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General Overview
In Zimbabwe there are three types of schools - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education. Primary school students range in age from 5-12 years old. At the primary level, all students are required to wear school uniforms.
Secondary school students are from 13 to 18 years old. Most Secondary school pupils wear uniforms but there are private colleges that allow pupils to dress in their formal clothing as they choose. The entry age for tertiary education is 16 years for the youngest but most students enter at the age of 19 and 20 years, just after their secondary school.
On average, primary schools cost approximately US$5.50 per term, with secondary education in cities/towns costing approximately US$10.70 per term (three months).
Education Stages
1. Nursery/Kindergarten school is the first step in formal education in Zimbabwe. It is meant for 3 year to 5 year olds. There are many schools around Zimbabwe and they are very common in urban areas. This step of education is not mandatory for children.
2. Primary school is mandatory. In Primary school the child studies from Grade 0 to Grade 7 and gets a certificate after grade 7. Each grade is completed after 1 year. Shona, English, Ndebele, Art, Content and Maths are the main subjects offered at primary level. There are primary schools in each and every corner of the country making it easier for all children to attend school.
3. Secondary/High school comes as a continuation of Primary school. From grade 7 the child has got to pass for him/her to be accepted into Secondary/High school. Form 1 is the first level for Secondary/High school and it runs up to Form 6. Secondary/High school is accessible from all corners of the country as well. A variety of subjects are offered at Secondary/High school in different syllabuses and these are Shona, English, Ndebele, Maths, Bible Knowledge, History, Integrated Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Divinity, Accounts, Technical Drawing, Management of Business, Computers, Fashion, Carpentry, Economics and Agriculture. There is Night School offered in selected schools around the country. Night school is education for the older people who cannot fit into the mainstream education and most of the time they are adults of over 18 years. It is meant to promote adult literacy in the country.
4. Tertiary/Higher Education is also a continuation from Secondary/High school. This education is offered by a number of Universities and colleges in Zimbabwe. There is also distant education for people who want to work and study at the same time. Locally, there is Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) for degrees and diplomas in distance education and externally there is University of South Africa (UNISA). There is a wide range of other British institutions which offer degrees, diplomas and certificates in Zimbabwe distance education. The British High Commission office in Zimbabwe can be consulted for more information on Tel: 04 772990 7th Floor Corner House Cnr Samora Machel Av/L Takawira St. Colleges in Zimbabwe can be split into Technical colleges, Teachers colleges, Agriculture Colleges as well as uniformed forces colleges like Police training schools and Army training schools.
Education Facilities Contact Details
Below is an information list of Universities/Colleges found in Zimbabwe:
1. University of Zimbabwe, PO Box MP167 Mt Pleasant, Harare www.uz.ac.zw
2. National University of Science and Technology, PO Box AC 939 Ascot, Bulawayo www.nust.ac.zw
3. Africa University, PO Box 1320, Mutare www.africau.edu
4. Midlands State University, P Bag 9055, Gweru www.msu.ac.zw
5. Chinhoyi University of Technology, www.cut.ac.zw
6. Solusi University, P Bag T5399, Bulawayo www.solusi.ac.zw
7. Masvingo State University, Masvingo
8. Catholic University in Zimbabwe, 18443 Cranborne Av Hatfield, Harare
9. Bindura University of Science, P Bag 1020, Bindura, 071 7079 or 071 7615-20 or 071 7621-4 www.buse.ac.zw
10. Lupane University, Lupane
11. Zimbabwe Open University, PO Box P1119 Mt Pleasant, Harare 04 333452-8 or 04 250157 www.zou.ac.zw
12. Women’s University in Africa, PO Box MP1222 Mt Pleasant, Harare
Recognition of Foreign Education Qualifications
For students returning to Zimbabwe from abroad, birth certificates, academic certificates, former school report book, and a transfer letter from the former school Headmaster/Principal is required. There are no restrictions onto the choice of school one wants his/her child to attend but the normal trend is that one selects a school from the neighbourhood. Neighbourhoods have a lot of schools and this gives a wide choice of selection. In case one wants a school that is another neighbourhood they meet the expense of providing transport for their child to and from school. There are a few private schools that provide their pupils with transport and pupils are picked and dropped at a selected central point.
How returnees can access primary and high school or University (including difference between private and public school)
The returnees can directly seek information for themselves from the respective schools in their communities of residence.
Private schools refer to institutions that have private or individual ownership. Government schools refer to institutions that are manned by the Government. The Government heavily subsidises all public schools so that education can be accessed by a range of children. Private schools are expensive as opposed to Government schools because they operate as business entities, making profits.
Recognition of foreign diplomas
The two Ministries of Education, Sports and Culture www.moesc.gov.zw and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education www.mhet.ac.zw assess and approve foreign education, diplomas, degrees and certificates. In most cases British education is recognised since the education system in the country is based on the British education system.
Special Education
Vocational Education / Training
Contact Details
Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education
Block G & F, Government Composite Building
Cnr Samora Machel Avenue/ 4th Street, Harare
Reception: 4th Floor Block F
Tel : 263-4-796440/9, 730051/5, 795891-5
Fax: 263-4-790923, 728730, 792109, 703957, 703916
Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture
Union Avenue
P. O. Box CY 121
Causeway, HARARE
Tel:263-4-734071/4, 734051/9
Fax : 263-4-734075
Telex: 263-4-26430
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