Overview
Université des Grands Lacs (UGL) is a regional leader in higher education, strategically located at the crossroads of Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1998, UGL has developed a unique academic model that addresses the specific needs of the African Great Lakes region through interdisciplinary programs focused on peace studies, environmental management, and regional development.
The university operates across three campuses in Bujumbura (Burundi), Bukavu (DRC), and Cyangugu (Rwanda), allowing students to experience diverse learning environments within the same institution. UGL’s innovative “Cross-Border Semester” program requires all students to study at two different campus locations, fostering regional understanding and cooperation among future leaders.
2. General Information
| Name | Université des Grands Lacs |
| Established | 1998 |
| Type | Regional Private University |
| Main Campus | Bujumbura, Burundi |
| Website | www.uglac.org |
| Languages | French, English, Swahili |
| Student Population | 7,200 across 3 campuses |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Annual Tuition |
| Undergraduate Programs | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $2,200-$2,800 |
| Regional Peace Studies | $1,800 (with scholarships) |
| Lake Ecosystem Management | $2,100 |
| Cross-Border MBA | $3,000 |
4. Academic Programs
- Bachelor in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- MSc in Great Lakes Ecology
- Regional Development Economics
- Transborder Law and Governance
- Diploma in Humanitarian Logistics
- Master in Intercultural Communication
- Certificate in Kinyarwanda-Kirundi-Swahili Translation
5. Facilities
- Regional Peace Research Institute
- Lake Tanganyika Research Vessel
- Multilingual Debate Chamber
- Cross-Border Simulation Center
- Digital Archive of Regional Treaties
- 3-Campus Video Conference System
- Refugee Studies Field Station
6. Accommodation
UGL offers unique “Regional Exchange Dormitories” where students from different countries share living spaces to promote integration. Housing costs are standardized across all three campuses, with special provisions for students participating in cross-border programs.
- Cultural exchange housing assignments
- Secure document storage for border-crossing students
- Regional cuisine dining halls
- On-campus visa assistance office
- Multi-country electrical outlets in rooms
7. Contact Information
- Email: rectorat@uglac.org
- Admissions: admissions@uglac.org
- Phone: +257 22 345 678 (Bujumbura)
- Address: Boulevard de l’Unité, Bujumbura, Burundi
More Universities in Burundi
- University of Burundi
- Université Lumière de Bujumbura
- Université du Lac Tanganyika
- Université Ntare Rugamba
- Université Polytechnique de Gitega
- Université Martin Luther King
- Université Chrétienne du Burundi
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