Zimbabwe Open University

Empowerment Through Open Learning

Harare, Zimbabwe · University · Public institution · Founded 1999 · Accredited by Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE); listed state university (ZIMCHE, 2026) · Taught in English · 14,000 students

Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) is an open distance education university in Zimbabwe. Established in 1999, ZOU is the only distance education university in the country that offers an opportunity for students to earn as they learn. Student enrollment at ZOU has been growing steadily from the time of its formation and in terms of enrollment it is the largest university in Zimbabwe.

Programmes

• BSc Nursing Science
• Technology
• Agriculture
• Commerce
• Applied Social Sciences
• Arts, Culture and Heritage Studies
• Science
• Law
• Education
• MBA
• Postgraduate Diploma in Education
• MPhil and PhD

Tuition

• Per course (4 courses per semester typical). International: undergraduate USD 289 (USD 1,156 per semester), MBA USD 339. SADC and external Zimbabweans: undergraduate USD 125 (USD 500 per semester). Plus technology fee USD 100 to 125 and other levies per semester.

Admissions

• 4-year bachelor's: 5 O-Level passes including English and Mathematics at C or better
• 3-year bachelor's: plus a relevant National Diploma; 2-year: plus a relevant Higher National Diploma
• Master's: relevant first degree at 2.1 or better
• Accepts international applicants

Official website · Apply on the institution site · Universities in Zimbabwe · All African universities · Scholarships