- Eligible Applicants
Persons seeking to establish and operate a private Higher Education are required to submit an application for registration to the Higher Education Authority. The Authority shall approve an application for registration if the applicant complies with Part IV Section 20 of the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013.
The Higher Education Authority will receive and consider an application from the following groups of applicants:
- Applications from existing private higher education institutions which were licensed under the (repealed) University Act (1999).
- Applications for the establishment and operation of new private higher education institutions.
- Foreign Universities seeking to establish higher education institutions in Zambia.
- Application to effect changes to the registration status of a private higher education institution.
- Applications from existing private higher education institutions which were licensed under the (repealed) University Act (1999)
Private Higher Education Institutions which were licensed under the (repealed) University Act will be required to seek registration under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013. These institutions have been allowed to operate under their current licenses up to 30th September 2015. Thereafter, these will require seeking and obtaining registration under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013.
- Applications for the establishment and operation of new private higher education institutions
The Higher Education Authority will receive and consider applications from new private higher education institutions from 1st April 2015.
- Foreign Universities seeking to establish higher education institutions in Zambia
Foreign Universities seeking to register private higher education institutions in Zambia will follow the same procedure as elaborated in this document.
- Application to effect changes to the registration status of a private higher education institution
The proprietor of a private higher education institution shall, where any change or alteration occurs at the private higher education institution, inform the Higher Education Authority of the change or alteration within thirty (30) days of the change or alteration.
A change shall only be effected in the establishment or operational plan of the private higher education institution if the Authority approves the change and the particulars of the change are recorded in the Register.
A change in the establishment or operational plan of a private higher education institution means:-
- The provision of any additional faculty or programme in the private higher education institution not included in any previous registration;
- The reopening of the closed private higher education institution;
- The change of ownership or management of the private higher education institution, whether the change takes effect by way of partnership or otherwise;
- The transfer of the private higher education institution to a new site or change of its principal office;
- The alteration of any qualification for admission to the private higher education institution; or
- The provision of any type of education not falling within the classification in which the institution was previously registered.
The application process
- All applicants shall complete the Application Form and submit to the Higher Education Authority.
- The applicant prepares and submits the “Operational Plan”. The contents of the Operational Plan for each of the categories of applications are elaborated below.
- The applicant submits the completed application form and the Operational Plan, with the non-refundable Application Fee.
- The Higher Education Authority evaluates the application. The Authority may, within thirty (30) days of receipt of an application, approve the application on such terms and conditions as it may determine, or reject the application.
- The Authority shall, where it rejects an application for Registration, inform the applicant, in writing, and give reasons therefore.
- A physical inspection is conducted at the premises of institutions qualifying for registration.
- The certificate of registration is issued.
- The registered institutions are published in the Government Gazette and Daily Newspaper.
All applicants shall complete the Application Form and submit to the HEA.
Application Fees
K500 (Zambian Owned HEI)
K1, 000 (Foreign Owned HEI)
Application Processing Fees
K10, 000 (Zambian Owned HEI)
K15, 000 (Foreign Owned HEI)
- The Operational Plan
A private higher education institution shall develop an Operational Plan which shall include information on the following:
- Premises where the higher education institution is to operate in Zambia.
- Vision, Mission and Strategy.
- Academic programmes, including the requirements of the courses, learning outcomes, and levels of awards.
- Student admission and Support systems and structures.
- Governance and Management.
- Physical facilities for Teaching and Learning.
- Technology Infrastructure.
- Arrangements and facilities for Research
- Financial Resources
- Health and safety
- Academic and non-Academic Staff
The proprietor of the private higher education institution will submit the Operational Plan to the Higher Education Authority for approval.
A private higher education institution shall not commence any operations until the Operational Plan is approved by the Higher Education Authority.
- Institutional Audit
The Higher Education Authority shall, for purposes of ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act, and verification of information provided by the applicant, conduct an Institutional Audit of the higher education institution.
- Certificate of Registration
The Authority shall, where it approves an application for registration, issue the applicant with a certificate of registration in the prescribed form.
The proprietor of a private higher education institution shall not operate the private higher education institution on any premises within Zambia, other than the premises specified in its certificate of registration or other premises approved by the Authority for such purposes.
- Appeals
A person who is aggrieved by the decision of the Higher Education Authority may appeal to the Minister within thirty-days of the decision of the Higher Education Authority.
- Criteria for Registration
CORE REQUIREMENTS |
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Criteria |
Elements |
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• A governance system, which reflects its mission and strategy. • A governing board with defined roles and responsibilities. • A clearly defined management structure. • An effective system of leadership staffed by qualified administrators. |
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• Academic programmes are systematically designed. • A clear definition of all programmes: Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Research, and Distance Learning. • A clear organisation of Faculties and/or Directorates. |
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• An admission policy on the selection of students. • An academic calendar. • A support systems for learners, such as accommodation, bookshops, internet services, etc. • A system for verification of students enrolled at the institution. |
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• A policy on staff recruitment and staff development. • Proven sufficient numbers of qualified full-time staff to support academic and support operations. • Supply of academic support staff and assistants for carrying out academic programmes, • Conditions of service for all staff. |
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Physical Infrastructure (15%)
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Financial Resources (15%) |
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NON-CORE REQUIREMENTS |
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Criteria |
Elements |
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Health and safety (10%) |
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Vision, Mission and Strategy (40%) |
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Research (35%) |
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