The UFR des Sciences de la Santé (Faculty of Health Sciences) at the Université Assane Seck de Ziguinchor (UASZ) is a key medical institution in southern Senegal. Located in the Casamance region, it was founded as part of the government's decentralization initiative to provide high-quality medical education outside of Dakar.
Established: 2007 (University); Medical faculty added shortly after.
Location: Quartier Diabir, Ziguinchor, Senegal.
Degree Awarded: Diplôme d'État de Docteur en Médecine (Doctor of Medicine).
Duration: 8 Years (inclusive of pre-clinical, clinical, and thesis cycles).
Language of Instruction: French.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation of Senegal and the CAMES (African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education).
Focus on Regional Health: The faculty is dedicated to addressing health equity in the southern region of Senegal, emphasizing tropical medicine and rural healthcare.
Academic Environment: UASZ is known for its intimate campus setting compared to the massive universities in Dakar, allowing for better interaction between students and faculty.
Modern Facilities: The university has invested in new infrastructure for the Health Sciences unit, including laboratories for anatomy, biochemistry, and microbiology.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Ziguinchor Regional Hospital (CHRZ): The main clinical teaching site where students undergo their rotations. It serves as the primary referral center for the Casamance region.
Peace Hospital (Hôpital de la Paix): A secondary major facility in Ziguinchor that provides additional beds and specialized services for student training.
Community Medicine: Like other Senegalese medical schools, UASZ requires a Rural Internship (Stage Rural), where students live and work in village health posts to master primary care and public health.
State University Affordability
As a public university, fees are highly subsidized, especially for African nationals.
| Category | Annual Tuition/Registration |
| Senegalese/UEMOA Students | 25,000 – 50,000 FCFA (~$40 – $80 USD) |
| Non-UEMOA International | ~800,000 – 1,000,000 FCFA (~$1,300 – $1,600 USD) |
Note: Registration fees for international students are generally paid annually and are significantly lower than private medical schools in the capital.
Vibe: A lush, tropical city on the Casamance River. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant markets, and rich cultural diversity.
Safety: Generally very safe and welcoming. It is far less hectic than Dakar.
Connectivity: Ziguinchor Airport (ZIG) offers flights to Dakar. You can also travel via the scenic ferry from Dakar (approx. 15 hours) or by road through the Trans-Gambia Highway.
On-Campus Housing: Managed by the CROUS-Z (Centre des Œuvres Universitaires de Ziguinchor).
Cost: Extremely low, approx. $10 – $20 USD per month, but priority is given based on academic merit and financial need.
Private Rentals: Ziguinchor is one of the most affordable cities for students in Senegal.
Cost: A studio or room in neighborhoods like Diabir or Kandé costs approx. 40,000 – 70,000 FCFA/month (~$65 – $115 USD).
Total Living Budget: A student can live well on $200 – $350 USD per month (excluding tuition).
Academic: Baccalaureate in Sciences (S1 or S2) with high grades.
Entrance Test (Concours): Admission for the first year of medicine is often competitive and may require passing a national or university-specific entrance exam.
International Quota: International students must apply through the Direction de l'Enseignement Supérieur or their national embassies.
Required Documents:
Legalized copy of the Baccalaureate certificate and transcripts.
Birth certificate and nationality certificate.
Medical fitness certificate.
4 passport-size photos.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus