Overview
University of Yaoundé I is the flagship institution of Cameroon’s higher education system, established in 1962 as the nation’s first university. Located in the capital’s Ngoa-Ekelle district, this Anglo-French bilingual university has shaped generations of Cameroonian leaders and intellectuals. With its distinctive hilltop campus overlooking the city, the university combines historic colonial-era buildings with modern research facilities.
As Cameroon’s most selective university, Yaoundé I maintains rigorous academic standards across its faculties, particularly in law, medicine, and political science. The university serves as the intellectual hub for Central Africa, attracting students from across the CEMAC region. Its unique bilingual curriculum prepares graduates for careers in both Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Yaoundé I |
| Established | 1962 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Ngoa-Ekelle, Yaoundé, Cameroon |
| Website | www.uy1.uninet.cm |
| Languages | French, English |
| Student Population | 40,000+ (2023 estimate) |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Annual Fees (XAF) |
| Undergraduate (Arts) | 50,000 |
| Undergraduate (Sciences) | 75,000 |
| Medicine | 150,000 |
| Master’s Programs | 100,000-200,000 |
| PhD Programs | 250,000 |
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Law and Political Science
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- Higher Teachers’ Training College (ENS)
- Advanced School of Translators (ASTI)
- Faculty of Arts, Letters and Social Sciences
- Institute of International Relations (IRIC)
- National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM)
5. Facilities
- Central Library (over 500,000 volumes)
- University Teaching Hospital (CHU)
- Bilingualism Research Center
- Olympic-size swimming pool
- International Conference Center
- Computer Center with 24/7 access
- Student Cultural Center
6. Accommodation
The university provides limited on-campus housing at the Cité Universitaire, with priority given to scholarship students and those from remote regions. Most students rent privately in neighborhoods like Ngoa-Ekelle, Briqueterie, or Melen.
- 6 residence halls (4,500 beds total)
- 24-hour campus security
- Student-run food cooperatives
- Laundry facilities
- On-campus medical clinic
7. Contact Information
- Email: rectorat@uy1.uninet.cm
- Phone: +237 222 23 40 05
- Address: BP 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
More Universities in Cameroon
- University of Douala
- University of Buea
- University of Dschang
- University of Ngaoundéré
- Bamenda University of Science & Technology
- Catholic University of Central Africa
- University of Maroua
- Fotso Victor University
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