Bahir Dar University

Bahir Dar University, established on May 6, 2000, is one of the largest higher education institutions in Ethiopia. Formed by merging two key educational institutions—Bahir Dar Polytechnic and Bahir Dar Teachers’ College—the university serves a diverse student body and offers a wide array of academic programs.

Historical Background

• Bahir Dar Polytechnic Institute: Founded in 1963 with the support of the USSR, this institute became renowned for training technicians and evolved into Technology and Textile institutes.
• Bahir Dar Teachers’ College: Originally the Academy of Pedagogy, established in 1972 through a partnership with the Imperial Government of Ethiopia, UNESCO, and UNDP, this college focused on training primary education professionals to address rural education needs.

Academic Structure

Bahir Dar University boasts an impressive enrollment of over 52,830 students and offers a total of 219 academic programs, which include 69 undergraduate, 118 master’s, and 32 PhD programs. The university is organized into five colleges, four institutes, two faculties, and three schools, reflecting its commitment to a comprehensive educational experience.

Research Centers

The university is home to several research centers that contribute to advancements in various fields, including:

• Blue Nile Water Institute
• Biotechnology Research Institute
• Pedagogy and Education Research Institute
• Energy Research Institute
• Textile, Garment and Fashion Design Research Center
• Abay Culture and Development Research Center
• Geospatial Data and Technology Center
• Institute of Economics Research
• Demographic Surveillance Center

Mission:

• Promote advanced research and innovation on the basis of the country’s requirements;
• Produce graduates with relevant professions and necessary competences (knowledge, skills and attitude) to respond to the national labor market requirements to eventually ascertain the global competitiveness of the country;
• Improve lives through evidence-based and transformative community engagement;
• Enhance demand-driven and problem solving technology transfer

Vision:

• Bahir Dar University aspires to be one of the leading Research-Intensive Universities in Africa and the first choice in Ethiopia by 2030.

Core Values

• Pursuit of Wisdom
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Social Responsibility
• Diversity
• Internationalization

Bahir Dar University has several campuses, each specializing in different academic disciplines. Some campuses are:

1. Main Campus (Bahir Dar)

• The primary campus, hosting administrative offices and key faculties.

1. Poly Campus

• Focused on engineering, technology, and related disciplines.

1. Tibebe Ghion Campus

• Dedicated to health sciences, including medicine and public health.

1. Pedagogical Campus

• Focused on teacher education and educational sciences.

1. College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

• Located outside the main campus, focusing on agriculture and environmental studies.

1. Institute of Technology

• Specializes in engineering and technology programs.

1. Blue Nile Water Institute

• Focused on water resource management and related studies.

1. Bahir Dar University Institute of Land Administration

• Specializes in land administration and management.

1. Bahir Dar University Institute of Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Studies

• Focused on disaster risk management and food security.

1. Bahir Dar University Institute of Urban Development Studies

• Dedicated to urban planning and development studies.