By Asha Elmi - Reporter
BAIDOA, Somalia, September 19, 2026 - SIMAD University and Baidoa International University (BIU) will launch master’s and PhD programmes in Baidoa, expanding access to postgraduate education for students and professionals in South West State, SIMAD said.
The programmes will be administered by SIMAD Graduate School, the university’s postgraduate division, while BIU will coordinate their local delivery in Baidoa.
SIMAD told Dawan Media that the initiative comprises 11 master’s programmes and three PhD programmes and forms part of the university’s academic partnership with Open University Malaysia (OUM).
The master’s programmes cover business administration, data science, public health, international relations and diplomacy, education policy and planning, public policy, accounting and Islamic banking and finance.
Other courses include procurement and logistics management, oil and gas management, and disaster risk management and sustainable development.
The three PhD programmes are in business administration, information technology and social sciences.
Related articles
The master’s programmes will run for two years, while the PhD courses are expected to take between three and five years. A formal starting date will be announced once admissions and cohort formation have been completed.
Courses will be delivered through a blended model combining in-person and online classes. BIU will receive applications and provide facilities, internet access, administrative coordination and student support in Baidoa.
SIMAD Graduate School will assess applications, make final admission decisions and oversee curricula, lecturers, supervisors, examinations and quality assurance. SIMAD University will award the degrees.
Applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Linguaskill. Those without such certification will be required to take a university-administered language test.
SIMAD Graduate School was established in 2012 and offers programmes combining academic study, applied research, mentorship and professional experience.
The university has not yet announced the number of places available in Baidoa, application deadlines or programme-specific tuition fees.