Department Of Education Zambia
Education in Zambia is divided into three levels; primary, junior, secondary and upper secondary. Higher education in Zambia has improved in the recent years due to the increase of private universities and colleges.
The biggest university is the public University of Zambia, which is located in the capital Lusaka. Then there are many other smaller universities, some public others private including Copperbelt University, Zambia Open University, European University Zambia Zambia Catholic University, Cavendish University, Zambia Adventist University, Northrise University, University of Lusaka, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Woodlands University College, Copperstone University College, University of Africa, Information and Communication University, Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Education and there are various Health training Institutes offering Diplomas in clinical medicine, Registered Nursing.
Ministry of Education (MoE)
| Ministry of Education P.O. Box 50093 10101 Lusaka, Zambia +260 (21) 125 3502 |
Website: www.moe.gov.zm
Education System in Zambia |
Primary Education
The Zambian education system has a 7-5-4 structure, namely 7 years at primary school, 2 and 3 years at junior and higher secondary school respectively, and 4 years at university for undergraduate degrees. While the intention is that school education should be mandatory for all, sadly many poorer children drop out along the way.
Middle Education
The first 2 years of secondary school are spent at middle schools. Many students go off to work after this, because the prevailing culture is that they have completed a decent education.
Secondary Education
Those who elect to study on at higher secondary school, must first write a transitional selection examination. Thereafter, they may spend 4 years in an academic environment, where they hope to reach the standard required for their further university education.
Vocational Education
The Zambian government regards the development of the nation’s skill base as fundamental to its economic growth. With this in mind, the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training program is being redeveloped, to realize the full potential of the nation’s people.
Tertiary Education
There are just 5 universities in the whole of Zambia, namely the Copperbelt University in Kitwe, the Zambia Adventist University in Monze, the Northwest University in Ndola, and the Cavendish University and the University of Zambia in Lusaka.
The last-mentioned is the oldest having been established in 1964, and is illustrated here. It has schools of agricultural sciences, education, engineering, humanities & social sciences, law, mines, medicine, natural sciences, and veterinary medicine.