Universities in Haiti

Higher education in Haiti is taught mainly in French, with Haitian Creole as the second language of daily life and of many classrooms. The public system is built around the Université d'État d'Haïti (UEH) in Port-au-Prince, which describes itself as the country's oldest higher-education institution. Alongside it, private universities such as the Université Quisqueya, founded in 1988, offer degrees in fields such as law, engineering, economics, education and health.

For an international student, Haiti is a French-speaking Caribbean option with a small number of universities, most of them in the capital. Before choosing it, read the security section below: several governments currently advise against all travel to the country.

How it works

Haitian universities award the licence (first degree), the maîtrise (master's degree) and the doctorate. Programmes last between four and six years at the UEH, depending on the field. The UEH grew out of the Port-au-Prince law school, opened in 1860; the Université d'Haïti was officially created in 1944, and a decree of 16 December 1960 gave it its current name. Article 208 of the 1987 Constitution recognises its autonomy. Today it offers 46 first-cycle programmes, 15 second-cycle programmes and one doctoral programme.

The one school in our directory, the Université Quisqueya (UniQ), is a private, non-profit university in Port-au-Prince. Its founding charter was filed on 29 March 1988, it opened in October 1990 with 39 students, and it received its definitive operating licence from the Ministry of Education in December 1993. UniQ now has six faculties:

• economics and administration
• engineering and architecture
• agriculture and environment
• law and political science
• education
• health sciences

It also runs a doctoral school and continuing-education programmes.

Admission

All UEH faculties and schools admit students through a competitive entrance exam (concours). Private universities run their own selection. At UniQ, applicants first apply online and then submit their file, which must include the Haitian secondary-school leaving certificate (Bac II) or an equivalent qualification. Each faculty then sets an admission exam. Applicants from the US school system need an SAT score of at least 800 or an ACT score of at least 18 out of 36. Students who want to transfer from another university are admitted on the basis of their file.

According to UniQ, foreign students follow the same admission process as Haitian students. They need an adequate command of written and spoken French, and those who studied in another language may be asked to pass a French test. Some knowledge of Haitian Creole is also listed as a prerequisite.

Costs and funding

Teaching at the UEH is free, according to the university. Private universities charge tuition and administrative fees. At UniQ, the fees in force since 14 July 2025 include an application fee of 10,000 gourdes for a licence, 15,000 gourdes for a maîtrise and 25,000 gourdes for a doctorate; tuition is set separately. UniQ lists scholarships from the Banque de la République d'Haïti (BRH) France-Haïti friendship programme and from the French Embassy, among others.

Visa and safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation (advice still current on 7 October 2026). It reports a high threat of kidnapping, particularly throughout the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, and states that the land border with the Dominican Republic is closed to travellers. Check your own government's travel advice before making any plans.

British citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days, but anyone staying longer to study must meet the Haitian government's entry requirements. Ask the Haitian embassy or consulate in your country which visa applies to you.

How to choose

• Language: almost all programmes are taught in French; check whether you need a French test
• Public or private: the UEH is free but selective through the concours; private universities charge fees and set their own exams
• Level: decide whether you need a licence, a maîtrise or a doctorate, and check that the programme exists at that level
• Recognition: if you plan to work or continue studying abroad, check how the degree is recognised in that country
• Safety and format: given the current travel advice, ask the university about distance learning, exchange agreements or a start date once conditions allow

Frequently asked questions

In which language do Haitian universities teach?

Mostly in French. UniQ asks all students for an adequate command of written and spoken French and lists knowledge of Haitian Creole as a prerequisite.

Is university free in Haiti?

Teaching at the public Université d'État d'Haïti is free, with admission through a competitive exam. Private universities such as UniQ charge fees; UniQ's application fee for a licence is 10,000 gourdes (2025 tariff).

Can foreign students apply to Haitian universities?

Yes. At UniQ, foreign students follow the same process as Haitian applicants: online application, a file with a secondary-school leaving certificate or equivalent, and the faculty's admission exam.

Is it safe to study in Haiti now?

The UK government advises against all travel to Haiti because of the volatile security situation, with a high threat of kidnapping in the Port-au-Prince area. Check your own government's latest advice before deciding.