Botswana Open University
Gaborone, Botswana • Founded 1993
Updated May 2026
Overview
Within Botswana's higher-education landscape, Botswana Open University stands as a public university founded in 1993. It operates from Gaborone, Botswana as a higher-education provider.
Botswana Open University's academic offerings include a catalogue of active programmes, structured across bachelor's and master's programmes and delivered through multiple faculties. Each unit operates with its own admissions criteria within institutional standards.
Location & Contact
Where Botswana Open University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
Botswana Open University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Degrees
Also Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate; Commonwealth of Learning (COL) twin programme: Commonwealth Executive Masters in Business (CEMBA), Commonwealth Executive Masters in Public Administration (CEMPA)
Bachelor's 15 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Community Development
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Leadership
- Management
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Special Education
Master's 2 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Educational Administration
- Sustainable Development
Faculties & Divisions
Browse Botswana Open University's departmental structure. Field placement and internship programmes are managed at the faculty level and vary widely in availability and quality.
Francistown (Campus) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Education
- Welfare and Protective Services
Gaborone (Campus) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Education
Kang (Campus) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Education
- Welfare and Protective Services
Maun (Campus) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Education
Palapye (Campus) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Education
Business and Management Studies (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
- Leadership
- Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Distance Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Special Education
- Vocational Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Technology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Behavioural Sciences
- Community Development
- Environmental Studies
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Below are Botswana Open University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
21 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Botswana
Bachelor's Degree 9 programmes
Master's Degree 4 programmes
Certificate 5 programmes
Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to Botswana Open University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Botswana Open University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at Botswana Open University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Botswana Open University runs 21 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Botswana Open University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Botswana.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Botswana Open University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.bou.ac.bw). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 267) 3646000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botswana Open University
Frequently asked questions about Botswana Open University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
In what year was Botswana Open University established?
Botswana Open University was founded in 1993 (approximately 33 years ago).
What city is Botswana Open University in?
Botswana Open University operates from Gaborone, Botswana.
Is Botswana Open University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What qualification levels does Botswana Open University offer?
Botswana Open University offers bachelor's and master's programmes.
Is Botswana Open University officially recognised?
Botswana Open University is accredited by Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).
Where can I learn more about Botswana Open University?
You can find Botswana Open University online at www.bou.ac.bw.
Top-Ranked Universities in Botswana
Top universities in Botswana differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.
Faculties at nearby universities
Students considering Botswana Open University often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Programme-level scholarships for Education & Teaching students vary substantially across Botswana institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.
Universities Compared with Botswana Open University
Universities at a similar tier to Botswana Open University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
Studying in Botswana: guides and resources
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