Overview
The University of Zambia (UNZA), located in Lusaka, is Zambia’s oldest and largest public university, established through an Act of Parliament in 1965 and officially opened on 12 July 1966. With its long-standing motto “Service and Excellence,” UNZA has grown into a multi-disciplinary university that prepares students for careers in both the public and private sectors. Today, it serves approximately 30,000 students and offers a wide range of programs spanning medicine, engineering, humanities, law, agriculture, business, education, and more.
UNZA operates across two main urban campuses: the Great East Road Campus, where most faculties are based (about 6–7 km from central Lusaka), and the Ridgeway Campus near the University Teaching Hospital, which supports the medical school and clinical training activities.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Zambia |
|---|---|
| Established | Act passed in 1965; opened 12 July 1966 |
| Type | Public University |
| Location | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Website | https://www.unza.zm |
If you’re comparing options across Zambia, you may also want to review similar institution guides such as University of Lusaka and Mulungushi University.
3. Fee Structure
Tuition fees can vary by intake year, citizenship status, and the specific faculty requirements. Below is the fee structure currently presented for academic-year planning:
| Program | Tuition Fee per Academic Year |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (Art‑based, Zambian/SADC/Refugee) | K25,808 |
| Bachelor’s (Science‑based, Zambian/SADC/Refugee) | K31,878 |
| Bachelor’s (Medicine‑based, Zambian/SADC/Refugee) | K31,878 |
| Bachelor’s (Art‑based, International) | K51,363 |
| Bachelor’s (Science‑based, International) | K62,890 |
| Bachelor’s (Medicine‑based, International) | K77,943 |
For students considering medical or health-sciences routes, you can also compare with other health-focused options like Levy Mwanawasa Medical University to better understand how training pathways differ.
4. Academic Programs
- Theology, Arts & Humanities
- Education & Teacher Training
- Social Sciences, Law & Political Science
- Business Administration & Economics
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Engineering, Computer Science & Technology
- Agriculture, Natural Resources & Veterinary Medicine
- Science & Mathematics
- Continuing & Distance Education
- Graduate & Doctoral Studies
Because UNZA covers both campus-based and distance/continuing study pathways, many students use the university to move from undergraduate foundations into postgraduate specialization. If you’re exploring alternatives in other regions, Copperbelt University is another option worth checking—especially for those interested in studying away from Lusaka while staying within Zambia’s public university system.
5. Facilities
- Great East Road Campus and Ridgeway Campus with medical school facilities
- Central and faculty libraries with digital resources
- Scientific, engineering, and medical laboratories
- University Teaching Hospital for clinical training
- Lecture halls, seminar venues and research centers
- Student services, counselling and administrative offices
- Sports and recreational facilities
Students in health-related programs often benefit from the practical training environment associated with the University Teaching Hospital, while engineering and science students typically rely on lab and workshop spaces across the main campus. For learners who prefer teacher-training pathways, you may also find it useful to compare related offerings such as Mukuba University.
6. Accommodation
UNZA offers university-managed hostel accommodation, though space is limited and depends on the allocation for each intake. Many students also choose private or shared housing near campus and commute when necessary. Hostel charges apply to students living on campus, and support is provided through the university accommodation services.
- On-campus hostels (normal rooms and flats)
- Off-campus rental apartments near campus
- Shared student housing options
- Assistance through Student Accommodation Office
Because accommodation availability can affect early student planning, it’s recommended to start contacting the relevant university offices soon after admission offers, especially if you intend to live near the Ridgeway Campus for medical-related activities.
7. Contact Information
- Email: contactus@unza.zm (inquiries via official website)
- Phone: Customer Relations Office – see official site
- Address: Great East Road Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
For general updates on admissions processes and university guidance, always rely on official UNZA channels and the most current information posted on the university’s website.
Explore More Universities Zambia
- Copperbelt University
- Mulungushi University
- University of Lusaka
- Kwame Nkrumah University
- Levy Mwanawasa Medical University
– If you are interested in writing, write for us education articles now.
