Ground geophysical study was conducted at the future Kalehiwot university site, Kuriftu, Debrernzeit, Ethiopia, using an integrated approach of seismic refraction and magnetic survey techniquesrnin order to image the near subsurface in terms of main geological and geophysical propertiesrncovering the study area for construction purpose.rnKuriftu is located in the south end of Northern Main Ethiopia Rift (NMER), more specificallyrnnortheast of Debrezeit town. The main objective of the study has been to characterize thernfoundation layer of the future Kalehiwot University site with seismic refraction and magneticrnmethods. Seismic refraction method is based on the first arrival time information of seismicrnwaves propagating through the subsurface, whereas magnetic method is based on the magneticrnsusceptibility contrast of the geology. Data enhancement techniques such as analytic signal andrnupward continuation were used to filter the magnetic data and clearly image the area anomaly.rnSeismograph, geophones, as well as proton precision magnetometer was the instruments used inrnseismic refraction and magnetic survey respectively. The seismic refraction data were processedrnusing SeisImager software, facilitates construction of time-distance plots and velocity model.rnThe travel time curves were inverted using tomographic inversion techniques and reveal thernvelocity model of the area. Likewise the magnetic data was processed using Geosoft (oasisrnmontage) software and different anomaly map and magnetic model was produced.rnFrom the result of the velocity and magnetic models, the foundation layer was characterized. Thernarea of study is covered by soil deposits with maximum thickness of 10 m.Volcanic originrnphreatomagmatic materials underlie the soil deposit. This volcanic material originated from therninteraction of hot magma with the ground water and it is located about 5-10m depth. The seismicrnvelocity of this material is 1.5Km/s. The bedrock of the area is located about depth of 20-30 m; itrnis slightly weathered pyroclastic rock type. The seismic velocity of this layer is 2.5Km/s, revealsrnthat it is relatively hard rock type. The rest of the lithologies underlie are welded pyroclastic andrnbasalt.