Higher education in Angola

Further study and universities

In 1962, after the struggle for Angolan independence had begun, the Portuguese authorities established a state-funded university in Angola. Nowadays, there are several universities all over the country, both public and private.

The university that was founded in 1962, Universidade de Luanda was renamed Universidade Agostinho Neto in 1979. Also in Luanda, the Catholic Church founded the Universidade Católica de Angola in 1998.

Over the years, Agostinho Neto University has expanded, opening campuses all over the country and in 2009, the campuses in Benguela, Cabinda, Huambo, Lubango, Malanje and Uíge became autonomous public universities.

Several private universities (some of them linked to Universities in Portugal) have been founded in the past years and Saudi Arabia has announced the creation of an Islamic University in Luanda.

List of Angolan universities

These are some of the public universities in Angola:

• Universidade Agostinho Neto in Luanda
• Universidade José Eduardo dos Santos in Huambo
• Universidade Katyavala Bwila in Benguela
• Universidade Mandume ya Ntemufayo  in Lubango
• Universidade Kimpa Vita  in Uíge
• Universidade Lueij A'Nkonda in Malanje
• Instituto Superior Politécnico do Huambo - a public polytechnic in Huambo

These are some of the private universities in Angola (unless specified, in Luanda):

• Universidade Católica de Angola 
• Universidade Jean Piaget  - part of the Instituto Piaget, with campuses in Portugal, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Brazil. It is also in the province of Benguela and in Viana.
• Universidade Metodista de Angola 
• Instituto Superior Politécnico de Angola 
• Universidade Óscar Ribas 
• Universidade Lusófona  - a Portuguese university
• Universidade Gregório Semedo 

Access to university

In order to enter university, you will have to take an entrance exam regardless of whether it’s a public or private institution, amongst other things the exam evaluates your knowledge of Portuguese. It usually takes place before the academic year starts, around February. Each university decides when it takes place, as well as other conditions for access such as the documents to bring. We recommend you to take a look at the individual university website to get information.

We will detail some of the requirements for different universities so that you can get an idea on what may be needed if your Portuguese is not good enough. There is also a fee you should pay when applying but, again, it depends on the university and on the course you are applying to.

Universidade Agostinho Neto

You can find all the information (in Portuguese) regarding access for 2013 in this public university here: www.acessouan.com/  There is also information on the exam such as the topics you should prepare for.

The documents required are:

• Certificate of Habilitaçoes Literarias (High School Graduation certificate) with grades and one copy
• ID document (Angolan Bilhete de Identidade, passport or resident card) and copy
• For those who work, declaraçao de serviço, a document from the army or police if you work either in the army or in the police
• For male candidates, an atestado de situaçâo militar (a certificate proving military service has been completed.)
• Three recent passport-sized photographs
• Receipt for the application fee

Universidade Independente de Angola

The enrollment period generally starts in January each year at this private university. The following documents are needed:

• 1 passport-sized photograph
• Bilhete de Identidade (Angolan ID card) and a copy
• Certificate of Habilitaçoes Literarias (High School Graduation certificate) with grades and one copy
• Copy of your vaccination card
• Medical certificate
• You have to pay the application fee (US$50) and the examination fee (US$50)

Universidade Óscar Ribas

In order to enter this university, you must have finished high school and pass the entrance exam. The following documents are required:

• Certificate of Habilitaçoes Literarias (High School Graduation certificate) with grades in all subjects for each year and one copy
• Bilhete de Identidade (ID Card) for nationals and passport for foreigners and a copy of them
• Proof of juridic-working connexion for those who are working
• Statement of militar situation for national candidates in military age
• Inscription form duly completed
• Five photographs passport size
• Payment in US$ or equivalent of the fees (check rates upon registration)