Mauritania's higher education system is primarily public, with the University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya being the flagship institution. This university, along with the University of Science, Technology and Medicine, forms the backbone of tertiary education. The system is structured around bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Key research institutions include the Mauritanian Institute of Scientific Research. Academic job opportunities are growing, particularly in fields like engineering and health sciences, driven by national development goals.