Overview
A public university based in Harare, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Open University was founded in 1999 and operates as a higher-education provider.
Academically, Zimbabwe Open University teaches across bachelor's through doctoral programmes, is organised into multiple faculties and runs a broad programme catalogue.
Student enrolment at Zimbabwe Open University is 14,000 students, a full-time academic staff supports teaching and research.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Zimbabwe Open University is listed below.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Zimbabwe Open University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing.
Degrees
Also Special Honours in Physical Education and Sport; MBA; Joint Zimbabwe Open University/Chalimbana University (Zambia) Integrated PhD (3 years); Massive Open Online Course(S) (MOOCs)
Bachelor's 52 programs
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Management
- Archiving
- Arts and Humanities
- Banking
- Business and Commerce
- Communication Studies
- Computer Networks
- Crop Production
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- Finance
- Geography
- Government
- Heritage Preservation
- Horticulture
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Leadership
- Library Science
- Literature
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Multimedia
- Nursing
- Physical Education
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Religious Studies
- Secondary Education
- Social Sciences
- Software Engineering
- Special Education
- Sports
- Statistics
- Theology
- Tourism
Master's 30 programs
- Accountancy
- Agriculture
- Archiving
- Arts and Humanities
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Development Studies
- Education
- Educational Administration
- English
- Finance
- Government
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Leadership
- Library Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Technology
Doctoral 20 programs
- Agriculture
- Archiving
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Commerce
- Development Studies
- Education
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
- Statistics
- Technology
Diploma & Certificate 3 programs
- Education
- Primary Education
- Special Education
Faculties & Divisions
The schools and divisions inside Zimbabwe Open University, with subject coverage, are listed below.
Agriculture (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Soil Science
Applied Social Sciences (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archiving
- Development Studies
- Information Sciences
- Leadership
- Peace and Disarmament
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Special Education
Arts, Culture and Heritage Studies (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Heritage Preservation
- Journalism
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Commerce (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Teacher Training
Information Technology and Multimedia Communication (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Computing
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Information Technology
- Multimedia
- Software Engineering
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Science (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
Technology (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Networks
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Zimbabwe Open University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
40 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Zimbabwe
Bachelor's Degree 32 programmes
Showing 10 of 32.
Master's Degree 7 programmes
How to apply to Zimbabwe Open University
Five steps that capture how applications to Zimbabwe Open University flow.
-
1
Research programmes at Zimbabwe Open University
Zimbabwe Open University's catalogue includes 40 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
-
2
Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Zimbabwe Open University's admissions process.
-
3
Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
-
4
Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Zimbabwe Open University's official website at zou.ac.zw. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
-
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at students@zou.ac.zw or by phone at 263 242 793003. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zimbabwe Open University
Quick answers to common questions about Zimbabwe Open University.
When was Zimbabwe Open University founded?
Zimbabwe Open University was established in 1999 (approximately 27 years ago).
What city is Zimbabwe Open University in?
Zimbabwe Open University operates from Harare, Zimbabwe.
Is Zimbabwe Open University public or private?
Zimbabwe Open University is a public institution.
How big is Zimbabwe Open University's student body?
Zimbabwe Open University serves approximately 14,000 students.
What qualification levels does Zimbabwe Open University offer?
Zimbabwe Open University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Zimbabwe Open University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE).
Where can I learn more about Zimbabwe Open University?
The institution's website is zou.ac.zw.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Zimbabwe Open University.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Below: other Zimbabwe universities that offer Education & Teaching programmes.
Universities Compared with Zimbabwe Open University
Comparable universities to Zimbabwe Open University are listed below.
Studying in Zimbabwe: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
Save this university to your shortlist
Save universities and programs, follow countries, and get deadline reminders by email. Free, takes a few seconds.
