University of Zimbabwe
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
- 57.3%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (22,338 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:19
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 78.0%
- 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
Campus life at UZ reflects both the university's history and Zimbabwe's current realities. Students come from across the country, representing different ethnic groups, regions, and economic backgrounds. Halls of residence house many students on campus, creating communities that sometimes organize along the lines of home regions or student political affiliations. The student population has historically been politically active, with campus politics sometimes reflecting and sometimes influencing national debates. Facilities on campus include libraries, computer labs, sports grounds, and social spaces, though resource limitations have affected conditions over the years. The library collections were once excellent but have struggled with acquisition budgets. Computing facilities have been updated but cannot always meet demand. Sports include soccer, basketball, netball, and track events, with intercollegiate competition against other Zimbabwean universities. Social life for students extends into Harare, a city that maintains cultural institutions, restaurants, and nightlife despite economic challenges. Students often maintain connections to communities beyond campus, balancing academic responsibilities with family obligations and part-time work. The economic situation means many students face financial stress, juggling the costs of education, housing, and daily needs. Student organizations provide support networks and outlets for activism, cultural expression, and professional development.
Location & Surroundings
Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and largest city, home to about 1.5 million people in the city proper and significantly more in the greater metropolitan area. The city sits at an elevation of about 1,500 meters on the central plateau, giving it a pleasant subtropical highland climate quite different from the lowland heat experienced in some African cities. Temperatures are mild throughout the year, with a defined rainy season from November to March. The Mount Pleasant area where the university is located is one of Harare's more affluent suburbs, with tree-lined streets and substantial houses dating from various periods. The campus is within reach of the city center, where government offices, businesses, and commercial districts are concentrated. Public transport options include minibuses (kombis) that run along major routes, though service quality varies and private vehicles remain common for those who can afford them. Zimbabwe offers natural attractions that students can explore during breaks, including Victoria Falls in the west, the Eastern Highlands near the Mozambique border, and numerous game reserves. The country's heritage sites include Great Zimbabwe, the stone city that gives the nation its name. Travel within Zimbabwe has become more accessible as the economy has partially stabilized, though infrastructure limitations remain compared to more developed countries.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the University of Zimbabwe varies by program and student nationality. Zimbabwean students pay significantly subsidized rates, though even these have become challenging for many families during periods of economic difficulty. International students pay higher fees that still represent reasonable value compared to universities in more expensive countries. Exact figures change frequently due to currency fluctuations and should be verified directly with the university. Living costs in Harare are moderate by international standards, though the local context matters. Students must budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and course materials. Those living in university residences have some costs covered, while those in private accommodation face additional expenses. Economic conditions in Zimbabwe can create uncertainties around pricing and currency that students from stable economies may find unfamiliar. Career outcomes for UZ graduates have historically been strong within Zimbabwe and the region. The university's alumni hold positions throughout government, business, healthcare, and education. A UZ degree opens doors in Zimbabwe that degrees from lesser-known institutions cannot. However, the economic situation has complicated employment, with many graduates facing difficult job markets or seeking opportunities abroad. The Zimbabwean diaspora includes many UZ graduates who have built careers in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.
Campus Location
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