Université St. Christopher (formerly St. Christopher Iba Mar Diop College of Medicine) is a prominent private medical school in Dakar, Senegal. Founded in 2003, it has grown into a key regional hub for medical education in Francophone Africa. In 2024, the institution was acquired by Admaius Capital Partners, sparking a major digital and facility transformation aimed at making it a premier center for medical research in West Africa.
Established: 2003.
Location: Rue 5 angle Boulevard de l'Est, Point E, Dakar, Senegal.
Degrees Awarded: State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine (and Pharmacy/Dentistry).
Duration: 8 Years (Medicine); 6 Years (Pharmacy/Dentistry).
Language of Instruction: French.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Senegalese Ministry of Higher Education and the CAMES (African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education). It is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Private Leadership: St. Christopher is one of the most successful private medical institutions in the region, currently training around 2,550 students from over 20 different nationalities.
Diversity: It is a diverse campus with roughly 70% international students (from Morocco, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, etc.) and a high female enrollment (over 60%).
New Leadership: Following its 2024 acquisition, the school is led by Mohamed Ali Ben Naceur (former CEO of a major Tunisian hospital group) and a board that includes former French Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem.
Modernization: The "Ambitious Development Plan" involves a full digital transformation and the upgrading of simulation laboratories.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Practical Training: The curriculum emphasizes early exposure to patient care. Students use on-campus laboratories for pre-clinical training and transition to hospital-based clinical rotations.
Clinical Network: The university partners with several major public and private hospitals in Dakar for rotations.
Focus Areas: The training is designed to meet the critical healthcare gap in West Africa, focusing on clinical proficiency, diagnostics, and patient-caregiver relationships.
State University Affordability
Tuition fees at St. Christopher are higher than at public universities but reflect its private-sector investment and facilities.
Admission Fee: 100,000 FCFA (~$165), non-refundable.
Payment Schedule: Tuition is typically payable per semester (e.g., 1,780,000 FCFA per half-year for Medicine).
| Program | Annual Tuition (FCFA) | Approx. USD |
| Medicine | 3,560,000 FCFA | $5,800 |
| Dentistry | 3,600,000 FCFA | $5,900 |
| Pharmacy | 3,300,000 FCFA | $5,400 |
| Nursing & Midwifery | 2,400,000 FCFA | $3,900 |
Vibe: A bustling Atlantic peninsula city. Point E is one of its most prestigious districts, home to many embassies and international organizations, making it an ideal, safe environment for students.
Safety: Very high in the Point E area. Standard city awareness is advised for other parts of Dakar.
Connectivity: Located near the center of Dakar, it is well-connected by bus and taxi to all major hospitals and the Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS).
Accommodation: The university is located in the Point E neighborhood, a safe, upscale, and central area of Dakar.
Private Rentals: Most students rent apartments or studios nearby. Rent in Point E can be expensive, ranging from $250 to $500 per month.
Total Living Budget: Dakar is a cosmopolitan capital; students should budget $500 – $800 per month for housing, food, and local transport.
Academic: A Scientific Baccalaureate (S1 or S2) is mandatory for Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry.
Application Process:
Online application via the university portal.
Payment of the admission fee (100k FCFA).
File Review: Evaluation of high school transcripts (Grades 10, 11, and 12).
Required Documents:
Color ID photo.
High school diploma (Baccalauréat) and transcripts.
Birth certificate and passport copy.
Medical fitness certificate.
Motivation letter addressed to the Dean.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus