Established in 1991, Unity language school was offering English, Arabic, French and Italian language courses. It started with not more than 50 students, a few part-time teachers and administration personnel. Progressively, the institute launched diploma programs in accounting, marketing, business, personnel administration, secretarial science and office management from 1997 to 1999. In March 1998 the institute was upgraded to a college level, following its achievements in education, becoming the first privately owned college in Ethiopia. Through the years, the institute has played a pioneering role in providing quality education, setting a fine record. Later named Unity College, the institute has promoted innovative approaches and launched degree programs in various disciplines. Unity was promoted to university level in September 2008, becoming the first privately owned university. It has since been known as Unity University,.
Role
In addition to its educational role, the university encourages research and holds annual multi-disciplinary conferences. The proceedings of these conferences are published in its academic journal, The Ethiopian Journal of Business and Development. Unity University is also very active in community service programs. It is involved in activities related to environmental protection, and has participated in the "Clean and Green Addis Ababa" initiative, and in other programs sponsored by the city council and chamber of commerce of Addis Ababa, such as HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention. The university offers scholarships to students with financial difficulties, including a girls’ project, which extends assistance to deserving female students who lack financial resources. It also gives scholarships to its own staff who wish to upgrade their academic status, and to students with outstanding records in sports and other cultural activities. now
Size
As of January 2012 the student population was 5,193, with 324 enrolled in the postgraduate program, 4,313 in undergraduate studies, and 556 in TVET programs including distance and continuing programs offered at its various centers. Unity has seventy-six academic staff of which five are women.
Requirements
Postgraduate
*For MBA and MBA specializing marketing - Holders of bachelor's degrees from recognized colleges and universities in such disciplines as management, marketing management, accounting, economics, engineering, medicine, public administration, political science among others.
*For MA in development economics: Holders of bachelor's degrees in economics and related fields of specialization from recognized colleges and universities.
Undergraduate
*As per the policies and regulations of the ministry of education for admission to a tertiary level education institution in Ethiopia.
