Mekelle University is situated in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia, approximately 800km north of Addis Ababa. The University was established in May 2000 with the merger of two former colleges, the Mekelle Business College and Mekelle University College.

Mekelle University College began in 1993 as the Arid Zone Agricultural College, following a series of relocations in Tigray and Asmara, with 42 students enrolled on three degree programs. After two years, the Faculty of Science and Technology was established at the same campus and, together, these two faculties were then upgraded to Mekelle University College. The Law Faculty then began by accepting diploma students in the continuing education program.

Today, Mekelle University hosts over 20,000 students in the regular, continuing education programme and summer, evening, distance education and in-service programmes in both undergraduate and graduate programmes. Its eight faculties (Business and Economics, Dry Land Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Science and Technology, Law, Education, Veterinary Sciences, Languages, Journalism and Arts, Health Sciences) are spread over three campuses in the city. Since its establishment, it has proved to be one of the fastest growing Universities in Ethiopia. The fundamental elements of the University’s mission are teaching, research and consultancy. Thus, its ultimate goal is to pursue standards of excellence in teaching and research for the betterment of the society.