From Lists to Quality: Why the 2026 Gazette Matters
The publication of the 2026 Gazette lists by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) marks more than a statutory requirement. It is one of the strongest tools available to the public in protecting the value of higher education in Zambia.
Through Gazette Notice No. 664 of 2026 and Gazette Notice No. 665 of 2026, the Authority has published both the official list of registered private and recognised public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and the official classification of universities as of 31st March, 2026.
Together, the two (2) notices address 2 critical questions: first, whether the institution is legally recognised or registered; and second, the specific level at which it is authorised to provide higher education.
This matters because access to higher education is growing, institutions are expanding and students now have more choices than before. But with more choice must come more public information, stronger quality assurance and better protection for students.
Therefore, the Gazette becomes a public verification tool that helps students and parents avoid unregistered institutions. It helps employers verify the credibility of qualifications. It helps institutions understand their approved limits. It also helps HEA continue building a more transparent and accountable higher education subsector.
The 2026 figures show a growing and diverse subsector, with 213 HEIs on the official list, comprising 49 recognised public institutions and 164 registered private institutions.
That diversity is good for access but access must always move with quality. This is why HEA continues to urge the public to check before enrolling, verify before paying and report institutions that may be operating outside their registration, recognition or approved classification.
HEA reminds the general public that in higher education, a name is not enough but what matters more is recognition, registration and classification.
The official gazetted list is available on the HEA website, https://hea.org.zm/downloads/gazette-notice-2/.
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