[3] The university operates according to a semester system, and the academic year begins in September and ends in July.

The idea to establish Amoud University came from four intellectuals working in the Gulf in 1994 and was formally proposed in a workshop held in Borama on August 6, 1996.

Amoud University started its first admission examination in September 1997 and selected 66 students to undergo a nine-month intensive English course.

Amoud University was formally launched in 1998 and is registered as a non-governmental, non-profit making institution.

Amoud is an institute which is deeply rooted within the local community due to primary support for the establishment of Amoud coming from community elders, leaders, business people, concerned citizens and local non-governmental organizations.

In 2003, Amoud University signed a project agreement with the EC/DANIDA/CfBT for teacher training in the Education department.

The university consists of fourteen faculties/schools which offer master's degrees, Bachelor's degrees, two years diploma and certificate programs: The university's main campus is in Amoud Valley which is located 4.5 kilometers east of Borama, Somaliland, on the grounds of the former Amoud Secondary School which was established in 1952.

The faculties on the campus are as follows: The College of Health Sciences is situated in Borama town, west of Rays Hotel and next to the Allaale Hospital, where medical students perform their practical sessions.

Candidates who have obtained an adequate passing grade in their secondary school exit tests are eligible for the admission examination that is held each July.

Candidates from abroad who have matriculated under different educational systems are evaluated by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants outside Somaliland must have a GCSE certificate from a recognized institution, and must have a GPA of not less than 2.00 in their freshman class here in Amoud University.