Paying for higher education in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has no widespread bank student loan: in 2019 the state announced a revolving loan fund for some students at public universities, but most families cover fees through savings, the diaspora, bursaries or a loan taken by a parent.
The revolving loan fund announced in 2019
In August 2019, the Ministry of Higher Education announced a fund of 40 million, in the currency of the time, for loans to deserving but disadvantaged students at state universities. Internal committees were to set the criteria, with priority for orphans.
Uneven roll-out across universities
The fund depended on available resources and on each institution's committees. Students should ask the student affairs office at the University of Zimbabwe, NUST in Bulawayo or Midlands State University in Gweru about current availability.
State grants and the former cadetship scheme
Zimbabwe has had public grants, followed by a cadetship scheme that paid fees in return for a commitment to work in the country. These schemes were criticised and halted several times, which explains why support is fragmented today.
Bursaries from mining companies and foundations
Mining companies, banks and foundations fund bursaries for technical, medical or engineering programmes. These awards often require good A-level results and sometimes a commitment to work for the sponsor for a period after graduation.
University fees in dollars and in ZiG
Public universities charge fees per semester, in ZiG or in dollars depending on the period and the programme. Private institutions such as Africa University in Mutare tend to bill in dollars, pushing families towards saving in foreign currency.
A parent's payroll loan for the semester
With no student loan available, salaried parents often take out a personal loan in Zimbabwe deducted from pay to cover semester fees. Make sure the repayments do not eat into the money needed for the following semesters.
Fee instalment plans granted by the university
Some universities accept a payment plan spreading fees over several instalments, on request to the finance office. It is not a loan as such, but it avoids debt and may be enough for a family with a regular income.
Studying in South Africa, China or the United Kingdom
Many Zimbabwean students go to South Africa, China or the United Kingdom. The South African system of bursaries and loans, presented in our guide to the student loan in South Africa, mainly serves South African citizens.
Polytechnics and apprenticeship funding
Polytechnics in Harare, Bulawayo or Kwekwe offer courses that cost less than university. Companies sponsor apprentices, and the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund helps finance technical training and apprenticeships for young people across the country.
Housing near the Mount Pleasant campus
Beyond tuition, accommodation near the Mount Pleasant campus in Harare or in town is expensive and often paid in dollars. These costs are not covered by partial bursaries and weigh heavily on the family budget each semester.
From secondary school to university: plan ahead
Families preparing for higher education first pay for secondary schooling and its boarding schools. Our guide to the school fees loan in Zimbabwe presents ways to pay termly fees at primary and secondary schools.
Part-time student jobs paid in dollars
Some students fund their fees through part-time work, tutoring or online work paid in dollars. This income remains irregular and is rarely enough on its own to secure credit from a Zimbabwean bank.
Looking for study funding in Zimbabwe
- Ask the student affairs office about loans, bursaries and payment plans as soon as you are admitted.
- Prepare your A-level results, proof of household income and, where relevant, parents' death certificates.
- Apply for company, foundation and embassy bursaries before their deadlines.
- Negotiate a payment schedule with the university if the support obtained does not cover the whole semester.
- As a last resort, compare a parent's payroll loan while taking the full length of the course into account.
Higher education expenses in Zimbabwe
| Expense | What makes it vary | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | University, programme and currency | Billed per semester |
| Accommodation | University residence or rental in town | Often in dollars |
| Registration and exam fees | Institution | Paid at the start of the year |
| Equipment and computer | Programme | Higher in engineering and medicine |
| Interest on a parental loan | Lender and term | Add it to the total cost |
Documents for study support in Zimbabwe
- Admission letter from the university or polytechnic
- ZIMSEC O-level and A-level result slips
- Student's national ID card
- Proof of income of parents or guardians
- Recommendation letter from a teacher or community leader
- Invoice for the semester fees
Mistakes to avoid when funding studies in Zimbabwe
- Paying processing fees to a fake agent promising a fully funded international scholarship.
- Waiting until term starts to look for support, when company bursaries often close several months earlier.
- Borrowing for the first semester with no plan for the next ones, then having to drop out.
- Signing a service commitment with a sponsor without reading the repayment clauses that apply if you leave.
Lenders to contact
- NMB Bank Zimbabwe: Zimbabwean commercial bank providing personal banking services, including personal loans described in its online customer support centre.
- FBC Building Society: Building society within Zimbabwe's FBC group, specialising in mortgage loans for acquiring and building residential homes.
Funding studies in Zimbabwe: answers
Do Zimbabwean banks offer student loans?
Bank loans aimed directly at students remain rare, as students have no income. Banks instead lend to salaried parents with a payroll deduction, or occasionally run partnerships with educational institutions to support enrolled learners.
Is the public loan fund open to all Zimbabwean students?
No, the fund announced in 2019 targeted deserving and disadvantaged students at state universities, chosen by internal committees. Its availability depends on budget resources, so check with your university every year.
Does the cadetship scheme still exist?
This scheme, which paid fees in return for a commitment to work in Zimbabwe, went through interruptions and has largely been replaced by other forms of support. Announcements from the Ministry of Higher Education state which scheme currently applies.
Can students at private Zimbabwean universities get support?
Public support mainly targets state universities. Private institutions offer their own bursaries or discounts, and sponsors sometimes fund students whatever their institution, depending on the field of study chosen.