Universities in Mozambique

Mozambique, a Portuguese-speaking country in south-east Africa with an estimated 35 million inhabitants in 2026 (34,958,973 according to the national statistics institute, INE), has both public and private universities. Portuguese is the official language, and universities present their programmes in Portuguese. Higher education is not limited to the capital, Maputo: the Universidade Católica de Moçambique, for example, opened in 1996 with faculties in Beira and Nampula.

Our directory lists two universities: the public Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Maputo and the private Universidade Católica de Moçambique (UCM), based in Beira.

How degrees are organised

Mozambican universities award three academic degrees: the licenciatura (first degree), the mestrado (master's) and the doutoramento (doctorate). At the UCM, for example, the Licenciatura em Direito (law) lasts 4 years and the licenciatura in Hospital Administration and Management four years divided into eight semesters. The licenciatura also gives a professional title, for example Licenciado em Direito.

Some universities also offer distance learning; the UCM, for example, runs an Instituto de Educação a Distância (IED).

Quality assurance and accreditation

Quality is the task of the Conselho Nacional de Avaliação da Qualidade do Ensino Superior (CNAQ), created by Decree 63/2007 of 31 December 2007. The CNAQ evaluates and accredits higher-education institutions and their degree programmes. According to the CNAQ, accreditation matters to students because it supports academic mobility within Mozambique and abroad, eligibility for scholarships and registration with professional bodies (ordens). The first pilot external evaluation, in 2014, covered 20 programmes at ten public and private institutions, among them the UEM. Before enrolling, check whether the programme has been evaluated or accredited by the CNAQ.

Admission for international students

Each university runs its own admission process. Applicants need completed secondary education, and should ask the university how foreign certificates are recognised. Because programmes are in Portuguese, a good command of the language is essential; for most Latin American and Spanish students this means learning Portuguese first. The UEM has a section for international students that covers the student visa, admission, accommodation and meals, and mobility.

On visas, Mozambique's official eVisa portal handles short stays for tourism, business, investment, cultural and sporting events and similar purposes. General requirements include a passport valid for at least six months and proof of means of subsistence. Degree students need a student visa, which the UEM covers in its international section, so applicants should follow their university's instructions and check with the Mozambican embassy or consulate before travelling.

Costs and funding

There is no national fee table for international students. Each university publishes its own academic service fees: the UEM, for example, lists its taxas de serviço académico and scholarship information for licenciatura and master's students. Private universities such as the UCM set their own tuition. Ask the admissions office for the total cost per year, including registration and any fees for foreign students.

How to choose

• Language: all teaching is in Portuguese, so plan for language preparation
• Accreditation: check the CNAQ evaluation status of the programme
• Type of institution: public university or private university, including faith-based institutions such as the UCM
• City: Maputo, Beira, Nampula or another provincial city
• Mode of study: on campus or distance learning

Frequently asked questions

In what language are university courses taught in Mozambique?

In Portuguese, the country's official language. International students who do not speak Portuguese need to learn it before starting a degree.

How long is a bachelor's degree in Mozambique?

The first degree is the licenciatura. At the Universidade Católica de Moçambique, for example, the law and hospital management degrees each last four years.

Who accredits universities in Mozambique?

The Conselho Nacional de Avaliação da Qualidade do Ensino Superior (CNAQ), created in 2007, evaluates and accredits institutions and programmes.

Can I apply for a student visa through the Mozambique eVisa portal?

The eVisa portal covers short stays such as tourism and business. For a degree programme, follow your university's instructions and contact the Mozambican embassy or consulate.