The Copperbelt University
Kitwe, Zambia • Founded 1987
Updated May 2026 · Source: cbu.ac.zm · How we collect data
Overview
Established in 1987, The Copperbelt University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Kitwe (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Copperbelt.
This institution also has a branch campus in Ndola. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Zambia, The Copperbelt University (CBU) is a medium-sized coeducational Zambian higher education institution.
The Copperbelt University (CBU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 37-year-old Zambian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this Zambian higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. CBU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for The Copperbelt University is listed below.
Academic Details
A snapshot of The Copperbelt University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and recognition.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up The Copperbelt University are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- School of Business
- School of Engineering
- School of Graduate Studies and School of Medicine
- School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- School of Mines and Mineral Sciences
- School of Natural Resources
- School of the Built Environment
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher Education of Zambia.
Dag Hammarskjöld Institute of Peace Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Peace and Disarmament
Built Environment (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Business (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Industrial Management
- Management
- Marketing
Distance Learning and Open Learning (School) 16 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Agronomy
- Aquaculture
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Education
- Fishery
- Forestry
- Human Resources
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Peace and Disarmament
- Public Health
Engineering (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Graduate Studies (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Natural Resources
Humanities and Social Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Government
- Public Administration
Information and Communication (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Mathematics and Natural Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Mathematics
- Physics
Medicine (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Internal Medicine
- Medicine
- Surgery
Mines and Mineral Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Natural Resources (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agronomy
- Aquaculture
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
- Fishery
- Forestry
- Natural Resources
- Wildlife
- Wood Technology
Programs Offered
All active programmes at The Copperbelt University are listed by degree level.
67 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Zambia
Bachelor's Degree 60 programmes
Showing 10 of 60.
Diploma 7 programmes
How to apply to The Copperbelt University
How to apply to The Copperbelt University — a five-step structure.
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1
Research programmes at The Copperbelt University
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. The Copperbelt University offers 67 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Each programme at The Copperbelt University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Lodge your application
Apply directly via The Copperbelt University's online portal at www.cbu.ac.zm. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +260 (212) 223 015. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Copperbelt University
Below are key facts about The Copperbelt University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is The Copperbelt University?
The institution opened in 1987 (approximately 39 years ago).
Where can I find The Copperbelt University?
The institution is located in Kitwe, Zambia.
Is The Copperbelt University public or private?
The Copperbelt University operates as a public institution.
How many students does The Copperbelt University have?
The institution has a student body of 9,000-9,999.
What programmes are available at The Copperbelt University?
The Copperbelt University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does The Copperbelt University have?
The Copperbelt University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises The Copperbelt University?
The Copperbelt University is accredited by Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Where can I learn more about The Copperbelt University?
The institution's website is www.cbu.ac.zm.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Below: other Association of African Universities (AAU) member institutions, alongside The Copperbelt University.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near The Copperbelt University are listed below.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Below: other Zambia universities that offer Business & Management programmes.
Universities Compared with The Copperbelt University
Comparable universities to The Copperbelt University are listed below.
Studying in Zambia: guides and resources
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