Key Points
- ZIMDEF offers scholarships and loans for Zimbabwean tertiary students.
- Private scholarships and crowdfunding help students afford tuition fees.
- Student loan schemes provide affordable financing for Zimbabwean students.
Tertiary education in Zimbabwe is essential for personal and national growth, but the rising costs of tuition and living expenses present significant financial barriers.
With inflation and economic instability affecting the country, students must explore a variety of funding options to complete their education.Â
Understanding the cost of tertiary education in Zimbabwe
The cost of tertiary education in Zimbabwe has escalated due to inflation and the fluctuating economic environment. Tuition fees vary between institutions and programs. For instance, courses in medical fields and engineering generally cost more than those in the arts or humanities.Â
According to a 2023 report by The Herald, tertiary education fees at some state universities have increased by over 100% in the last five years due to inflationary pressures.
As inflation drives up costs, it becomes more challenging for families to afford the entire educational expense. As a result, financial aid is crucial for many students seeking to complete their studies.
Government funding options
The Zimbabwean government has several funding options for students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. The Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) is one of the primary sources of funding. It offers both scholarships and loans to students, particularly in technical and vocational fields. ZIMDEF, which is managed by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, and Technology Development, supports students pursuing courses that contribute to national development.Â
Another government initiative is the Student Loan Scheme, which provides loans to undergraduate students in public universities. These loans are repayable after graduation, allowing students to defer payments until they start earning.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) also provides loans to students, with repayment terms based on the student’s field of study and future income potential.
Private funding opportunities
Private scholarships are another critical source of funding for Zimbabwean students. Several private organizations, businesses, and international foundations offer scholarships for students in various fields of study.
For example, the Cecil John Rhodes Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship support Zimbabwean students seeking to study abroad. These scholarships can cover full tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
Local banks and microfinance institutions also provide educational loans, although these often come with higher interest rates and require collateral.
According to The Financial Gazette, the Bank of Zimbabwe and several microfinance institutions offer loans for tuition fees, but the terms are often more rigid than those of government-backed loans.
Crowdfunding is increasingly popular as a funding option, with students using platforms like GoFundMe and PayPal to raise money for their education.
Securing funding for tertiary education in Zimbabwe is a multi-faceted challenge that requires resourcefulness and persistence. Government programs such as ZIMDEF and student loans provide vital assistance, but they may not cover all costs. Private scholarships, educational loans from banks, and crowdfunding platforms offer additional avenues for financial support.
