Overview
Universidade de Cabo Verde (UniCV) is the flagship institution of higher education in Cape Verde, established in 2006 through the merger of several existing institutions. As the nation’s only public university, UniCV plays a vital role in developing Cape Verde’s human capital across its nine inhabited islands. The university specializes in marine sciences, tropical agriculture, and sustainable tourism – fields critical to the archipelago’s development.
With its main campus in the capital city Praia on Santiago Island, UniCV operates across multiple locations including Mindelo on São Vicente Island. The university’s unique “Ilhas do Saber” (Islands of Knowledge) program rotates students through different island campuses to study each island’s distinct ecosystems and cultural heritage. UniCV maintains strong partnerships with Portuguese and West African universities while developing its own Creole-infused academic identity.
2. General Information
| Name | Universidade de Cabo Verde |
| Established | 2006 |
| Type | Public University |
| Main Campus | Palmarejo, Praia, Santiago |
| Website | www.unicv.edu.cv |
| Languages | Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole |
| Student Population | 4,500 (2019 data) |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Annual Tuition (CVE) |
| Undergraduate Degrees | 55,000-75,000 |
| Master’s Programs | 85,000-120,000 |
| Marine Biology | 95,000 |
| Tropical Agriculture | 65,000 |
| Tourism Management | 70,000 |
4. Academic Programs
- Licenciatura em Engenharia Marítima (Maritime Engineering)
- Mestrado em Gestão Costeira (Coastal Management)
- Licenciatura em Turismo e Hotelaria
- Curso de Agricultura Tropical Sustentável
- Mestrado em Estudos Crioulos
- Licenciatura em Energias Renováveis
- Curso de Gestão de Desastres Naturais
5. Facilities
- Centro de Oceanografia (Oceanography Center)
- Laboratories de Energas Renovales
- Bibliotic Nacional de Cabo Verde
- Estacão Agronómica do São Jorge
- Auditório Cesária Évora
- Centro de Línguas (Portuguese/Creole)
- Residência Universitária da Praia
6. Accommodation
UniCV provides limited on-campus housing in Praia and Mindelo, with priority given to students from outer islands. Most students live in private residences or shared apartments, with the university maintaining a registry of approved landlords. The “Casa do Estudante” program helps international students find homestays with local families.
- Two dormitories (Praia and Mindelo)
- Meal plans available at campus cantinas
- Transportation assistance between islands
- Student housing office with rental listings
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@unicv.edu.cv
- Phone: +238 262 17 90 (Praia)
- Address: Av. Cidade de Lisboa, Palmarejo, Praia
- Mindelo Campus: +238 232 68 42
- Admissions: ingresso@unicv.edu.cv