University of Zambia
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 70.5%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (26,430 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 75.0%
- Retention Rate
- 71.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $4,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at UNZA combines the intensity of academic study with the social connections that make university years memorable. Residence halls house thousands of students who come from all corners of Zambia, mixing together young people from different ethnic groups, regions, and backgrounds in ways that build national unity. Dining facilities serve meals that keep students fed while they focus on their studies, though many venture off campus for more varied options. Student organizations cover political, cultural, religious, and recreational interests, with the Student Union playing an active role in campus governance and occasionally in national political debates. The university has a long history of student activism, with demonstrations and strikes periodically disrupting academic calendars when students voice grievances about fees, facilities, or political issues. Sports facilities include playing fields for football, the most popular sport in Zambia, along with courts for basketball, volleyball, and netball. Intercollegiate competition against other Zambian universities provides opportunities for athletic achievement and school pride. Cultural groups preserve and celebrate traditional music, dance, and storytelling from Zambia's many ethnic traditions. Religious organizations representing Christianity, Islam, and other faiths provide spiritual community for students away from home. The campus itself offers green spaces where students gather between classes, study under trees, or simply socialize with friends. Weekend evenings might include parties, concerts, or trips into Lusaka for entertainment options ranging from nightclubs to restaurants to cinema.
Location & Surroundings
Lusaka serves as the political, economic, and cultural capital of Zambia, a landlocked southern African nation of approximately 20 million people. The city has grown rapidly in recent decades, expanding from a modest colonial-era settlement into a sprawling metropolis with formal business districts, extensive informal settlements, and everything in between. The university campus sits in a relatively prosperous area on the eastern side of the city, accessible by public transportation though many students find that overcrowded minibuses require patience and planning to navigate. Shops, restaurants, and entertainment options cluster along the major roads, catering to both student budgets and more upscale tastes. Beyond Lusaka, Zambia offers natural attractions that rank among Africa's finest. Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, lies in the southern part of the country and draws tourists from around the globe. National parks including South Luangwa, known for its walking safaris and leopard sightings, provide opportunities to experience African wildlife in their natural habitats. Lake Kariba, the enormous reservoir created by damming the Zambezi River, offers fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation. The copper mining towns of the Copperbelt region to the north tell the story of Zambia's economic history and continue to drive export earnings. Students from other African countries often find Zambia a welcoming environment, with a reputation for peace and stability that contrasts with some neighboring nations. The cost of living remains relatively affordable, though economic volatility can create unpredictable challenges.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Financial planning is an important part of the educational journey at University of Zambia. The institution offers various forms of financial assistance including merit scholarships, need-based aid, and payment plans. Career services support students in connecting their education to professional opportunities, with graduates finding success across many industries.
Campus Location
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