Zimbabwe is a country in South Africa with a very rich history, colourful traditions, diverse culture, fabulous nature, as well as extremely talented and intelligent people. It is believed that the literacy rate of the local population exceeds 90%.

Life in Zimbabwe can be extremely diverse and interesting. Therefore, students often move here not only to get an education but also to immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.

In the material, we have prepared useful information about how foreign citizens can study in the country, what is needed for this and what are the features of education in local educational institutions.

What is needed to come to the country for education

Higher education in Zimbabwe is characterized by a high level. There are many universities and colleges in the country, where more than a thousand foreign students study every year.

It is the choice of an educational institution that is the first and most important step to moving to the country in order to acquire a profession. Educational institutions have their own websites, so it will not be difficult to find a suitable one. We offer a selection of five universities that are considered to be among the best:

• University of Zimbabwe, Harare
• Midlands State University, Gweru
• National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo
• Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi
• Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura

After finding a university, check the majors and programs to choose the right ones for you. After that, feel free to apply for admission. This process can seem a little complicated because sometimes it is difficult to find the necessary information or contact the educational institution. Therefore, if difficulties or doubts arise, use the services of study abroad agencies.

After submitting the documents, the data about the students are carefully evaluated. It is possible that you will be asked to go through an interview and pass exams. The university will inform about this after studying the provided information.

After successfully passing all stages, the student receives a letter of enrolment. Then, you can start applying for a visa, preparing documents, and planning your trip, including funds, place of residence, etc.

Terms

By law, all international students who come to study in the country must have a student visa issued by the Zimbabwe Department of Migration. You can submit an application immediately after receiving the letter of enrolment and payment for studying at the university.

Applying for a student visa in Zimbabwe is very easy. The main thing is to submit an application at least 90 days before the trip. Upon arrival, all students must obtain a residence permit in the country. It is also advisable to take care of health insurance.

If during the course of the studies there is a desire or need to transfer to another educational institution, it is necessary to inform the immigration service about it. In this case, a new residence permit or student visa will be offered.

Documents required

To apply for a student visa, you must provide the following documents:

• passport;

• completed application form;

• one passport-sized photo;

• the original and a copy of the letter from the university about enrolment;

• a certificate confirming the payment of the visa fee;

• a certificate confirming payment for education;

• copy of airline tickets and reservation of residence in the country.

All information about the package of documents must be clarified in advance at the embassy, because the requirements may change.

Tuition fees

Higher education in Zimbabwe is quite affordable for international students. Universities and colleges offer relatively low tuition fees when compared to other countries. For example, in some educational institutions, the annual fee can be about 2,500 dollars.

You can pay for education with electronic money. However, the form of payment should be agreed with the university in advance.

Opportunities for free training

Getting an education in the country for foreign students is mostly paid. However, some educational institutions provide the opportunity to study for free and have scholarships in the amount of about 50%. In particular, nine universities definitely offer free or low-cost programs for foreigners. In addition, students who show high academic results can count on other incentive programs and even help with further employment.

However, information on free education and scholarships should be clarified in advance at the chosen university. After all, each educational institution has its own rules and requirements.

Preparatory courses

Foreign students can study in the country's universities in English. Many educational institutions offer language and preparatory courses to improve the level of language proficiency required for study, as well as to acquire additional knowledge.

The system of education in universities

The higher education system in Zimbabwe is currently overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education. Educational institutions offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Among the most popular majors acquired by foreign students at local institutions are:

• art, design, music;

• biology, health, medicine;

• engineering, technologies;

• mass media and communication;

• business, finance, and economy;

• humanitarian and social sciences;

• politics, history, law;

• tourism and hotel management;

• agriculture and geography;

• literature and languages;

• mathematics and physics, etc.

Higher education institutions in Zimbabwe provide students with quality education and knowledge. High academic performance, affordability and unique cultural experience are the main reasons why foreigners choose local universities to study at.