Best Universities in Zambia for International Students | Ranking

Zambia is one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in Africa. Also, it has an improved education system, making it a perfect study-abroad destination for students who want to study at any of the best universities in Zambia.

Most universities in Zambia focus on promoting a global outlook by admitting some of the best international students worldwide.

So, you can expect an accommodating atmosphere and diversity on campus.

In this article, we have ranked the best universities in Zambia. Do well to read to the end.

Table of contents

Why Study at the Best Universities in Zambia?

Zambia is peaceful, with fantastic weather, spectacular tradition, rich mines, and tourist attractions. This country is also the home of Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven wonders. It serves as a relaxation center for international students.

The campus area of Zambian universities offers lots of services to students, including library and IT services, banks, shopping malls, canteens, tailors, and sports activities. Furthermore, students can get health services from the University Clinic. The Counselling Office also offers academic and general guidance with student life.

On the other hand, students can find studying peace close to nature from the trees that create shades, and the closeness of water brings a refreshing breath of wind that creates an ideal environment for studying.

Finally, international students have access to International Link Office. It will help to offer support regarding a student’s academic and campus life. Students from this office can get guidance from accommodation to immigration issues. The International Link Office also provides information and answers to questions of international students even before they Zambia.

What is the Cost of Studying in Zambia?

Government universities in Zambia are free while private universities are a little expensive.

The tuition fees for private universities vary from university and the location. Private Universities have a tuition fee of around $2,000 to $3,000 (1US $=4960 Zambian Kwacha).

The student will have to decide about accommodation after paying the tuition fees.

Furthermore, Zambia has a low cost of living. The cost of accommodation forms an important part of the expenses for students.

For a single student, the estimated cost of accommodation per year ranges between ZMK 7,344,000 to ZMK 8,640,000. This estimated amount takes care of:

  • Rent/ Boarding fee
  •  Transport
  •  Food
  •  Other miscellaneous expenses

Read and apply: 15 Ph.D. Scholarships for Zambia students 2024

What are the Best Private Universities in Zambia?

About 19 best private universities in Zambia have gained registration status from THE Higher Education Authority (HEA) under the 2013 Higher Education Act, which replaced the 1999 University Act.

Out of all these top private universities, ten are new. At the same time, nine are old and were part of the 33 private universities registered under the Repealed University Act No. 11 of 1999 as of December the previous year.

The best private universities in Zambia are:

  • Information and communication University
  • University of Lusaka
  • ZCAS University
  • DMI-St. Eugene University
  • Rusangu University
  • Cavendish University Zambia
  • Northrise University
  • Africa Christian University
  • Texila American University Zambia
  • Zambia Catholic University
  • The Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management
  • Justo Mwale University
  • Victoria Falls University of Technology
  • Eden University
  • Supershine University
  • Gideon Robert University
  • The University of East and Southern Africa
  • Evangelical University

List of the Best Universities in Zambia for international students in 2024

We, the World Scholarship Forum have put together a list of the top universities in Zambia that offer associate degrees, Bachelor’s programs, masters, and doctoral degrees for you.

The selection of the best universities in Zambia in 2024 was done based on the number of programs, our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial reviews.

Here is a list of the best universities in Zambia for international students in 2024:

  • University of Zambia
  •  The Copperbelt University
  •  Information and communication University
  •  University of Lusaka
  •  Mulungushi University
  •  ZCAS University
  •  DMI-St. Eugene University
  •  Rusangu University
  •  Kwame Nkrumah University
  •  Cavendish University Zambia
  •  Northrise University
  •  Africa Christian University
  •  Texila American University Zambia

#1. The University of Zambia (UNZA)

The University of Zambia is a public university in Lusaka, Zambia. It was founded in 1965 and it is the largest institution in Zambia.

UNZA has two campuses; the Great East Road Campus and Ridgeway Campus. In the same vein, UNZA has an enrolment of 15,000 to 20, 000 students.

Here, students can pursue duly accredited tertiary degrees, including doctorate degrees, master degrees, bachelor degrees, foundation or associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

UNZA, the best university in Zambia for international students, has an undergraduate tuition fee of $1,000 for the local students and $2,500 – $5,000 for international students.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational & Early Education accredits UNZA. It is a member of the Association of African Universities, Commonwealth Universities, and the International Association of Universities.

UNZA’s notable alumni are two former presidents of Zambia (Levy Mwanawasa and Edgar Lungu) and the president of Zimbabwe (Emmerson Mnangagwa).

Address: University of Zambia Great East Road Campus, Zambia

School website

#2. The Copperbelt University

This for-profit public university in Kitwe, Zambia was founded in 1987. It is the second-best university in Zambia. The language of instruction at the university is English. CBU has branch campuses in Ndola.

This university maintains low admission rates which are estimated at around 20-30%. It has an enrollment of 9,000 to 10,000 students.

CBU offers courses and programs leading to degrees, including certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation, Bachelor’s, masters, and a doctorate in several areas of study. 

On the other hand, CBU, which is among the best universities in Zambia in 2024, welcomes candidates from any country to pursue any degree. Copperbelt University provides students with other academic opportunities such as distance learning, online courses, scholarships, and study abroad option.

This school has an undergraduate tuition fee of $2,500-5,000 for local students and $5,000-7,500 for international students.

Copperbelt University gains accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Jambo Dr, Kitwe, Zambia

School website

#3. Information and Communications University 

This is a private university located in Lusaka. ICU is registered with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), under the Ministry of Higher Education to offer distance (e-Learning), and full-time Education in Zambia.

However, this university offers courses and programs in different areas of study, leading to officially recognized higher education degrees.

It is also working in collaboration with National Research University, Moscow Power Engineering Institute, in scientific research, teaching innovation, teaching staff members exchange, student exchange, and joint education programs.

Information and Communication University is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

School website

Check this out and apply: Ongoing Local Scholarships in Zambia

#4. University of Lusaka 

The University of Lusaka is a private university in Lusaka that was founded in 2007. It is also among the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS), Association of African Universities (AAU), Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ), and Zambia Insitute of Human Resource Management.

This university ranks 8898th position according to uniRank’s global university ranking.

It is also among the best private universities in the country and offers degrees such as certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation, Bachelor’s, master’s, and a doctorate in several areas of study. 

The University of Lusaka is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Plot No 37413 Off Alick Nkata Road Mass Media Lusaka ZM, 10101, Zambia

School website

#5. Mulungushi University 

Mulungushi University is a non-profit public university in Kabwe, founded in 2008. Initially, its name was the National College of Management and Development Studies. But later, it was turned into a university by the Zambian Government in a private-public partnership with Konkola Copper Mines.

This institution sits in the 9632nd position according to uniRank’s global university ranking.

The university comprises three campuses; the Great North Road Campus, the Kabwe Town Campus, and Tthe Livingstone Campus.

Furthermore, MU offers courses and programs in several areas of study. It also has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. You can also get distance education in this school.

Address: Kabwe, Zambia

School website

#6. ZCAS University 

This is a private university in Lusaka that was established for coeducational purposes.

Here, students have the opportunity to study a variety of courses leading to degrees such as certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation, Bachelor’s, masters, and a doctorate in several areas of study. 

ZCAS University is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Dedan Kimathi Road Lusaka, Zambia

School website

#7. DMI-St. Eugene University 

This is a Roman Catholic university in Zambia run by the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. DMI-St. Eugene University got its name from Saint Eugène de Mazenod. It was founded in 2007.

This institution offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.

Address: Plot No. 3540, Nyatwa Road, Woodlands, T2, Zambia.

School website

Read also and apply: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship at the University of Zambia.

#8. Rusangu University 

This is a private for-profit coeducational Christian university in Rusangu Mission, Zambia. RU was founded in 2003 and belongs to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is also considered one of the best universities in Zambia for international students and in the African region.

RU has an admission rate range of 90-100%, making this Zambian university a least selective institution. In addition, it awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees to its students.

Address: Monze, Zambia

School website

#9. Kwame Nkrumah University 

Kwame Nkrumah University is a non-profit public institution based in Kabwe Central Province. At its inception, Kwame Nkrumah University could only accommodate 600 students, a number that has since increased to 6,000.

The university has two campus locations; Munkoyo Street Campus and the PAID-ESA campus.

KNU has four schools: the School of Natural Science, the School of Business Studies, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the school of Education. Also, it has the Institute of Open and Distance Learning and the Centre for Information and Communication Technology.

The institution is a new member of the Association of African Universities, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Football Association of Zambia, and the International Association of Universities.

Kwame Nkrumah University is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Kabwe, Zambia

School website

#10. Cavendish University Zambia 

Cavendish University Zambia is a private university in Lusaka founded in 2004. This institution has an affiliation with Cavendish International Limited, London. Its range of admission rate is 80 to 90%.

It maintains a selective admission policy and also offers distance learning programs.

CUZ offers the following programs: Medicine, Education & Social Sciences, Business & Finance Management, Law, and ICT.

The undergraduate tuition fee at Cavendish is $1,000-2,500 for local students and $2,500-5,000 for international students.

This university is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Corner of and Elizabeth, Great N, Lusaka, Zambia

School website

#11. Northrise University 

This private Christian university in Ndola, Zambia, was founded in 2003 by Dr. Moffat Zimba and Mrs. Doreen Zimba.

It has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students past academic records and grades. Northrise University’s admission rate ranges from 50-60%. This, however, makes Northrise an averagely selective institution.

On the other hand, Northrise has local and international students that study in academic disciplines at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The undergraduate tuition fee at Northrise is $1,000-2,500 for local students and $2,500-5,000 for international students.

Northrise University gains its accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Ndola, Zambia

School website

#12. Africa Christian University 

Africa Christian University is a private university in Lusaka that was founded in 2008. It is an official subsidiary of the Christian-Baptist religion.

African Christian University aims to glorify God through Bible training that is authentically African.

ACU offers courses to students seeking a diploma, certificate, or bachelor’s degree.

The Bachelor’s program is a core curriculum that develops the Christian Worldview foundation for critical thinking across the breadth of the humanities and sciences. ACU offers popular subjects, including Theology, Education, Business, and Agriculture, each allowing various sub-specialties.

Address: Plot No. 37732/3 Off Lake Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka, Zambia.

School website

#13. Texila American University Zambia 

Texila American University Zambia is a private university that was founded in 2016.

This university offers a variety of programs at Bachelor’s, Master, or Doctoral levels ranging from Business & Management, Information Technology, Nursing, Public Health, and Education. Medicine, and Pharmacy. It also offers distance learning programs.

TAU has accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education, Zambia.

Address: Kwacha Square, KPTF Building Stand, # 37605. Lake Road, Lusaka 10101, Zambia

School website

Conclusion

Universities in Zambia have gained a wide reputation for good teaching and research. The institutions are highly ranked among other institutions in the world. They keep attracting the most brilliant students to their prestigious programs.

The best universities in Zambia have a global reputation and continue to be the top-ranked schools for international students.

If you wish to acquire a degree in some of the best universities in the world, you should certainly consider Africa as your destination.

FAQs on the best universities in Zambia for international students in 2023

How many schools does the University of Zambia have?

 There are thirteen schools at the University of Zambia. The biggest of them is the School of Education which has nine departments.

What is the rank of the University of Zambia? 

The University of Zambia is ranked 2,630th in the world and it is ranked 55th in Africa.

What is the best course to study at the University of Zambia?

 The best courses to study in Zambia are:
1. Administration Studies
2. Art Studies
3. Business Studies
4. Education
5. Management Studies
6. Social Sciences
7. Technology Studies

What are the best schools at the University of Zambia? 

1. University of Zambia School of Medicine
2. Copperbelt University School of Medicine
3. Cavendish University School of Medicine
4. Lusaka Apex Medical University
5. Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
6. Texila American University Zambia

References

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