Overview
The University of Sierra Leone (USL) is a public national university based in Freetown. Its origins trace back to 1827 with the founding of Fou rah Bay College, making it the oldest Western-style institution in Sub‑Saharan Africa. Today USL operates through three constituent campuses: Fou rah Bay College (arts, sciences, law, engineering), the Institute of Public Administration & Management (IPAM, offering business, public administration and IT), and the College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS, for medical and allied health training).
USL plays a central role in Sierra Leone’s higher education system. Its mission emphasizes academic excellence, professional training, research, and public service aligned with national development goals. The institution maintains regional and international engagement through partnerships, postgraduate offerings, and programs designed to build capacity in key sectors
2. General Information
| Name | University of Sierra Leone |
| Established | 1827 (Fou rah Bay College) |
| Type | Public |
| Location | Freetown, Sierra Leone |
| Constituent Colleges | Fou rah Bay College; IPAM; College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences |
| Website | https://www.usl.edu.sl |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Tuition or Registration (approx.) |
| Bachelor’s & master’s degrees | Fees vary by college and program, generally affordable for local students, higher for private applicants |
| Diploma and certificate courses | Lower than degree programs; varies by IPAM or continuation studies |
4. Academic Programs
- Undergraduate and graduate degrees via Fou rah Bay College across faculties: Arts, Engineering & Architecture, Pure & Applied Sciences, Social Sciences & Law
- Diploma, degree, and extramural offerings at IPAM in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting & Finance, Information Systems
- Medical and health professions at COMAHS including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Laboratory Sciences
- Postgraduate programmers and PhD research available through the School of Postgraduate Studies
5. Facilities
- Fou rah Bay College campus atop Mount Aureola with lecture halls, labs, and historic architecture
- IPAM campus in central Freetown focused on public administration and IT training
- COMAHS facilities at the teaching hospital with clinical training and laboratory infrastructure
- Library resources, research institutes, and administrative offices serving all campuses
6. Accommodation
University-managed housing is limited. Many students live in private rentals, hostels, or shared accommodations in Freetown. Support services at USL assist new and international students with housing options near campuses.
- Some hostel-style or rental options near Mount Aureola/USL campuses
- Student support via administrations for housing searches
7. Contact Information
- Email: via official contact portal at usl.edu.sl
- Phone: +232 79 741202 (central administration)
- Address: A. J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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