Addis Ababa University

university, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Also known as: Haile Selassie I University

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Addis Ababa University is a prominent institution of higher learning located in Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. Founded in 1950 as University College of Addis Ababa, it was later renamed Haile Selassie I University in 1961 before adopting its current name in 1975. The university is a key educational and administrative center in Ethiopia, offering a range of programs and operating institutions like the Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and the Yared School of Music. It is one of several universities in Ethiopia, contributing to the nation's educational landscape.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Addis Ababa
It is the site of Addis Ababa University (1950) and contains several teacher-training colleges and technical schools. Also located in the city are the Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and the Yared School of Music, both of which are operated by the university; the National Library and Archives;…
Read More
It is the site of Addis Ababa University (1950) and contains several teacher-training colleges and technical schools. Also located in the city are the Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and the Yared School of Music, both of which are operated by the university; the National Library and Archives;…
Read More

Ethiopia
Education of Ethiopia
The country’s oldest university, Addis Ababa University, was founded in 1950 as University College of Addis Ababa. In 1961 it was restructured and renamed Haile Selassie I University, and in 1975 it adopted its present name. Other universities in Ethiopia include Alemaya University in Dire Dawa, Debub University in…
Read More
The country’s oldest university, Addis Ababa University, was founded in 1950 as University College of Addis Ababa. In 1961 it was restructured and renamed Haile Selassie I University, and in 1975 it adopted its present name. Other universities in Ethiopia include Alemaya University in Dire Dawa, Debub University in…
Read More