Open University of Sudan


Open University of Sudan is a public university based in Khartoum, Sudan. Established in April 2002, it uses open and distance learning methods.

History

The university was founded in 2002.

5th ACDE Conference and General Assembly (2017)

In March 2017, Open University of Sudan co-hosted the 5th African Council for Distance Education Conference and General Assembly in Khartoum, in collaboration with Al-Neelain University.The event was held under the theme "Open learning and distance education in Africa in the digital era".According to official reporting, the conference included pre-conference committee meetings, a workshop on open educational resources, and the 33rd ACDE Executive Board meeting. A government minister addressed the opening session, highlighting the role of open and distance education in expanding access to learning.

Graduation ceremony and peace pledge (February 2015)

On 10 February 2015, a public graduation ceremony for students of Open University of Sudan was held in El Fasher, North Darfur.The event was organized by UNAMID and featured musical and cultural performances. During the event, a group of graduates from the 2006–2012 academic years signed a peace pledge. The ceremony was attended by UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Abdul Kamara, the chair of the university at the time, Abu Abdelrahman, and the Governor of North Darfur, Osman Kebir.

Academic programs

According to the International Association of Universities World Higher Education Database, Open University of Sudan is a public higher education institution located in Khartoum, Sudan. It is a traditional and distance learning institution accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and was founded in 2002. The primary languages of instruction are Arabic and English.
The university is organized into several colleges with the following fields of study: College of Administrative Sciences: Accountancy, Business Administration College of Computer Science and Information Technology: Computer Science, Information Technology College of Economic and Financial Sciences: Demography and Population, Economics, Insurance College of Education: Agricultural Education, Arabic, Education, Humanities and Social Science Education, Islamic Studies, Mathematics Education, Native Language Education, Primary Education, Science Education College of Languages: Arabic, English, Foreign Languages Education College of Law: Law College of Mass Communication: Media Studies, Public Relations, Publishing and Book Trade, Radio and Television Broadcasting The university awards Bachelor Honours Degrees in Computer Science, Foreign Languages Education, and Information Technology, as well as Bachelor's Degrees in Accountancy, Arabic, Business Administration, Demography and Population, Economics, English, Humanities and Social Science Education, Insurance, Law, Mathematics Education, Native Language Education, Preschool Education, Public Relations, Publishing and Book Trade, Radio and Television Broadcasting, and Science Education.
The university grants Academic degrees ranging from diplomas to doctorates.

Use of TESSA materials

According to a handbook published by OpenLearn Create, Open University of Sudan uses TESSA materials in its Bachelor of Education programme. Student teachers practise fourteen key teaching strategies from the TESSA resources, and their performance is assessed by teaching practice supervisors. Academics at the university have mapped TESSA activities against both the teacher training curriculum and the school pupil curriculum, compiling a book of TESSA activities in Arabic to support teaching practice. Many teachers are located in rural areas with limited internet access; therefore, printed materials are provided to support distribution. In 2009, the programme had a cohort of approximately 53,000 students.

Teaching and learning

  • A Moodle-based Learning Management System
  • Pre-recorded video lectures and printed course materials
  • Electronic Library
  • 35 learning centers
  • Educational programs via national radio, TV, and its YouTube channel

Technology & OER

The Open University of Sudan uses Open Educational Resources electronic registration, mobile learning tools, and remote proctoring systems.

Examinations and Campuses

In April 2025, the university launched its national and international final examination session for the academic year across 35 centers using digital infrastructure. OUS maintains regional branches across Sudan. In 2024, SUNA reported the temporary closure of its branch in the UAE due to external factors.

Affiliations

The university is affiliated with Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and is a member of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World.

Rankings

In the January 2025 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, the Open University of Sudan was ranked 19,672 globally.

Media coverage

The university has been featured by regional media outlets including Al Jazeera and Sudan News Agency, highlighting its role in expanding educational opportunities and digital learning in post-conflict Sudan.

Academic publications

The university publishes a peer-reviewed journal titled Open University of Sudan Journal. It is published by the Directorate of Research, Planning and Development. The journal is indexed in the HumanIndex database managed by Dar Al Mandumah. It is also listed in the electronic resources of Kuwait University.
Archived issues are available on the journal's official archive page.