The University of Derna is a higher education institution located in the city of Derna, Libya. Established in 1994, the university comprises several colleges offering diverse academic programs across various disciplines. The university aims to provide an excellent educational environment that fosters the development of knowledge and skills among students, promotes scientific research, and serves the community.
A scientific journey filled with achievements and development, from modest beginnings to a distinguished academic institution
Prior to the official establishment of the university, the city of Derna hosted three faculties affiliated with Omar Al-Mukhtar University. Opened during the 1991/1992 academic year, the faculties of Economics and Accounting, Architecture, and Arts and Medical Technology served as the foundational nucleus for higher education in the city.
By Decree No. (858) of 1994, issued by the Secretary of the General People’s Committee, the University of Derna was established as an independent academic entity. Its founding marked a true renaissance, bolstering the region's scientific and cultural progress. The university incorporated faculties from the city of Tobruk—including Arts and Engineering—as well as the Faculty of Law in Derna.
Decree No. (281) of 1999 regarding the reorganization of universities, which ordered the merger of the University of Derna with the University of Omar al-Mukhtar, creating a single university spread across Al Bayda, Derna, and Tobruk.
The idea of section universities was proposed to alleviate congestion, and Decree No. (308) of 2000 was issued to establish the University of Derna as an autonomous institution financially and administratively under the People's Committee of Derna.
A decree was issued to reorganize the universities, mandating the re-merger of the University of Derna with Omar Al-Mukhtar University. This established a unified institution encompassing faculties across various locations within the Eastern Region.
Decree No. (207) of 2021 was issued regarding the separation of the universities of Derna and Al-Qubba from Omar Al-Mukhtar University. This decree reconstituted the institution under the name 'University of Derna,' established as an independent legal entity with full financial and administrative autonomy.
On September 11, 2023, the university faced a national tragedy due to the Derna floods, losing 12 professors, 28 employees, and 286 students (officially), including prominent figures like Dr. Rafiq al-Maghribi. Despite severe damage to the Faculties of Education and Arts, the university became a hub for city rescue; establishing field hospitals, providing psychological support, and mobilizing staff for evacuations, eventually resuming classes under exceptional circumstances to secure its students' future.
This year marked a strategic shift with the launch of an initiative to integrate Engineering students into major reconstruction projects, such as the 2000-unit housing complex, gaining field experience with international firms. The university also hosted an International Symposium with experts from (Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Algeria) to develop sustainable development strategies and presented the 'From Pain to Hope' paper to reform the health sector in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
In December 2025, the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Science organized a major scientific symposium titled 'Scientific Foundations & Modern Environmental Solutions'. The university focused on a national strategy to protect the Green Mountain vegetation and integrating 'Green Planning' as a core component of Derna’s reconstruction projects, advocating for environmental legislation and scientific research to combat climate change.
Derna University continues its path toward excellence by launching its e-learning platform and digital research repository. Today, it is just steps away from inaugurating its new campus, featuring a unique circular architectural design executed by Obour Al-Mukhtar Holding Office. All construction and restoration of damaged faculties are carried out under the direct sponsorship and supervision of the Derna & Affected Cities Reconstruction Fund, with a pivotal role for the University's National Research Center in providing technical consultations and precise engineering tests on concrete samples to ensure reconstruction quality.
The Future is Being Built Today
Derna University · Toward Broader Horizons