Education Costs in Zambia
Public · Private · International · University · Updated March 2026
Compare school fees across public, private, and international institutions — from primary through university. Includes named schools, exam fees, and additional costs like uniforms and transport.
Zambian university students on campus
Public Primary
ZMK 500 – 1.5K
per term
Private School
ZMK 3K – 30K
per term
International
ZMK 15K – 80K
per term
University (UNZA)
ZMK 8K – 20K
per year
🏫 Public & Government Schools
Government-funded schools are the most affordable option. Tuition fees for grades 1-7 were abolished in 2002, but parents still pay PTA levies and associated costs.
Public Primary School (per term)
Government-funded · Includes PTA levy · 3 terms/year
ZMK 500 – 1,500
Public Secondary School — Day (per term)
Government-subsidized · Day scholar fees
ZMK 1,000 – 2,500
Public Secondary School — Boarding (per term)
Government boarding school · Meals and accommodation included
ZMK 2,500 – 5,000
Government Technical/Vocational (per term)
TEVET-registered institutions · Trades and skills training
ZMK 1,500 – 4,000
🎓 Private Schools
Private Primary School (per term)
Better facilities · Smaller classes · Extra-curricular
ZMK 3,000 – 12,000
Private Secondary School (per term)
Private school · Cambridge/local curriculum
ZMK 5,000 – 18,000
Private Boarding School (per term)
Full boarding · Sports facilities · Pastoral care
ZMK 12,000 – 30,000
🌍 International Schools in Lusaka
International schools serve expatriate families and Zambian families seeking international curricula (IB, Cambridge, American). Most are located in Lusaka.
| School | Curriculum | Fees (per term) |
|---|---|---|
| American International School of Lusaka (AISL) Premium facilities, diverse student body | American (AP/IB) | ZMK 40,000 – 80,000/term |
| Lusaka International Community School (LICS) Largest international school in Zambia | International Baccalaureate (IB) | ZMK 30,000 – 60,000/term |
| Rhodes Park School British-style, established reputation | Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level | ZMK 15,000 – 35,000/term |
| French School of Lusaka French and English instruction | French National | ZMK 20,000 – 40,000/term |
| Baobab College Strong academics, scholarship program | Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level | ZMK 18,000 – 40,000/term |
🎓 University Tuition Fees
| University | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| University of Zambia (UNZA) Largest university, government-supported | ZMK 8,000 – 20,000/year |
| Copperbelt University (CBU) Copperbelt-based, strong in mining | ZMK 8,000 – 18,000/year |
| Mulungushi University Central Province, growing campus | ZMK 10,000 – 22,000/year |
| Cavendish University Ugandan origin, Lusaka campus | ZMK 15,000 – 35,000/year |
| ZCAS University Formerly Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies | ZMK 12,000 – 28,000/year |
| DMI — St. Eugene University Indian-partnered, affordable private option | ZMK 10,000 – 20,000/year |
Additional Education Costs
School Uniform (complete set)
ZMK 300 – 800
Textbooks (per year)
ZMK 200 – 1,500
School Bus/Transport (per term)
ZMK 1,000 – 3,000
Exam Fees — Grade 9 (ECZ)
ZMK 150 – 300
Exam Fees — Grade 12 (ECZ)
ZMK 200 – 500
Cambridge IGCSE Exam (per subject)
ZMK 800 – 1,200
School Meals/Lunch Program (per term)
ZMK 500 – 2,000
🎯 Popular University Courses & Programs
Choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions. Here are the most in-demand degree programs at Zambian universities, with estimated tuition, duration, and career prospects.
| Course | University | Duration | Tuition/Year | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MBChB) Doctor, Specialist | UNZA | 7 years | ZMK 18,000–25,000/yr | 🟢 Very High |
| Engineering (Civil/Mining) Engineer, Project Manager | UNZA / CBU | 5 years | ZMK 15,000–20,000/yr | 🟢 Very High |
| Law (LLB) Lawyer, Legal Advisor | UNZA / Cavendish | 4 years | ZMK 12,000–22,000/yr | 🟢 High |
| Business Administration (BBA) Manager, Entrepreneur | UNZA / ZCAS / CBU | 4 years | ZMK 8,000–18,000/yr | 🟢 High |
| Computer Science / IT Software Developer, IT Manager | UNZA / CBU / DMI | 4 years | ZMK 10,000–20,000/yr | 🟢 Very High |
| Nursing Nurse, Midwife | UNZA / Lusaka Schools of Nursing | 4 years | ZMK 8,000–15,000/yr | 🟢 Very High |
| Education / Teaching Teacher, Lecturer | UNZA / CBU / Chalimbana | 4 years | ZMK 8,000–12,000/yr | 🟡 Moderate |
| Accounting & Finance Accountant, Auditor, Banker | ZCAS / UNZA / Cavendish | 4 years | ZMK 10,000–22,000/yr | 🟢 High |
| Agriculture Agronomist, Farm Manager | UNZA / Mulungushi | 4 years | ZMK 8,000–15,000/yr | 🟡 Moderate |
| Pharmacy Pharmacist | UNZA | 5 years | ZMK 15,000–20,000/yr | 🟢 High |
📜 Short Courses & Professional Certifications
Not everyone needs a 4-year degree. Professional certifications and trade qualifications can lead to well-paying careers in 1-3 years.
ZICA (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants)
3–4 years · Knowledge → Application → Advisory
ZMK 8,000–15,000 total
ZICA (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants)
3–4 years · Knowledge → Application → Advisory
Most popular accounting qualification in Zambia. Required for practicing accountants.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
3–4 years · Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional
ZMK 15,000–30,000 total
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
3–4 years · Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional
Internationally recognized. Offered at ZCAS, Accountancy Board, and private colleges.
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
3–4 years · Certificate → Operational → Management → Strategic
ZMK 12,000–25,000 total
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
3–4 years · Certificate → Operational → Management → Strategic
Strong in management accounting. Growing popularity in Zambia.
ICT Certifications (Cisco CCNA, CompTIA)
3–6 months each · Entry → Associate → Professional
ZMK 3,000–10,000 per cert
ICT Certifications (Cisco CCNA, CompTIA)
3–6 months each · Entry → Associate → Professional
Available at ZCAS, Zambia ICT College, and private training centers.
Project Management (PMP/PRINCE2)
1–3 months · Foundation → Practitioner
ZMK 5,000–15,000
Project Management (PMP/PRINCE2)
1–3 months · Foundation → Practitioner
In demand for NGOs, construction, and mining sectors.
TEVETA Trade Certificates
1–3 years · Craft Certificate → Advanced Certificate → Diploma
ZMK 3,000–8,000/year
TEVETA Trade Certificates
1–3 years · Craft Certificate → Advanced Certificate → Diploma
Plumbing, electrical, welding, carpentry. High demand in construction sector.
Zambia's Education System — What You Need to Know
Zambia follows a 7-5-4 system: 7 years of primary school (grades 1–7), 5 years of secondary (3 junior + 2 senior), and typically 4 years of university. The academic year runs January to December with three terms (January–April, May–August, September–December).
The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) administers national exams at grades 7, 9, and 12. Grade 12 results determine university admission. Some private schools also offer Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications, which are recognized internationally and by Zambian universities.
Financial Assistance
Government bursaries through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) support secondary and university students from low-income families. Several private organizations — including Camfed (girls' education), FAWEZA, and the Zambia Education Capacity Building Project — offer scholarships. UNZA and CBU also have internal bursary programs based on academic merit and financial need.
Fee ranges represent 2025–2026 academic year estimates. International school fees vary by grade level — contact schools directly for exact fees. All prices in Zambian Kwacha (ZMK).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to attend school in Zambia?
Public primary school costs ZMK 500–1,500 per term, while public secondary ranges from ZMK 1,000–5,000 per term (day vs boarding). Private schools cost ZMK 3,000–30,000 per term. International schools like AISL and LICS charge ZMK 30,000–80,000 per term. University tuition at UNZA/CBU is ZMK 8,000–20,000 per year. All fees exclude uniforms, transport, and exam costs.
What are the best international schools in Lusaka?
The top international schools in Lusaka include: American International School of Lusaka (AISL) offering AP and IB curricula, Lusaka International Community School (LICS) with IB programs, Rhodes Park School following the Cambridge system, and Baobab College known for strong academics and scholarship programs. Fees range from ZMK 15,000 to ZMK 80,000 per term depending on the school and grade level.
How much is UNZA tuition per year?
University of Zambia (UNZA) tuition ranges from ZMK 8,000 to ZMK 20,000 per year depending on the program. Medicine and Engineering are at the higher end. Government-sponsored students receive bursaries through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Private students pay the full amount. Additional costs include accommodation (ZMK 3,000–8,000/year), meal plan, and textbooks.
Is education free in Zambia?
Public primary education in Zambia is heavily subsidized but not entirely free. Parents still pay PTA levies (ZMK 500–1,500/term), uniforms, and exam fees. The Zambian government abolished tuition fees for grades 1-7 in 2002, but associated costs remain. Secondary education has higher fees. Bursary programs (CDF, various NGOs) help low-income families access education at all levels.
What education system does Zambia follow?
Zambia follows a 7-5-4 education system: 7 years of primary school (grades 1-7), 5 years of secondary school (3 years junior secondary grades 8-9, 2 years senior secondary grades 10-12), and 4 years of university. The academic year runs January to December with three terms. The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) administers national exams at grades 7, 9, and 12. Some private schools also follow Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level systems.
What are the best courses to study in Zambia?
The most in-demand courses in Zambia include Medicine, Engineering (Civil/Mining), Computer Science/IT, Nursing, Law, and Accounting. These fields consistently offer strong employment prospects. Engineering and IT graduates are especially sought after in the mining and tech sectors. For shorter career paths, ZICA/ACCA accounting qualifications, TEVETA trade certificates (electrical, plumbing), and ICT certifications (Cisco CCNA) offer excellent job prospects within 1-3 years.
How much do ACCA and ZICA qualifications cost in Zambia?
ZICA (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants) costs approximately ZMK 8,000-15,000 total across all levels over 3-4 years. ACCA costs ZMK 15,000-30,000 total and is internationally recognized. Both are offered at ZCAS University, Accountancy Board, and various private colleges in Lusaka and the Copperbelt. ZICA is the most popular local qualification; ACCA is preferred for international career paths.