The college offers courses in seven core departments including: Medicine, engineering, veterinary, Business Administration, Sharia studies, It also operates a distance learning center.

[2] A formal foundation laying ceremony for the college's original campus, situated about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the city center,[2] was held in March 2000.

[2] EAU initially offered courses in two main areas: Arabic and Islamic studies, as well as business administration in the college set aside for the purpose.

[3] The Higher Institute of Health Science on the Galkayo campus likewise offers two-year general nursing and medical laboratory diplomas.

The VDEL program aims to facilitate access to an international pool of knowledge; offer standard education through information technology; fulfil local demands in terms of education, professional courses and training; offer online classes to complete and enhance extant courses; simplify delivery of additional learning materials to undergraduate and postgraduate students; deploy institutional resources to contribute to national and communal development; make use of digital libraries; connect with other global online universities; and attract further collaborative endeavours with other international organizations.