Welcome to SIU
Somali International University (SIU) is a private, non-profit institution of higher education in Mogadishu, providing innovative undergraduate and graduate education. It was founded in 2012.
Knowledge, Skills and Morality
History of the University
SIU at a Glance
Founded
Faculties
Departments
Campuses
Students
Alumni
Programmes
E-books
Somali International University (SIU) is a private, non-profit institution of higher education in Mogadishu, providing innovative undergraduate and graduate education. It was founded in 2012.
The University gained accreditation from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia in November 2012, and began instruction with 847 students on 4 February 2013. Today it teaches more than 4,000 students across five campuses and has produced more than 6,500 alumni now working across Somalia's health, education, business, technology, agriculture, justice and public service sectors.
SIU opened with five faculties: Business and Economics; Arts and Social Sciences; Engineering and Computer Technology; Sharia and Law; and Medicine & Health Sciences. It has since established further faculties in response to national need. The Faculty of Agriculture was established in 2015 to capitalize on the nation's demand for homegrown agricultural products, and the Faculty of Education in 2017 to meet the need for quality education practitioners and teachers. In 2019 the Department of General Medicine was separated from the Faculty of Health Sciences and established as a faculty in its own right. The rapid growth of demand across engineering and computing continues to shape the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, which brings both disciplines together in a single faculty. Today the University comprises eight faculties and twenty-three academic departments.
SIU is committed to a learning environment built on a liberal arts core curriculum that fosters ethical and critical thinking by teaching students to explore the connections between fields of knowledge. An SIU education teaches students to be problem solvers. The University's lecturers are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by SIU's mission of preparing a wide range of professionals and by its longstanding commitment to lifelong learning.
Key Milestones
University Founded
SIU established as a private, non-profit institution of higher education in Mogadishu.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia.
Instruction Commenced
Teaching began with 847 students.
Faculty of Agriculture
Established to capitalize on the nation's demand for homegrown agricultural products.
Faculty of Education
Established to meet the need for quality education practitioners and teachers.
Faculty of Medicine
General Medicine separated from the Faculty of Health Sciences and established as a faculty in its own right.
Key Facts
- Status
- Private, non-profit
- Accredited
- Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia, November 2012
- Academic system
- Semester system; two semesters per academic year, each of approximately 16 weeks (September–February, March–June; summer July–August)
- Library
- More than 60,000 titles and media, and around 150,000 e-books
- Campus internet
- Wireless internet across the campuses; IT helpdesk staffed more than 20 hours per week
- Motto
- Knowledge, Skills and Morality
Philosophy & Values
Guiding Philosophy
SIU holds that every Somali has a right to a good education. It is founded on the conviction that a solid educational foundation, joined to the deliberate formation of good character, is the most durable means by which the Somali people will overcome poverty and build a society in which each generation can aspire with confidence.
Mission
Somali International University provides accessible, high-quality education and practical professional training; conducts applied research and promotes innovation in response to the challenges facing Somalia and the region; and serves communities through outreach, professional partnerships and public engagement. SIU develops graduates with the knowledge, skills, character and confidence to succeed professionally, act ethically, and contribute to the reconstruction, development and sustainable progress of Somalia and the wider world.
Vision
To be Somalia's leading university for professional education and applied research, recognized across the Horn of Africa for graduates of proven competence and character, and for scholarship and innovation that advance national development and sustainability.
Core Values
The fundamental principles that guide our institution
Integrity and Credibility
We do what we say, and our word can be relied upon by students, staff and partners alike.
Innovativeness
We seek better ways of teaching, learning and serving, and we are willing to change.
Commitment
We hold ourselves to the promises we make to our students and to our country.
Transparency
We govern openly, account for our decisions, and welcome scrutiny.
Excellence and Professionalism
We measure ourselves against the best, not against the nearest.
Access and Equity
We ensure fair, inclusive and affordable access to quality higher education for all qualified students.
Strategic Objectives
The University pursues seven objectives, which together give effect to its vision and mission and frame its strategic direction.
Learning Environment
Provide a safe, inclusive and technologically equipped learning environment that measurably improves student progression and completion.
Research Culture
Build a research culture that produces peer-reviewed scholarship on the problems facing Somalia and the region.
Outcome-Based Programmes
Deliver programmes that are outcome-based, externally reviewed, and demonstrably valued by employers.
Academic Staff
Recruit, develop and retain academic staff qualified to deliver the University's programmes and research ambition.
Community & National Service
Serve Somalia's development through community outreach, professional partnership and public engagement grounded in Somali, Islamic and African values.
Access & Affordability
Expand access to affordable, internationally competitive higher education and provide a credible alternative to studying abroad.
Youth Empowerment
Empower youth through quality education, leadership, employability, entrepreneurship, civic responsibility, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.
Join Our Mission
Be part of our journey to transform education and contribute to Somalia's bright future.