Zambia has 20 accredited universities offering diverse programs across multiple disciplines
Top 10 Government Universities in Zambia
1. University of Zambia (UNZA)
Location: Lusaka
Founded: 1966
Students: 15,000+
Ranking: #1 in Zambia
Established in 1966, UNZA is the oldest and largest university in Zambia. It’s renowned for academic excellence with programs in medicine, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. UNZA has produced over 100,000 graduates and contributed to research and technological development for local and international communities.
Top Courses: Medicine, Engineering, Business Administration, Law, Agriculture
2. Copperbelt University (CBU)
Location: Kitwe
Specialty: Technical & Science-focused
Ranking: #2 in Zambia
Located in Kitwe, CBU is one of the leading technical universities in Zambia, specializing in science, engineering, and technology-related programs with recognition for research activities and industry partnerships.
Top Courses: Engineering, Mining, Technology, Geology, Business
3. Mulungushi University
Location: Kabwe
Founded: 2008
Campuses: 2 (Great North Road & Kabwe Town)
Mulungushi University offers comprehensive programs in business, agriculture, education, and social sciences with core values of responsibility, accountability, transparency and ethical behavior.
Top Courses: Business, Agriculture, Education, Social Sciences, Law
4. Zambia Open University
Location: Lusaka
Specialty: Distance Learning
Students: 10,000+
Focuses on providing accessible education through distance learning programs for working professionals and students in remote areas.
Top Courses: Business, Education, Computing, Humanities, Social Sciences
5. Evelyn Hone College
Location: Lusaka
Type: Government Technical College
Focus: Vocational & Professional Training
Specializes in business, hospitality, and technical skills training with emphasis on practical skills.
Top Courses: Hotel Management, Accountancy, Tourism, Business Studies
6. Rusangu University
Location: Monze
Affiliation: Seventh Day Adventist Church
Motto: “Educate the Head, Hand and Heart”
Rusangu University aims to provide holistic Christian education at tertiary level, operating under the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Top Courses: Education, Business, Agriculture, Theology, Nursing
7. NIPA (National Institute of Public Administration)
Location: Lusaka
Experience: 50+ years
Focus: Public Administration Training
NIPA boasts over 50 years in business and management training, research and consultancy, equipping professionals with tools for excellence.
Top Courses: Public Administration, Management, Governance, Policy Studies
8. Michael Chilufya Sata University
Location: Kitwe (Copperbelt)
Specialty: Engineering & Technology
Focus: Technical Excellence
New university focused on engineering, technology, and research in mining and related industries.
Top Courses: Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering
9. University of Zambia Engineering School
Location: Lusaka
Focus: Engineering Excellence
Dedicated engineering institution offering specialized engineering programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Top Courses: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
10. Chalimbana University
Location: Lusaka
Specialty: Science & Technology
Type: Government Institution
Focuses on science, technology, and innovation-based education.
Top Courses: Science Education, Technology, Innovation Studies
Top 10 Private Universities in Zambia
1. University of Lusaka (UNILUS)
Location: Lusaka
Founded: 2007
Students: 5,000+
Type: Private
UNILUS is a private university known for its student-centered approach to education and commitment to producing well-rounded graduates, offering programs in business, law, humanities, and social sciences.
Top Courses: Business, Law, Computing, Humanities, Engineering
2. Northrise University
Location: Ndola
Type: Christian Private University
Focus: Academic & Moral Values
Based in Ndola, Northrise University is a Christian university focusing on equipping students with academic knowledge and moral values, offering programs in business, IT, theology, and social sciences.
Top Courses: Business, IT, Theology, Social Sciences, Education
3. Copperstone University
Location: Kitwe
Specialty: Health Sciences
Focus: Practical Training
Copperstone University is known for programs in medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences with strong emphasis on practical training and hands-on experience.
Top Courses: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Sciences, Public Health
4. Technology University
Location: Lusaka
Focus: IT & Technology
Specialty: Tech-Based Education
Specializes in information technology, software engineering, and technology-related programs.
Top Courses: Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT Management, Cyber Security
5. Kwame Nkrumah University
Location: Lusaka
Type: Private Institution
Focus: Business & Professional Training
Offers programs in business, computing, and professional development.
Top Courses: Business Administration, Computing, Accounting, Management
6. Zambian Open Learning Foundation
Location: Lusaka
Specialty: Open & Distance Learning
Focus: Flexible Education
Provides flexible learning options for working professionals.
Top Courses: Business, Education, Computing, Humanities
7. Africa University
Location: Lusaka
Type: Private Institution
Focus: General Education
Comprehensive private university offering diverse programs.
Top Courses: Business, Law, Engineering, Humanities, Sciences
8. Kabwe University
Location: Kabwe
Type: Private Institution
Focus: Professional Education
Offers career-oriented programs in business and professional fields.
Top Courses: Business, Accounting, Law, Computing
9. Livingstone University
Location: Livingstone
Type: Private Institution
Focus: Tourism & Hospitality
Specializes in tourism, hospitality, and business management.
Top Courses: Hotel Management, Tourism, Business, Hospitality
10. Equatorial University
Location: Lusaka
Type: Private Institution
Focus: Business & Technology
Offers programs combining business and technology.
Top Courses: Business, IT, Computing, Management
Universities by Location
Lusaka (Capital) – 8 Universities
- University of Zambia
- University of Lusaka
- Evelyn Hone College
- NIPA
- Chalimbana University
- Technology University
- Zambian Open Learning Foundation
- Africa University
Copperbelt Region – 4 Universities
- Copperbelt University (Kitwe)
- Michael Chilufya Sata University (Kitwe)
- Copperstone University (Kitwe)
- Technology Hub University
Other Regions – 8 Universities
- Mulungushi University (Kabwe)
- Rusangu University (Monze)
- Northrise University (Ndola)
- Livingstone University (Livingstone)
- Kabwe University (Kabwe)
- Zambia Open University (Multiple Centers)
- Equatorial University (Lusaka)
Popular Courses Across Zambian Universities
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Health Sciences
- Medicine (MBBS)
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
- Health Administration
Business & Commerce
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
Law
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Corporate Law
- Constitutional Law
- International Law
Technology & Computing
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- IT Management
- Cyber Security
- Information Systems
Education
- Teacher Education
- Educational Administration
- Curriculum Development
- Special Education
Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Agricultural Economics
- Animal Science
- Horticulture
Admission Requirements
General Requirements (Most Universities):
- High school diploma/certificate
- Minimum grades (typically 5 O-levels including English & Math)
- UNZA entrance exam for competitive programs
- Application form and supporting documents
- Interview (for some programs)
For Postgraduate Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Professional experience (varies)
- GMAT/GRE (for some MBA programs)
Fee Structure Comparison
Government Universities
- Undergraduate: ZMW 3,000-8,000/year
- Postgraduate: ZMW 5,000-12,000/year
Private Universities
- Undergraduate: ZMW 15,000-40,000/year
- Postgraduate: ZMW 20,000-50,000/year
Related Career Planning Resources
As you choose your university, consider career outcomes. Our guide “Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in Zambia 2025“ shows which fields offer the best earning potential after graduation. For course selection guidance, check “Which Courses Have More Job Opportunities in Zambia?” which analyzes job market demand.
For those considering challenging programs, “Top 20 Toughest Courses in Zambia“ provides realistic insights into difficulty levels and prerequisites.
Quality Assurance
Zambia has 20 accredited universities (9 public and 11 private) registered with the government and recognized internationally for maintaining learning standards on par with top universities in the USA, UK, and China.
All listed universities are officially registered and accredited by Zambia’s Higher Education Authority.
Conclusion
Zambia offers diverse higher education options through 20 accredited universities combining academic excellence with practical training. Whether choosing government or private institutions, consider program offerings, location, cost, and career prospects when making your decision.
Key Takeaways:
- University of Zambia is the leading institution overall
- Copperbelt University excels in technical fields
- Private universities offer flexible learning options
- Most universities are concentrated in Lusaka
- Diverse programs available across all major disciplines
Visit zambianguardian.com.com for more educational guidance and career planning resources.
