HEA Publishes Official 2026 University Classifications

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has officially released its 2026 university classification list, drawing a clear line on which institutions are legally permitted to offer qualifications up to diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Published as Gazette Notice No. 665 of 2026 on Friday, 17th April 2026, the list aligns with the Higher Education (General) Regulations of 2024, Section 23, which mandates the Authority to release classifications within the first quarter of each year.

According to the HEA, the annual classification is more than a formality; it is a critical consumer protection tool. It defines the maximum level at which a higher education institution (HEI) may legally operate.

“This protects students from enrolling in programmes offered outside an institution’s approved scope,” the Authority noted. The list also serves as a guide for employers, parents, and the public to understand exactly what each university is authorised to offer.

Under the regulations, HEIs are divided into four tiers based on the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF):

• Tier 1 – Up to doctoral degree level (ZQF Level 10)
• Tier 2 – Up to master’s degree level (ZQF Level 9)
• Tier 3 – Up to bachelor’s degree level (ZQF Level 8)
• Tier 4 – Up to diploma level (ZQF Level 7)

Public Universities at Doctoral Level

In the 2026 list, five public universities are classified at ZQF Level 10, meaning they are fully approved to offer doctoral programmes:

• Chalimbana University
• The Copperbelt University
• Kwame Nkrumah University
• Mulungushi University
• The University of Zambia (UNZA)

Private Universities at Doctoral Level (Tier 1)

A total of 12 private institutions have also achieved ZQF Level 10 status:

• Africa Research University (ARU)
• Cavendish University
• DMI-St. Eugene University
• Gideon Robert University
• Information and Communication University
• Rockview University
• Rusangu University (RU)
• Texila American University (TAU)
• Unicaf University Zambia
• University of Lusaka
• Zambian Open University
• ZCAS University

Breakdown of Other Private University Classifications

The gazette further reveals the following distribution among private universities:

• ZQF Level 9 (Master’s degree level): 21 institutions
• ZQF Level 8 (Bachelor’s degree level): 9 institutions
• ZQF Level 7 (Diploma level): 8 institutions

The HEA has urged all prospective students and their families to consult the official gazette before enrolling, ensuring that their chosen institution is legally authorised to offer their desired qualification level.