Addis Ababa Science and Technology University - AASTU Speciality : Computer Science
programme: BSc Software Engineering (awarded by University of Stirling)

My experience at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) was a mix of valuable academic learning and frustrating administrative inefficiencies. The Software Engineering program provided a solid theoretical foundation, and there were opportunities to participate in innovation-focused projects, hackathons, and community-building initiatives, especially if you took the initiative yourself.

However, the university suffers from a lack of effective student representation and slow, bureaucratic processes. The student union is mostly inactive or unresponsive, rarely addressing student needs or pushing for positive change. Similarly, the administration can be dismissive, disorganized, and slow to support student initiatives—even those that clearly benefit the university community.

Despite these challenges, AASTU has potential. Many of the students are talented and driven, and there’s a growing culture of innovation. If the university improves its leadership, listens to students more, and reduces red tape, it could become one of the top institutions in the country. Until then, success here depends largely on your own initiative and resilience.