It is approximately 510 kilometres (320 mi) east of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education admits qualified students to Haramaya University based on their score on the Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination (EHEEE).

[1][2] On 27 May 1985, marking the historic visit of President Mengistu Haile Mariam to campus, the college transformed into University of Agriculture.

By 1995/1996, the university underwent new transformation phase involving fields of Teacher Education and Health.

The university gives two and half year BSc programs for mid-career professionals who hold diploma in agriculture and forestry.