Established in 1964, the University of Burundi is the only public university, and currently has more than 13,000 students in 8 faculties and three institutes. It provides training based on quality teaching excellence and aims to be a university reference in the sub-region or even in the whole of Africa.

The University of Burundi is already entered in the BMD system (3-5-8) from the academic year 2011-2012. It is part of the University Network of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate network countries EAC (East African Community).