Best Universities in Ethiopia for Social Science Courses (2025)

Ethiopia has several reputable universities offering strong programs in Social Sciences. These institutions stand out for research output, academic breadth, and real-world impact.

Addis Ababa University (AAU)

As the top-ranked university in Ethiopia (Webometrics July 2025), AAU excels in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy.

•Ranked #1 in the country overall.

•Strong in Public Policy & Administration, placing #33 in Africa and #868 globally.   

AAU remains a go-to choice for core social science disciplines and has produced leaders of the nation.

University of Gondar (UoG)

UoG’s Social Sciences and Humanities programs are highly rated for research quality:

•Dominates in Demography, Sociology, Law, Political Science, and related fields—often top 2 or 3 in Ethiopia and strong across Africa.  

•It also offers a well rounded academic environment with undergraduate and postgraduate offerings across social sciences.   

UoG is an excellent choice if you’re interested in deep social science research and thematic specialization.

Hawassa University

Hawassa ranks within Ethiopia’s top 5 universities and performs well internationally across several social science disciplines:

•Offers strong programs in Sociology, Political Science, History, and Law—all notable within Ethiopia’s top 7 for Liberal Arts & Social Sciences.   

Hawassa is ideal for students seeking solid research exposure and regional learning opportunities.

Bahir Dar University (BDU)

Ranked among Ethiopia’s top universities, BDU is known for robust social science offerings:

•Strong faculties in social sciences and public policy.

•Recognized for academic quality and affordability.   

BDU is great for students focusing on practical, policy-oriented social science education.

Jimma University

Jimma University is consistently ranked high nationally and is known for quality teaching and research:

•Offers strong programs in Social Sciences and Public Health.

•Known for community-focused, innovative teaching approaches.   

It’s a solid choice if you value community engagement and applied social science learning.

Mekelle University

Mekelle University is another rising institution, especially strong in economics and development studies:

•Recognized in country- and continent-wide rankings.

•Well-structured faculties offering social science courses relevant to socio-economic development.   

Mekelle suits students interested in economics, development, and regional policy.

Final Insights

•Addis Ababa University: Best for prestige, broad social science offerings, and regional leadership.

•University of Gondar: A research powerhouse in Sociology, Demography, and Law.

•Hawassa University: Balanced across disciplines, consistent research performance.

•Bahir Dar & Jimma Universities: Great for policy focused and community-linked learning.

•Mekelle University: Strong in economics and development pathways.