Study in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

About Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and the centre of the country's government, business and higher education. Cambodia had a projected population of 17,280,543 in 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), and the capital is home to the country's oldest universities and most of its private ones.

Students come to Phnom Penh for degrees in business, information technology, law, agriculture, tourism and languages, for exchange semesters with Cambodian universities, and to learn Khmer. There are few official figures on student costs, so plan your budget with the university you choose.

Studying in Phnom Penh

Our directory lists five universities in Phnom Penh. Most offer the full range from associate and bachelor's degrees to master's and doctoral programmes.

• The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), founded in 1960, describes itself as Cambodia's oldest and largest public university. It serves approximately 30,000 students in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes, with faculties of science, social sciences and humanities, engineering, education and development studies, plus the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL). Its International Relations Office oversees exchange programmes.
• The Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) specialises in agronomy, animal science, veterinary medicine, forestry, fisheries and agro-industry. It awards associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
• Norton University, on St. Keo Chenda in Chroy Changvar, was established on 2 December 1996 and describes itself as the first private university in Cambodia. It was recognised as a university by sub-decree on 18 September 1997. Undergraduates start in a Foundation Studies Department before joining its colleges, and its Graduate School started in 2001.
• Build Bright University (BBU) has its main campus in Phnom Penh and branches in other Cambodian cities, with programmes from associate to doctoral level.
• Cambodian Mekong University (CMU), in Sen Sok, was recognised by the Royal Government of Cambodia by sub-decree on 22 May 2003. Its faculties cover arts, humanities and foreign languages, law, science and technology, management and tourism, and economics.

The Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC), a government body under the Council of Ministers, accredits programmes such as university foundation years, and the Ministry of Education recognises degrees. Ask each university in which language a programme is taught, as English-taught options vary by university and programme.

Learning Khmer

RUPP's Institute of Foreign Languages runs Khmer for Foreigners, a non-degree course in reading, writing and speaking Khmer. It has four graded levels; each level is offered four times a year for 8 to 10 weeks, with classes of 1.5 hours every weekday. Students who complete all four levels may continue by joining classes with Cambodian students.

Practical tips

• Check visa and residence rules with the Cambodian embassy or consulate before you travel, and ask your university what documents it provides for exchange or degree students.
• Universities are spread across the city, from Russian Federation Boulevard (RUPP) to Chroy Changvar (Norton) and Sen Sok (CMU), so choose housing close to your campus.
• Tuition differs widely between public and private universities and between programmes; ask for the current fee schedule in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the oldest university in Phnom Penh?

The Royal University of Phnom Penh, founded in 1960, describes itself as Cambodia's oldest and largest public university.

Can I learn Khmer at a university in Phnom Penh?

Yes. RUPP's Khmer for Foreigners course has four levels, each offered four times a year for 8 to 10 weeks, with daily classes on weekdays.

Are Cambodian university degrees recognised?

Universities are established or recognised by government sub-decree, and the Ministry of Education accredits degrees; the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia also accredits programmes. Check recognition in your home country before you enrol.

Can I study in English in Phnom Penh?

Some programmes are available in English, but the language of instruction depends on the university and the programme, so confirm it with the university before applying.