International Students

How to Apply

The exchange programme is done under the terms and conditions set in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed off between UNZA and a partner University. Usually fees are waived, and students remain enrolled at their home university (and pay their usual fees to the home university). Exchange students are expected to return to the home University, course credits are transferred when appropriate and approved and the student graduates from the home University.

The University of Zambia provides several internationally recognized programmes under 9 schools. Thus students are able to find programmes that are related to their major or minor studies. Presentations of each department and list of courses can be found in the course cataloque.

The application process for exchange programmes starts from the international office of student’s home university, where more information on the application process is acquired.

Language requirements

The medium of instruction and examination for all programmes at the University of Zambia is English. Students admitted to the University of Zambia are expected to be proficient in English Language. You do not need to submit evidence of your English Language proficiency when you make your application to UNZA. Nevertheless, if you have already achieved the required grade and qualification in English language, please attach your grade/qualification along with your other qualifications.

Student admitted to the University may address any foreign language deficiency by taking English language courses to meet the beginning level of proficiency. The University of Zambia offers three (3) level of English language proficiency courses, starting with the beginners elementary level to intermediate and advanced levels. For Complete details on the language proficiency contact the Head of Department of Literature and Languages on email.

head-litandlan@unza.zm

Accommodation

UNZA allocates private apartments, which are offered for International Students on short term exchange programmes. Exchange students are accommodated in shared rooms, which are contained with a bed, a toilet, a bath-tub and a stove. The distance from the exchange students’ residence to the main campus is approximately 500m.

Exchange Students who wish to find their own source or other alternatives for accommodation during their study at the University of Zambia are free to do so. Nevertheless, this might be subject to inspection by relevant University of Zambia authorities so as to ensure that appropriate standards are adhered to.

Immigration Permits and Fees Procedures

For clients applying for residence, diplomatic, spouse, visiting, study, temporary, employment, cross border as well as visas.

Guiding principles in the issuance of permits and visas

The department’s immigration’ policy is based on the following four (4) principles;

  • An immigrant to Zambia must have a contribution to make in form of skills, profession or capital
  • An immigrant should not deprive a Zambian of employment
  • An immigrant should not be a charge on the state.
  • An immigrant intending to settle in Zambia must be in possession of a permit.

VISA Requirements

Please make sure if you require a visa to enter the country. Should you need a visa,please apply for an entry visa at the Zambian Embassy/ High Commission in your country immediately.

Study Permit

This permit is offered to a foreign national who intends to study on full time basis at a Zambian educational institution. Study permit application requirements

  • Application form
  • Two recent passport size photos
  • Photocopy of current passport
  • Photocopy of current visa
  • Letter of acceptance from the Institution/School
  • Status of the host, parent, or guardian if any;
  • Proof of commitment from the sponsor (Certification of Scholarship)
  • Medical report from the UNZA Clinic
  • Covering letter from the Dean of Students to the Director- General of Immigration
  • Payment of a prescribed fee (Bank Manager Certified Cheque)

Permit fees

Permit Type Issuance Extension Duplicate     
   Study Permit      K750 K1,000 K750

Checklist

Immigration Requirements

  1. Fill in the Immigration Application form and submit together with the photocopy of the acceptance letter to the Dean of Students. (Requesting for the cover letter for the Director-General of Immigration)
  2. Obtaining a medical certificate at UNZA clinic (or any recognized health institute within Zambia). Fee of medicals at the UNZA Clinic K150.
  3. Submit the prescribed fee in the bank and request a bank certified cheque.
    Note: In terms of getting a cheque, most banks in Zambia require you to hold a bank account in the same bank. Bank of China is an exception to this. Notice to be prepared to carry cash to pay for proceeding the cheque (approx. K200-300).
  4. Submit to Immigration Office the application form upon receiving the cover letter and the medical certificate and all the required documents for the study permit. You can find the list of required documents attached.
  5. Remember to carry your passport with you throughout the immigration process

UNZA Registration

  1. Submit copy of your passport and acceptance letter to the International Link Office. Interlink will forward your documents for the registration.
  2. Submit list of your selected courses to the International Link Office. Interlink will forward your course list for the course registration.
  3. Obtaining the Student Identification Card.

From International Link Office you will get a document, which proves that you are an exchange student and due to that entitled to have Student Identification Card without any payment. Present this document with medical certificate, acceptance letter and copy of passport to the reception of the library for the procedure of the card.