• Puntland State University
• Benadir University
• Gollis University

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