Universities in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's university system is made up of state universities, private universities and intergovernmental institutions. All of them must be registered by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), and teaching is in English, which makes the country a practical choice for students from across Africa.

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) is in Harare. Other state universities include the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, established by an Act of Parliament in 1991, and Midlands State University (MSU) in Gweru, which became the country's third state university under the State University in the Midlands Act of April 1999. Church-related private universities include Africa University near Mutare and Solusi University near Bulawayo, which grew out of a Seventh-day Adventist mission founded in 1894 and became a university in 1994.

How Zimbabwean universities work

ZIMCHE was created by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education Act (Chapter 25:27) of 2006. It registers and accredits higher education institutions, advises the minister, sets quality standards and assesses foreign qualifications. Its website lists the registered state, private and intergovernmental institutions, as well as the accredited programmes.

Universities offer diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorates. Many first degrees are honours degrees, such as the Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science at Africa University. The academic year is divided into semesters, and fees are usually charged per semester.

Admission for international students

You apply directly to each university. International qualifications are assessed for equivalency, and some universities publish country-by-country guidance: Africa University, for example, lists the school-leaving certificates it accepts from countries across Africa and says when a bridging course is needed. The University of Zimbabwe also accepts non-degree (occasional) students for one semester, and its application fee for international students is currently US$70.

All lectures and assessments are in English. Students from English-speaking education systems usually do not need a test; others may be asked for TOEFL or IELTS results, proof of English-medium schooling, or a short test set by the university.

International students need a study permit from the Department of Immigration. Africa University states that it must be applied for before travelling, and students may travel once they have a pre-clearance certificate or the permit. The University of Zimbabwe lists the documents for a new permit, including the letter of acceptance, proof of fee payment and a chest X-ray report, and a non-refundable fee of US$200. Processing on arrival is possible only at the discretion of the Immigration Department. Permits must be kept valid throughout the course and renewed within 30 days before they expire; Solusi University notes that they are renewable annually.

Costs and funding

Fees are quoted in US dollars and differ by university and programme. As an example, Africa University lists general tuition and fees of US$1,995 per semester, or US$2,995 with full board (accommodation and meals), with extra laboratory fees for some science and health programmes. Before applying, check:

• whether the fee covers tuition only or also registration, health and technology fees
• the cost of campus accommodation and meals
• the study permit fee and renewals
• scholarships or financial assistance offered by the university or by your own government

How to choose

• Registration and accreditation: check the university and the programme on the ZIMCHE lists
• Type of institution: state universities, or private and church-related universities with their own ethos
• Location: Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru or a rural campus such as Africa University near Mutare
• Subject focus: NUST, for example, concentrates on science and technology
• Support for international students: housing, orientation and help with the study permit

Frequently asked questions

Are Zimbabwean universities taught in English?

Yes. Universities such as NUST, Africa University and the University of Zimbabwe teach and assess in English.

How can I check that a Zimbabwean university is recognised?

The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) registers and accredits higher education institutions and publishes lists of registered universities and accredited programmes.

Do I need a study permit for Zimbabwe?

Yes. International students need a study permit, which universities recommend obtaining before travel. At the University of Zimbabwe, the application fee is US$200 and the permit must be renewed before it expires.

How much does a university cost in Zimbabwe?

It varies by university and programme. Africa University, for example, lists US$1,995 per semester for general tuition and fees, or US$2,995 with full board.