Botswana Open University brand mark

Botswana Open University

Gaborone, Botswana • Founded 1993

Updated May 2026 · Source: bou.ac.bw

Overview

English Name: Botswana Open University
Acronyms: BOCODOL, BOU
Founded: 1993
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Botswana Open University brand mark

Botswana Open University stands as a public university founded in 1993. It operates from Gaborone, Botswana as a higher-education provider.

Academically, Botswana Open University teaches across bachelor's and master's programmes, is organised into multiple faculties and runs a focused programme catalogue.

Location & Contact

Find Botswana Open University on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: Garamotlhose Junction Western Bye-Pass, Block 6 Plot 39972
Postal Code: 39972
Phone: 267) 3646000
Email: enquiries@staff.bou.ac.bw
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Botswana Open University are listed below.

Accrediting Agency: Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)

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
  • 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
  • Educational Administration
  • Sustainable Development

Faculties & Divisions

The schools and divisions inside Botswana Open University, with subject coverage, are listed below.

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
Education (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Distance Education
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Special Education
  • Vocational Education
Science and Technology (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
Social Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Behavioural Sciences
  • Community Development
  • Environmental Studies
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Social Work

Programs Offered

Below are Botswana Open University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

21 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Botswana

Bachelor's Degree 9 programmes

Bachelor in Business Administration - Leadership and Change Management
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations
Human Resource Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Education in Integrated Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Education in Primary
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Education in Special & Inclusive Education
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor of Technology in Information Systems
Information Systems & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

BSc in Public Health
Public Health

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

BSc in Youth Development Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 4 programmes

Commonwealth Master in Business Administration
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Commonwealth Master in Public Administration
Public Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Educational Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Politics & International Relations

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate 5 programmes

Certificate for Distance Education Practitioners
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Basic Computing Skills
Information Systems & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Community-Based Work with Children and Youth

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Disaster Management
Emergency & Disaster Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Assurance in Education
Finance, Banking & Insurance

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma 3 programmes

Diploma in Business Management
Business & Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Human Resources Management
Human Resource Management

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Diploma in Integrated Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Botswana Open University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Botswana Open University, in five steps.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at enquiries@staff.bou.ac.bw 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

Concise answers to common questions about Botswana Open University.

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.

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