Study and find schools in Sudan

Studying in Sudan

Sudan has a long university tradition, but the country has been at war since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other cities. In October 2026 international students should not plan to travel to Sudan: the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel to Sudan under any circumstances, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel because of the ongoing military conflict. Several ceasefires have been agreed, but according to the FCDO they have regularly been broken.

This page describes the higher-education system and how it is working now, for students who already have ties to Sudan or who are following a Sudanese programme at a distance.

Higher education in Sudan

Higher education is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. According to the ministry's 2026 indicators, Sudan has 166 higher-education institutions:

• 37 public universities
• 26 private (ahlia and private) universities
• 92 private colleges
• 9 institutes and academies, plus research centres and 2 branches of foreign universities

The ministry reports some 827,000 students in 2026, including 94,500 postgraduate students and 12,400 international students. Universities award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees; check the length and language of each programme with the university.

Since the outbreak of the war, universities have had to reorganise teaching and exams. The University of Khartoum, for example, reported in 2026 that it had held exams in a decentralised way for the first time since the war began, and the minister of higher education has said that universities are regaining academic stability. Conditions vary from one institution to another and can change quickly.

Admission and recognition

Undergraduate admission is regulated nationally. According to the University of Khartoum, the Board of Higher Education of Sudan sets the minimum admission requirements, which depend on whether the applicant is Sudanese or not and on the board that issued the secondary-school certificate. Postgraduate requirements are set by each university.

The ministry offers online services for school certificates (upload and matching), evaluation and equivalence of foreign certificates, document authentication and a dedicated service for international (wafideen) students. It also publishes local and international scholarship announcements.

Visa and entry

According to the Spanish travel advice, checked on 7 October 2026:

• Spanish citizens need a visa obtained in advance from the Sudanese embassy; it cannot be obtained at the airport, and it can take up to 5 weeks
• Khartoum airport is closed and land borders are closed to foreigners; the only working entry point is the civil airport of Port Sudan
• Foreigners must register within 3 days of arrival, although registration offices may not be working normally
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months

The Spanish embassy in Sudan has suspended its activities, and no consular assistance can be provided on the ground. The UK embassy in Khartoum is also closed. Students from other countries should check their own government's advice and the Sudanese embassy in their country.

Costs and money

There is no reliable official source for current tuition fees or living costs; ask the university directly. Practical money matters are difficult: according to the Spanish Foreign Ministry, foreign credit cards are not accepted anywhere in Sudan and transfers from abroad to Sudanese accounts are very complicated. Anyone who travels must have international medical and travel insurance that covers war zones and repatriation; the FCDO warns that travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against its advice.

Where to study in Sudan

Khartoum, the capital, is the traditional centre of Sudanese higher education and has been one of the main areas of fighting. It is home to the University of Khartoum, which describes itself as the largest and oldest university in Sudan. It began as Gordon Memorial College, founded in 1902; the Kitchener School of Medicine, the first medical school in Sudan, was established in 1924, and the institution became the University of Khartoum on 24 July 1956. It has 23 faculties. According to the Spanish travel advice, only Port Sudan and its surroundings currently have minimum security conditions, and the north and east of the country are relatively stable, although this can change quickly.

Practical life

The sale and consumption of alcohol are severely punished by law. Specific permits are required to travel outside Port Sudan and to use filming or photography equipment. Because the situation changes quickly, follow the official travel advice of your country and register with your embassy if you are in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to study in Sudan?

No. In October 2026 the Spanish Foreign Ministry advises against travel to Sudan under any circumstances and the UK FCDO advises against all travel, because of the armed conflict.

Are Sudanese universities still operating?

Many universities continue to teach and hold exams under difficult conditions. The University of Khartoum, for example, held exams in a decentralised way in 2026. Check the current situation with each university.

How many universities are there in Sudan?

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Sudan has 166 higher-education institutions in 2026, including 37 public universities, 26 private universities and 92 private colleges.

How can I get my Sudanese or foreign certificate recognised?

The Ministry of Higher Education offers online services for the evaluation, equivalence and authentication of certificates.