Universities in Eswatini

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is a small kingdom in southern Africa, between South Africa and Mozambique. Its university sector is small: one public university and a few private institutions. Higher education is regulated by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC).

SpainExchange lists two universities in Eswatini: the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), with its main campus at Kwaluseni, and Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) in Manzini.

How the university system works

ESHEC was established in 2015 under the Higher Education Act, 2013. It is responsible for quality assurance in higher education, including the registration and accreditation of institutions, institutional audits and standards. It publishes a list of registered higher education institutions and the national qualifications framework (ESQF), so students can check that an institution is registered before enrolling.

The University of Eswatini was established in 1972 and developed from the former University of Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini (UBLS). It has three campuses. Kwaluseni, 9 km from Manzini and 34 km from the capital Mbabane, hosts the faculties of Commerce, Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Humanities and Education, as well as the Institute of Distance Education. Luyengo hosts Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, and Mbabane hosts Health Sciences. At undergraduate level the university offers certificates, diplomas and degrees, and it also has master's and doctoral programmes.

Southern Africa Nazarene University is a Christian university launched in 2010 by bringing together three colleges: the Nazarene College of Nursing, Nazarene Teacher Training and the Nazarene College of Theology. It has campuses in Manzini and Siteki. SANU states that it is recognised by the Ministry of Education and Training and that its professional courses are recognised by bodies such as the Swaziland Nurses Council and the Teachers' Service Commission.

Admission for international students

At UNESWA, applications are made online, and the 2026-27 prospectus sets out the requirements for each programme. An offer of admission is valid only for the academic year for which it is made. The normal entry qualification is the Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE), the IGCSE or an equivalent. Applicants aged 22 or older can use the mature age entry scheme: they need at least four passes at SGCSE/IGCSE level or equivalent and must pass a special entrance examination.

SANU publishes its own admission information, and applications for 2026-27 are open, according to the university.

Entry rules depend on nationality. Spain's foreign ministry notes, for example, that EU citizens do not need a visa to travel to Eswatini and that passports must be valid for at least three months after entry. Students staying for a full programme should ask the university about the permit they need.

Costs and funding

Fees are charged in emalangeni (E). UNESWA charges international students more than local and SADC students. Under its credit system, a non-science undergraduate degree costs E1,647 per credit for international students and E549 for local and SADC students; a science degree costs E1,788 and E596 per credit. The application fee is E430, and annual residence fees range from E3,900 to E5,200. Students also need to budget for books, transport and food.

For funding, UNESWA mentions the Eswatini Government Tertiary Education Scholarship and scholarships from the UNESWA Foundation; it has no bursaries of its own.

Health and safety

As of its update of 26 January 2026, Spain's foreign ministry advises travelling to Eswatini with caution. It also notes that malaria is endemic in the country, so students should seek medical advice before travelling.

How to choose

• Registration: check that the institution appears on the ESHEC list of registered institutions
• Field: agriculture, health sciences, education, theology, commerce or science
• Campus: Kwaluseni, Luyengo, Mbabane, Manzini or Siteki
• Study mode: full-time or distance education
• Total cost: tuition per credit, residence and living costs

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are there in Eswatini?

The public University of Eswatini (UNESWA), established in 1972, and private institutions such as Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU). ESHEC publishes the list of registered higher education institutions.

Can I study at the University of Eswatini by distance learning?

UNESWA has an Institute of Distance Education at its Kwaluseni campus, and its fee tables include part-time distance (IDE) programmes. Check which programmes are open to international students.

How much does it cost to study at the University of Eswatini?

International students pay E1,647 per credit for a non-science undergraduate degree and E1,788 for a science degree, plus an application fee of E430 and residence fees if they live on campus.

Do I need a visa to study in Eswatini?

It depends on your nationality. Spain's foreign ministry notes that EU citizens do not need a visa to travel to Eswatini; ask the university which permit you need for a full programme.