--- title: "Study in Somalia: costs, visa, scholarships and universities | Arman Education" description: "Costs, visa process, work rights, scholarships and university options for studying in Somalia." canonical_url: "https://armaneducation.com/en/countries/somalia" locale: en meta: "og:description": "Costs, visa process, work rights, scholarships and university options for studying in Somalia." "og:image": "https://armaneducation.com/og/country-somalia-en.png" "og:image:height": "630" "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Study in Somalia: costs, visa, scholarships and universities" "twitter:image": "https://armaneducation.com/og/country-somalia-en.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://armaneducation.com/llms.txt) Countries # **Study in Somalia: costs, visa, scholarships and universities** Costs, visa process, work rights, scholarships and university options for studying in Somalia. [**Free consultation for Somalia**](https://armaneducation.com/en/contact?country=somalia) ## **Overview** Somalia has a small, fragmented higher-education sector. Somali National University (SNU) describes itself as the only public, non-profit higher-education institution in the country; the other institutions found on official websites (for example SIMAD University, Mogadishu University, University of Hargeisa) are private or non-profit institutions with limited published admissions information. Security is the dominant factor. As of 26 October 2026 the governments of Canada (avoid all travel, updated 15 Oct 2026), the United Kingdom (advises against all travel except essential travel to Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil, updated 4 Jun 2026) and Germany (formal travel warning, Reisewarnung, stand 26 Oct 2026) all advise against travel to Somalia, and the US State Department lists Level 4, Do Not Travel (excerpt dated 21 May 2026). Germany, Canada and the UK state they have no or severely limited consular presence in the country. SNU publishes that undergraduate programmes are tuition-free, with per-semester administrative charges of US$50-125 depending on faculty, a compulsory English for Academic Purposes foundation programme (US$350 for five levels, unless exempted), and a US$55 registration and ID-card fee for international applicants. Entry requires an electronic visa applied for online; the Somali immigration agency states that from 1 September 2025 all foreign visitors must apply online before travelling. Student-specific visa rules, fees, processing times, work rights, post-study stay and language-test scores were not found on any official page. This record does not assess whether anyone should travel. Applicants and families should read the official travel advice of their own government (links in travelAdvisories) and confirm every requirement with the university and the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Several values below are null because no official source was reachable.
**Public university tuition**
Somali National University (SNU), the public university: all undergraduate programmes are tuition-free; students pay per-semester administrative charges (US$50-125 depending on faculty) plus a one-off compulsory English for Academic Purposes foundation programme fee of US$350 (5 levels), unless exempted by placement policy. Application fee US$30; registration and ID-card fee US$50 (postgraduate) or US$55 (international applicants).Source
**Monthly living cost**
Not yet verified
**Visa processing time**
text: null; nullReason: Processing times not stated on any official page retrieved.Source
**Work rights**
summary: null; fullDays: null; halfDays: null; nullReason: No official source on student work rights in Somalia found.; postStudy: text: null; nullReason: No official post-study stay rules found.
**Intakes and deadlines**
summary: null; winter: null; summer: null; nullReason: SNU's academic calendar page lists the types of dates (application periods, registration, semester start) but the 2025-2026 calendar content was not available as text; no dates retrieved.Source
**Language requirement**
SNU lists 'English language proficiency where required' for international applicants and requires all undergraduates to complete a 5-level English for Academic Purposes foundation programme (US$350) unless exempted by placement policy. No minimum IELTS/TOEFL scores published on the pages read. Language of instruction is not stated on the pages read.Source
## **Tuition and living costs**
**Public university tuition**
Somali National University (SNU), the public university: all undergraduate programmes are tuition-free; students pay per-semester administrative charges (US$50-125 depending on faculty) plus a one-off compulsory English for Academic Purposes foundation programme fee of US$350 (5 levels), unless exempted by placement policy. Application fee US$30; registration and ID-card fee US$50 (postgraduate) or US$55 (international applicants).Source
**Private university tuition**
Not yet verified
**Monthly living cost**
Not yet verified
### Accommodation text: null; nullReason: No official student-accommodation information found. When planning the total budget, separate one-off and monthly items. [Budget planning guide](https://armaneducation.com/en/guides/budget-planning) ## **Visa and residence permit** Per the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency, from 1 September 2025 all foreign visitors must apply online before travelling (official e-visa portal etas.gov.so, which returned HTTP 403 to automated access, so category list, fees and processing times could not be read). Canada's advice states an electronic visa is required for tourist, business and student travel and warns it may not be recognised in Somaliland or Puntland; Germany states Somaliland requires a separate entry permit.
**Visa processing time**
text: null; nullReason: Processing times not stated on any official page retrieved.Source
**Proof of funds**
text: null; nullReason: No official financial-proof requirement found.Source
**Health insurance**
text: null; nullReason: No official requirement found. Germany and the UK/Canada advice note limited medical care and recommend insurance covering medical evacuation (Germany).Source
### Application steps 1. Check the current requirements and apply online via the official e-visa portal named by the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (etas.gov.so) before travel (immigration.gov.so). 2. Confirm student-visa documents, fees and validity with the agency (info@immigration.gov.so, +252 61 0555001 per the agency site) and with the university's International Office. 3. Confirm separately whether Somaliland or Puntland authorities require their own entry permit (Germany: Somaliland requires a separate entry permit). **Travel advisories, sanctions and payments** As of 2026-10-26: US State Department (page read): Level 4: Do not travel, date issued 2026-05-21; reasons listed: crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health, landmines, piracy and other listed risks; US government personnel restricted to the Mogadishu airport complex. Other authorities (UK, Germany, Canada, Turkiye MFA) not covered in this entry; see official pages.
**Fees**
text: null; nullReason: Visa fees not stated on the agency homepage; e-visa portal inaccessible to automated fetch.Source
**Nationality-specific notes:** turkiye: text: null; nullReason: No nationality-specific Somali visa rules found on accessible official pages.; russia: text: null; nullReason: No nationality-specific Somali visa rules found on accessible official pages.; kazakhstan: text: null; nullReason: No nationality-specific Somali visa rules found on accessible official pages.; ukraine: text: null; nullReason: No nationality-specific Somali visa rules found on accessible official pages.; azerbaijan: text: null; nullReason: No nationality-specific Somali visa rules found on accessible official pages. [**Our visa consulting **→](https://armaneducation.com/en/services/visa) ## **Work rights and after graduation** summary: null; fullDays: null; halfDays: null; nullReason: No official source on student work rights in Somalia found.; postStudy: text: null; nullReason: No official post-study stay rules found. **After graduation:** text: null; nullReason: No official source. ## **Language requirements and intakes**
**Language requirement**
SNU lists 'English language proficiency where required' for international applicants and requires all undergraduates to complete a 5-level English for Academic Purposes foundation programme (US$350) unless exempted by placement policy. No minimum IELTS/TOEFL scores published on the pages read. Language of instruction is not stated on the pages read.Source
**Intakes and deadlines**
summary: null; winter: null; summer: null; nullReason: SNU's academic calendar page lists the types of dates (application periods, registration, semester start) but the 2025-2026 calendar content was not available as text; no dates retrieved.Source
[**Language and exam preparation **→](https://armaneducation.com/en/services/language) ## **Scholarships** **associate / bachelor / master / PhD / research****Direct application** ### **Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)** Republic of Türkiye (YTB)
**Coverage**
Per the official page: monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, language course, flight ticket (tuition not explicitly named on the page).
**Deadline**
General application period 10 January - 20 February (per official application calendar); other tracks have separate periods.
**Eligibility**
Page does not list eligible nationalities; eligibility of Somali nationals not confirmed from the page. Applications online and free via tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
[Source](https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/calendar) **not specified****Via the university** ### **SNU scholarships (general statement)** Somali National University
**Eligibility**
SNU states scholarships may be offered through government programmes, development partners, UN agencies, international universities, NGOs, private sector, research grants and merit awards, and that opportunities vary through the year; no named programme, amount or international-student eligibility is published on the page.
[Source](https://snu.edu.so/admission/scholarships/) ## **Cities** **Mogadishu** **Hargeisa** ## **Universities** [**Somali National University (SNU)** Mogadishu · Public Undergraduate programmes tuition-free; semester administrative charges US$50-125 by faculty; compulsory EAP foundation US$350; international registration and ID-card fee US$55; application fee US$30.](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/somali-national-university) [**SIMAD University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/simad-university) [**Mogadishu University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/mogadishu-university) [**University of Hargeisa** Hargeisa · Public](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/university-of-hargeisa) [**Jazeera University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/jazeera-university) [**Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology (JUST)** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/jamhuriya-university-of-science-and-technology-just) [**Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST)** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/zamzam-university-of-science-and-technology-zust) [**Hormuud University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/hormuud-university) [**Nile University of Science and Technology (NUST)** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/nile-university-of-science-and-technology-nust) [**Benadir University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/benadir-university) [**University of Somalia (UNISO)** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/university-of-somalia-uniso) [**Hope University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/hope-university) [**Imam University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/imam-university) [**Qudus University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/qudus-university) [**Almaas University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/almaas-university) [**Horseed International University (HIU)** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/horseed-international-university-hiu) [**Hano Technical University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/hano-technical-university) [**Afro Asian University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/afro-asian-university) [**Gollis University** Hargeisa · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/gollis-university) [**Puntland State University (PSU)** Garowe · Public](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/puntland-state-university-psu) [**East Africa University** Bosaso · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/east-africa-university) [**University of Bosaso** Bosaso · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/university-of-bosaso) [**Red Sea University (RSU)** Bosaso · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/red-sea-university-rsu) [**CITYCOT University** Bosaso · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/citycot-university) [**University of Health Sciences (UOHS)** Bosaso · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/university-of-health-sciences-uohs) [**Sahal University** Bosaso · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/sahal-university) [**University of Northeastern Somalia (UNS)** Garowe · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/university-of-northeastern-somalia-uns) [**Frontier University** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/frontier-university) [**Global Science University (GSU)** Galkayo · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/global-science-university-gsu) [**Green Hope University (GHU)** Mogadishu · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/green-hope-university-ghu) [**Nugaal University** Las Anod · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/nugaal-university) [**Ilays National University** Las Anod · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/ilays-national-university) [**Hiiraan University** Beledweyne · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/hiiraan-university) [**Central University for Science and Technology (CUST)** Beledweyne · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/central-university-for-science-and-technology-cust) [**Kismayo University** Kismayo · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/kismayo-university) [**Amoud University** Borama · Public](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/amoud-university) [**University of Burao** Burao · Public](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/university-of-burao) [**Barwaaqo University** Baliga Cas · Private](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities/barwaaqo-university) [**All universities **→](https://armaneducation.com/en/universities?country=somalia) ## **Official resources** - [**Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency**](https://immigration.gov.so) - [**Somali e-visa portal (named by the agency; blocks automated access)**](https://etas.gov.so/) - [**Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education (Somalia)**](https://moe.gov.so) - [**Somali National University - admissions**](https://snu.edu.so/admission/admission-requirements/) - [**Türkiye Scholarships**](https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr) ## **Frequently asked questions** Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information. ## **Let us plan the right path for your goals** In a free initial consultation we review your profile, budget and goals, and narrow down the countries and universities that fit you. [**Free consultation**](https://armaneducation.com/en/contact?country=somalia) [**How we work**](https://armaneducation.com/en/how-it-works) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/en#website","@type":"WebSite","inLanguage":"en","name":"Arman Education","url":"https://armaneducation.com/en","publisher":{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/#identity"},"workTranslation":[{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/tr#website"},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/ru#website"},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/ua#website"},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/kk#website"},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/az#website"},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/ar#website"}]},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/en/countries/somalia#webpage","description":"Costs, visa process, work rights, scholarships and university options for studying in Somalia.","name":"Study in Somalia: costs, visa, scholarships and universities","url":"https://armaneducation.com/en/countries/somalia","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/en/countries/somalia#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What do governments say about travel to Somalia?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"As of 26 Oct 2026: Canada says avoid all travel (15 Oct 2026); the UK advises against all travel except essential travel to Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil (4 Jun 2026); Germany has a formal travel warning (26 Oct 2026); the US lists Level 4 Do Not Travel (excerpt dated 21 May 2026, page not directly retrievable). Check your own government's page before any decision."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is consular help available in Somalia?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Limited or absent: Germany has no embassy in Somalia (Nairobi responsible) and says consular help on the ground cannot be provided; the UK says no in-person help from its Mogadishu embassy or Hargeisa office; Canada has no office in Somalia."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is tuition free at Somali National University?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"SNU states all undergraduate programmes are tuition-free, but students pay per-semester administrative charges of US$50-125 by faculty, plus the compulsory English for Academic Purposes foundation (US$350 for five levels, unless exempted) and application/registration fees (US$30 application; US$55 registration and ID card for international applicants)."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What documents does SNU ask of international applicants?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Equivalent academic qualifications, certified copies of academic documents, passport copy, English language proficiency where required, document authentication, and the US$55 registration and ID card fee."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which visa is needed?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"An electronic visa applied for online; the immigration agency says all foreign visitors must apply online before travelling from 1 September 2025. Student-visa specifics (fees, documents, processing) were not retrievable from official pages; confirm with the agency."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can international students work in Somalia?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Not determined: no official source on student work rights was found."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the intakes and deadlines?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Not determined: SNU's academic calendar page describes the calendar's contents but the dated 2025-2026 calendar was not available as text; no deadlines retrieved."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are scholarships available for international students?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"SNU states in general terms that scholarships may be offered through various partners, without named programmes or amounts. Türkiye Scholarships is a separate, officially published programme; eligibility of Somali nationals was not confirmed from the page read."}}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://armaneducation.com/en/countries/somalia"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/#logo"}},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","name":"Arman Education","url":"https://armaneducation.com","logo":{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/#logo"}},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/en/countries/somalia#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://armaneducation.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Countries","item":"https://armaneducation.com/en/countries","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Somalia","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://armaneducation.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Arman Education","contentUrl":"https://armaneducation.com/icon-512.png","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://armaneducation.com/icon-512.png"}]} ``` ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](https://armaneducation.com/sitemap.md) for all pages.