University of Tripoli

University of Tripoli (UOT) is the largest university in Libya and is located in the capital Tripoli.

The University of Tripoli's history is closely intertwined with the development of higher education in Libya. Its roots can be traced back to 1956 when the Libyan government established the University of Libya, the country's first institution of higher learning. In 1957, the Faculty of Science, the first college of what would become the University of Tripoli, was founded as a branch of the University of Libya. This marked the beginning of higher education in the city of Tripoli. The Faculty of Agriculture was added in 1966, followed by the College of Petroleum and Minerals in 1972. These early years saw a steady growth in the university's student body and academic programs.

In 1973, the University of Libya was split into two independent universities: the University of Al-Fateh in Tripoli and the University of Garyounis in Benghazi. This division reflected the growing population and educational needs of the country. The University of Tripoli, with its established faculties and growing academic reputation, became a major center of higher learning in Libya. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the University of Tripoli continued to expand, adding new faculties and programs in response to the evolving needs of the Libyan society and economy. The Faculty of Engineering was established in 1973, followed by the Faculty of Fine Arts in 1975 and the Faculty of Languages in 1978. The Faculty of Information Technology was added in 1982, and the Faculty of Literature was established in 1985.

The 1990s and early 2000s brought political and economic challenges to Libya, which affected the university's operations and development. However, the University of Tripoli remained resilient, continuing to provide education and research opportunities for Libyan students. In recent years, the university has undergone a period of revitalization, with renewed focus on academic excellence, international collaboration, and student engagement. The university has established partnerships with universities around the world, providing opportunities for student exchange, research collaboration, and faculty development.

University of Tripoli is ranked as the #2 top university in Libya during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.