The Education System in Botswana

All students in Botswana are guaranteed ten years of basic education, leading to a Junior Certificate qualification. Approximately half of the school population attends a further two years of secondary schooling leading to the award of the Botswana General Certificate of Education (BGCSE).

Students can then go to one of the six technical colleges in the country, or take vocational training courses in teaching or nursing. The best students enter the University of Botswana in Gaborone. Spread across 115 hectares, the university offers courses in social sciences, education, sciences, agriculture, and humanities to over 14000 students.

The government of Botswana invests a large part of national income in education to reduce dependence on diamonds and expatriates. In January 2006, Botswana reintroduced of school fees after two decades of free state education but the government still provides full scholarships with living expenses to any Botswana citizen in university. This is valid for those wanting to study in the University of Botswana as well as others who wish to pursue an education abroad because a certain course is not available locally.