Issued by Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba
Corporate Communications Officer
Higher Education Authority

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has issued a public alert advising members of the public not to enrol in an institution operating under the name The University of Muchinga, as it is not registered or recognised under the Higher Education Act, 2013.

This follows a surge in public enquiries and online advertisements promoting admissions for the 2026 academic year under the said name. Acting on these concerns, the Authority, through its Inspectorate Unit, conducted a verification exercise which confirmed that The University of Muchinga is offering and advertising higher education services without lawful registration.

The Higher Education Act, 2013 is explicit as it states under Part IV, Section 15 (1), that no person may operate a private higher education institution unless the institution is registered under the Act. Therefore, any entity operating outside this framework is acting illegally.

The Authority reminds the public that contravention of this provision is a criminal offence. In accordance with Section 15 (2) of the Act, offenders are liable, upon conviction, to a fine of up to one million penalty units, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.

HEA has commended members of the public for their growing vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of institutions before enrolling. Such public engagement has become a critical early-warning mechanism that enables the Authority to act swiftly against illegal operators and safeguard the integrity of Zambia’s higher education system.

The Authority reiterates that qualifications obtained from unregistered institutions or from unaccredited learning programmes are not recognised in Zambia. Enrolment in such institutions exposes students to significant academic, professional, and financial risk.

As at December 2025, Zambia has 207 registered and recognised Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), comprising 41 Public HEIs and 166 Private HEIs, broken down as follows:

1. Public HEIs – 38
   • Intergovernmental – 1
   • Public Institutions for Specialised Training of Professionals in a Specified Field – 4
   • Public Colleges – 25
   • Public Technical University Colleges – 1
   • Public Universities – 10
2. Private HEIs – 166
   • Private Institutions for Specialised Training of Professionals in a Specified Field – 6
   • Private Colleges – 93
   • Private Technical Colleges – 1
   • Private University Colleges – 17
   • Private Universities – 49

This list is dynamic and subject to change as institutions are registered, upgraded, or sanctioned. Therefore, members of the public are strongly encouraged to verify:

1. Registered and recognised HEIs: https://heaims.hea.org.zm/frontend/web/site/institutions
2. Accredited learning programmes: https://heaims.hea.org.zm/frontend/web/site/programmes
3. HEI registration process: https://hea.org.zm/heis-2/hei-registration-process/

Further verification can be done by emailing info@hea.org.zm or calling (+260) 976 936 658.

The Higher Education Authority remains resolute in its mandate of “Ensuring Quality in Higher Education” and will continue to take firm enforcement action against any institution or individual operating outside the law. The protection of students, public trust, and the credibility of Zambia’s higher education sector remains paramount.

Media Files Downloads:

1. PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/pdf-hea-press-release_the-university-of-muchinga-an-illegal-institution/?wpdmdl=10378&refresh=6945490f973751766148367
2. MP3 audio of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/mp3-hea-press-release_the-university-of-muchinga-an-illegal-institution/?wpdmdl=10379&refresh=694548e9d61651766148329

#HigherEducationZambia #HEAZambia

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia. Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is warning the general public against enrolling in Broken Hill College of Applied Sciences and Education, Chibombo University College, Mafken University, and Serenje University College, as these institutions are operating illegally in Zambia and are not registered under the Higher Education Act, 2013.

Recent inspections conducted by the HEA’s Inspectorate Unit have revealed that the named institutions are offering or advertising higher education services without registration, contrary to Part IV, Section 15 (1) of the Act, which explicitly states that “a person shall not operate a private Higher Education Institution unless the institution is registered under this Act.”

Operating outside the provisions of the law is a serious offence. In accordance with Section 15 (2) of the Act, any person who contravenes this provision is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding one million penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or to both.

The findings from the Authority’s inspections are as follows:

1. Broken Hill College of Applied Sciences and Education – Operating without registration. The institution has been directed to submit an application for registration.
2. Chibombo University College – Buses bearing the institution’s name have been observed operating in various locations, yet no application for registration has been submitted.
3. Mafken University – Advertising the provision of health-related programmes in Mufulira without registration or accreditation.
4. Serenje University College – Operating without registration. The institution has been directed to submit an application for registration.

The Higher Education Authoritystrongly cautions the public not to enrol in these or any other unregistered private institutions. Qualifications obtained from such illegal institutions or from unaccredited learning programmes will not be recognised in Zambia and may affect graduates’ eligibility for employment or further education.

The Inspectorate Unit of the Authority, established under Section 10 of the Higher Education Act, 2013, and empowered under Section 5 to inspect any premises suspected of hosting unregistered higher education activities, will continue to conduct surveillance inspections across the country. Institutions found operating illegally will face prosecution and enforcement measures without hesitation.

The Higher Education Authorityremains unwavering in its commitment to Ensuring Quality in Higher Education. Institutions that operate outside the law undermine public trust and the integrity of Zambia’s higher education sector, and such conduct will not be tolerated.

Members of the public are urged to verify the registration status of any private Higher Education Institution and the accreditation status of learning programmes offered at both private and public institutions before enrolling.

To verify the registration status of private Higher Education Institutions and the accreditation status of learning programmes at both private and public institutions, the public is advised to visit our official website at www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 976 936 658.

The Higher Education Authority will continue to take decisive action against any institution or individual operating outside the law. Non-compliance will be met with the full force of the law.

Media Files:

1. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i4zgN6BFi1o
2. Downloads:
   • PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-confirms-compliance-by-mpika-college-of-education-and-supershine-university/?wpdmdl=10201&refresh=69035744c2def1761826628
   • MP3 audio of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-mp3_compliance-of-mpika-college-of-education-and-supershine-university/?wpdmdl=10203&refresh=6903578d725b51761826701
   • MP4 video of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jiIMPhNYziOg7SlAiGzFM9UYhbTYqMdi/view?usp=sharing

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has with immediate effect deregistered Mansfield University from operating as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) within the Republic of Zambia.

This action has been taken in accordance with the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, and the Higher Education (General) Regulations, 2024, which empower the Authority to deregister any institution that fails to comply with prescribed quality assurance and operational requirements.

The deregistration follows the Authority’s findings that Mansfield University, which had the Registration No.: HEA/048 and was located at 1^st Floor, Kulima Tower Building, Lusaka, contravened several provisions of the law as outlined below:

1. The institution does not have the minimum required learning programmes at Bachelor’s level accredited by the Higher Education Authority.
2. The institution has failed to relocate from the Central Business District to suitable premises for the operation of a Higher Education Institution.
3. The institution has consistently failed to comply with multiple provisions of the Higher Education Act, 2013, and related regulations.

In view of the above, Mansfield University has been deregistered effective 16^th October, 2025, and is no longer authorised to offer or advertise any higher education programmes in Zambia.

The Higher Education Authority reiterates that operating outside the legal framework of the Higher Education Act constitutes a serious offence. Institutions that continue to operate after deregistration will face prosecution, and qualifications obtained from such institutions will not be recognised in Zambia.

The Authority remains steadfast in ensuring quality and legality in higher education, and will continue to enforce compliance to protect students, uphold institutional integrity, and preserve the credibility of Zambia’s higher education system.

The deregistered institution has the right to appeal the decision to the Minister of Education within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, as provided under the Higher Education Act, 2013.

To verify the registration status of private Higher Education Institutions and the accreditation status of learning programmes at both private and public institutions, the public is advised to visit our official website at www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 976 936 658.

The Higher Education Authority will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against any institution that violates the law. Non-compliance will not be tolerated.

Media Files:

1. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J2f709QtI60
2. Downloads:
   • PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/pdf-hea-press-release_deregisters-mansfield-university/?wpdmdl=10205&refresh=6908a7b090a5b1762174896
   • MP3 audio of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/mp3-hea-press-release_deregistration-of-mansfield-university/?wpdmdl=10207&refresh=6908aa7151bd11762175601
   • MP4 video of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18kKX4mODwCgpkTn8GPSxrjweZBoZJiU2/view?usp=sharing

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has issued a stern warning to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that failure to pay annual institutional audit fees and undergo an institutional audit by 31^st December, 2025, will result in deregistration in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Statutory Instrument No. 51 of 2024, issued pursuant to the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, mandates that all Higher Education Institutions conduct annual self-assessments and submit their self-assessment reports to the Authority on or before 31^st March of each year. The annual institutional audit fee forms part of this statutory requirement and is legally enforceable.

The Authority has noted with concern that a few institutions remain non-compliant, particularly regarding the payment of annual institutional audit fees. This breach undermines the quality assurance and oversight functions mandated to the Authority under the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021.

Accordingly, any Higher Education Institution that has not paid the annual institutional audit fee and has not undergone an institutional audit by 31^st December, 2025, will face deregistration in accordance with:

1. Section 22(2)(d) of the Higher Education Act, 2013, which empowers the Authority to deregister an institution that fails to comply with the provisions of the Act; and,
2. Section 23(1) of the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, relating to non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition, the Authority reminds Higher Education Institutions of their statutory obligation to remit the Student Levy. Failure to pay or remit the Student Levy also constitutes non-compliance and shall equally attract deregistration, in line with Section 25(4) of the Higher Education Act, 2013, which provides for enforcement against institutions that fail to meet statutory financial obligations.

The Higher Education (General) Regulations, 2024, published under Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 51 of 2024, in the Government Gazette on Friday, 30^th August, 2024, determine all applicable fees, including annual institutional audit fees and student levy rates.

The Higher Education Authority will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against any institution that fails to meet its statutory obligations. Non-compliance will not be tolerated, and any institution found in breach will face the full weight of the law, including deregistration.

For clarification, institutions are advised to contact:

1. Finance Section: (+260) 976 936 673
2. Inspectorate Unit: (+260) 976 936 634

The Authority remains committed to safeguarding the quality, integrity, and financial accountability of Zambia’s higher education system. All institutions are urged to comply without delay.

Media Files:

1. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k_I9ZOicbjU
2. Downloads:
   • PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/pay-audit-fees-by-31st-december-2025-or-face-deregistration-hea-warns-higher-education-institutions/?wpdmdl=10202&refresh=69035770e288f1761826672
   • MP3 audio of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-mp3_pay-audit-fees-or-face-deregistration-warns-hea/?wpdmdl=10204&refresh=690357a3094a31761826723
   • MP4 video of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/186BJUDsxLC_vlfBHIhcw9x2cSsYrWkJS/view?usp=sharing

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia. Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) wishes to inform members of the public that compliance matters previously raised against Mpika College of Education (Registration No.: HEA/139) and Supershine University (Registration No.: HEA/057) have been satisfactorily resolved following regulatory engagement and corrective action by both Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

In February 2025, the Authority issued directives to the two (2) Higher Education Institutions on matters relating to the enrolment of students without the prescribed minimum entry qualifications, and the offering of learning programmes that were not accredited by the Authority. The College and the University were instructed to rectify these breaches in line with the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, and the Higher Education (General) Regulations, 2024.

Following full consideration of reports submitted, the Authority is pleased to confirm that:

1. Mpika College of Education has regularised the learning status of all affected students and has aligned its enrolment processes with minimum entry qualification requirements.
2. Supershine University has ceased the delivery of unaccredited programmes and is undertaking the necessary steps to ensure its programme offerings meet accreditation standards.

Accordingly, no punitive measures will be applied, and both Higher Education Institutions are expected to maintain continued compliance going forward.

The Authority commends the willingness of the two institutions to cooperate with regulatory directives and to take corrective action in the interest of safeguarding quality in higher education provision.

The Higher Education Authority further reiterates that:

1. All Higher Education Institutions must only enrol students who meet the legally prescribed minimum entry qualifications.
2. Only accredited learning programmes may be offered and advertised.
3. Any deviation from these requirements remains a breach of law and will attract regulatory action, including suspension of programmes, relegation of institutional status, or deregistration.

Therefore, the Authority strongly warns members of the public against enrolling in any private Higher Education Institutions that is not registered with the Authority, and against pursuing learning programmes in either private or public institutions that are not accredited.

To verify the registration status of private and the accreditation status of learning programmes at both private and public institutions, the public is advised to visit our official website at www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 976 936 658.

The Higher Education Authority remains committed to ensuring quality, integrity, and public confidence in Zambia’s higher education system. Compliance with regulatory standards is not optional, and the Authority will continue to monitor institutions under its jurisdiction to uphold these standards.

Media Files:

1. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6PNNA6KTu4Q
2. Downloads:
   • PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-confirms-compliance-by-mpika-college-of-education-and-supershine-university/?wpdmdl=10201&refresh=69035744c2def1761826628
   • MP3 audio of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-mp3_compliance-of-mpika-college-of-education-and-supershine-university/?wpdmdl=10203&refresh=6903578d725b51761826701
   • MP4 video of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jiIMPhNYziOg7SlAiGzFM9UYhbTYqMdi/view?usp=sharing

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Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay empowered.

Read all HEA News here: https://hea.org.zm/hea-news/

Join the HEA WhatsApp Channel here:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube (@HEAZambia) and join the conversation using #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia.

Visit www.hea.org.zm for all higher education updates in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority (HEA) │ 2^nd Floor, Engineering House │ Stand No. 2374, Kelvin Siwale Road │ P.O. Box 50795, Ridgeway, Lusaka │ +260 211 227 084 │ info@hea.org.zm │ www.hea.org.zm

Issued by Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba
Corporate Communications Officer
Higher Education Authority

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has issued a firm directive to Mpika College of Education to immediately stop teaching students who do not possess the mandatory five (5) O-Level credits or better. Additionally, the institution is required to submit a comprehensive compliance report to the Authority within 14 days.

This decision follows an inspection conducted on 29^th January, 2025, at Mpika College of Education, a registered private Higher Education Institution (HEI) with Registration No.: HEA/139. The inspection revealed gross violations of the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, as the institution had enrolled students who failed to meet the minimum academic entry requirements mandated by law.

Accordingly, the Authority has directed Mpika College of Education to implement the following measures without exception:

1. All first-year students who were enrolled without meeting the minimum entry requirements must immediately cease attending classes and will not be permitted to continue their studies until they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least five (5) O-Level credits or better.
2. All second-year students who do not meet the minimum entry requirements must immediately cease learning and will not be allowed to progress to third year unless they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least five (5) O-Level credits or better.
3. Second- and third-year students who do not possess a full Grade 12 Certificate with a minimum of five (5) O-Level credits or better are strictly prohibited from proceeding to teaching practice.

The Higher Education Authority unequivocally warns all Higher Education Institutions that enrolling students without the prescribed minimum entry qualifications is a direct violation of the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021. Institutions found in breach of these provisions will face severe regulatory action, including possible deregistration and further legal consequences.

The Higher Education Authority remains resolute in enforcing quality standards in higher education. Institutions that fail to adhere to the stipulated regulations will face the full weight of the law. Non-compliance will not be tolerated, and the Authority will take all necessary measures to safeguard the credibility of Zambia’s higher education sector.

Members of the public are strongly advised to verify that any Higher Education Institution they wish to enrol in is duly registered with the Authority and that their chosen programme meets all accreditation and entry requirements. For verification, visit www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 950 470 444.

The Higher Education Authority will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against any institution that compromises the quality and integrity of higher education in Zambia. Institutions must comply with the law, or face the consequences.

Downloads:

1. PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-pdf_mpika-college-of-education-ordered-to-cease-teaching-students-without-required-entry-qualifications-21-02-25/
2. MP3 audio of the of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-mp3_mpika-college-of-education-ordered-to-cease-teaching-students-without-required-entry-qualifications/

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

Issued by Mr. Birbal Boniface Musoba
Corporate Communications Officer
Higher Education Authority

The Higher Education Authority (HEA), in exercising its regulatory mandate under the Higher Education (General) Regulations, 2024, Section 11 (2), has formally notified Supershine University, a registered private Higher Education Institution (HEI) with Registration No.: HEA/057, of its intent to relegate its status from university to university college.

This decision follows an inspection conducted on 14^th February 2025, which revealed serious breaches of the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021. Specifically, Supershine University has been found offering and enrolling students in learning programmes that have not been accredited by the Authority. This constitutes a blatant violation of the law and compromises the integrity of higher education in Zambia.

As a result, the Authority has issued an immediate directive to Supershine University to cease offering all unaccredited learning programmes without exception. Failure to comply with this directive will attract severe regulatory action, including possible deregistration of the institution.

Furthermore, the Authority warns that continued defiance of the Higher Education Act, 2013, as read with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2021, will not be tolerated. Any institution found to be in breach of these legal provisions will face the full force of the law, including deregistration and potential legal consequences.

In accordance with statutory provisions, Supershine University has been granted a 30-day period from the date of notice to provide justification as to why it should not be relegated to university college status. Failure to present a satisfactory case will result in the immediate enforcement of the relegation.

The Higher Education Authority remains unwavering in its commitment to Ensuring Quality in Higher Education. Institutions that violate the law will be held accountable, and appropriate enforcement measures will be applied without hesitation.

The Authority also strongly warns the general public against enrolling in any private institution that is not registered with it. Additionally, both private and public Higher Education Institutions must only offer accredited learning programmes. Qualifications obtained from unaccredited programmes will not be recognised.

To verify the registration status of private Higher Education Institutions and the accreditation status of learning programmes at both private and public institutions, the public is advised to visit our official website at www.hea.org.zm, email info@hea.org.zm, or call (+260) 950 470 444.

The Higher Education Authority will take decisive action against any institution that undermines the standards and credibility of Zambia’s higher education sector. Non-compliance will not be tolerated.

Downloads:

1. PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-pdf_supershine-university-asked-to-exculpate-itself-against-relegation-to-university-college/
2. MP3 audio of the of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-mp3-supershine-university-asked-to-exculpate-itself-against-relegation-to-university-college/

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

HEA conducts incidental audits where it has reason to believe that an HEI has mismanaged funds or the academic processes. In this respect, several colleges were audited for mismanaging the academic process.

Therefore, the Authority has directed the colleges to, with immediate effect, implement the following:

1. All first-year students who had been enrolled and do not meet the entry requirements must immediately stop learning and will not proceed with their studies until they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least 5 O-level credits or better.
2. All second-year students who were enrolled in first year without meeting the entry requirements must immediately stop learning and will not proceed to third year until they obtain a full Grade 12 with at least 5 O-Level credits or better.
3. Third-year students will not advance to teaching practice unless they hold a complete Grade 12 certificate with a minimum of 5 O-level credits.

Furthermore, HEA is directing all HEIs failing to meet these standards to cease this practice and adhere to the enrolment requirement of at least 5 O-level credits.

The Authority will conduct compliance audits on this directive in the second quarter of 2025, at which point punitive measures will be applied to any HEI found in violation.

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Note: The press release was issued on 26^th November, 2024.

Watch the video of the press release on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/9Ni1WxWEUrI

Downloads:

1. PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-pdf_audit-of-9-colleges-for-violating-enrolment-requirements-26-11-24/
2. MP3 audio of the of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gh2nxoC1m3jOFfCz2naHlC07aqi5DMV/view?usp=sharing
3. MP4 video of the of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pHTPse5sHmNjUj7se-e0fRodILPTbYGP/view?usp=sharing

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website, www.hea.org.zm, for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

During the media briefing, Professor Chinsembu issued a statement on the Regulations that have been issued to operationalise the Higher Education (Amendment) Act, 2024. The Regulations took effect on 29^th August, 2024.

Below is the statement in full.

STATEMENT BY PROFESSOR KAZHILA C. CHINSEMBU, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY (HEA), READ AT THE MEDIA BRIEFING TO UNVEIL THE NEW HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATIONS FOR 2024, MEDIA BRIEFING HELD AT THE HEA OFFICES, LUSAKA, ON MONDAY 11^TH NOVEMBER, 2024.

Issued By Professor Kazhila C. Chinsembu
Director-General
Higher Education Authority (HEA)

Government through the eighth national development plan (8NDP) has recognised the important role that the private sector plays in the provision of higher education. While private sector participation in higher education has many strengths, it also has many weaknesses.

Recall that the private sector is driven by profit. The motivation for profit does not care about national interest. We cannot entirely leave the provision of higher education to the whims of the private sector.

As much as it presents beautiful prospects, the role of the private sector in our higher education space remains a daunting reality. In relation to higher education, private sector driven markets and competition are as important as public sector driven regulations and coordination.

Over the past decade, an era characterised by the mushrooming of corner-shop universities, regulation of higher education institutions was very weak.

Our nation will pay a heavy price if we fail to rethink and revise the permissible parameters in which the private sector should provide university education.

In many countries that we have benchmarked, public education focusses on STEM, while the private sector provides training in non-STEM fields of study. We are therefore very worried about the high numbers of private universities providing programmes in medicine and surgery. 

Of course, Harvard is a private university. But in hindsight, it is clear that we still need to deconstruct the notion and redefine the role of the private university in Zambia.

Registration of new private higher education institutions is at crossroads, it has reached a critical juncture. Our sympathy to the private university is being re-evaluated in the context of quality.

We must all understand that the provision of higher education by the private sector is important, it is supported by government policy, but it also presents opportunities as well as threats, and it has far-reaching implications and consequences. We are caught between a rock and a hard place.

The approved regulations that we shall present today will show that the margin of acceptance for registration of new private universities is becoming narrower and narrower. The path to the registration of new private universities is narrow.

Note that the new regulations do not only target private higher education institutions, because we are also keeping an eagle eye on all the public universities and colleges. We shall this month be conducting institutional and academic audits at CBU. and next month, we shall be at UNZA. 

We are concerned about the relevance of some of the donor-driven PhD programmes in our public universities. We think the sandwich PhD model is appropriate for our country.

Nobody wants to be regulated. But if you want to be a role player in the higher education industry, we shall regulate you with every detail and letter of the law. We are a government of laws, and not of men.

The mushrooming of private colleges and universities that has now marred our system of higher education is a direct consequence of our lack of respect for law and order.

Our private higher education system is where it is because we have been cheerleaders for anarchy, recklessness, chaos, lawlessness and disorder. It is important that we respect regulations that govern higher education.

Higher education is the torchbearer, it is the agency that should be at the forefront of our campaign for national progress, it is that which should inspire and lead our crusade for national development. Our nation shall not develop if we compromise on the quality of our higher education.

We have noted that some faith-based and youth-based institutions of higher learning are abrogating the law by enrolling students that do not meet the minimum entry requirements. These institutions will be deregistered. You cannot claim to provide opportunities to the youth by breaking the law, by evading the Higher Education Act, by making the youth cheat their way into college.

Fraudulent admission of students into college shall be met with the full force of the Higher Education Act and its subsidiary regulations.

We should not politicize higher education. Higher education will not yield economic dividends if we lionize lawlessness and mediocrity in the execution of the national higher education policy.

If our system of higher education is not yet an accident about to happen, then non-adherence to the Higher Education Act will push our entire system of university education to the precipice of disaster.

A university is not a shopping mall, it is not a bazaar for degrees. We get worried when degrees of some of our universities are easily obtained.

The nation is questioning the competencies and proficiencies of our graduates. Public outcry over the quality of many of our graduates has reached a deafening crescendo.

In many respects, graduate incompetence – driven by weak regulation—is one of the root causes of graduate unemployability. Graduate incompetence is contagious, it is a communicable disease which blights the reputation of our universities.

We are flabbergasted and disgusted by some universities that dubiously, recklessly and unethically pass students using the 50+1 moderation method.

As HEA, it is within our mandate to provide the turning point, it is our mandate to tighten the screws of regulation. We have now put the entire system of higher education under the microscope.

University authorities must uphold the integrity of the examination process. No university senate or school board, not even a committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor, shall award marks to students that have clearly flunked their examinations.

Corruption of the examination system must stop. Corruption of professorial promotion must be arrested. Professorship is not given on compassionate grounds.

We urge the clergy to desist from the temptation of dishonestly assuming and misappropriating to themselves the revered academic titles of Doctor and Professor. You are the Pastor or Bishop of the church, but how will you enter heaven when you stole the academic title of Doctor or Professor?

We love our cultural heritage, so let me say this, on a lighter note. With all due respect to our royal highnesses, we have been taken aback by our respected chiefs that wear doctoral graduation gowns and regalia.

ON NEW PRESCRIBED FEES

The Higher Education Act 2013, part II, Section 6(3), (a) and (b) allows the Higher Education Authority to:

• Determine and levy fees that the authority considers necessary to finance its activities under the Higher Education Act; and
• To also determine what portion of any fee is payable in respect of any part of a year and the date on which the fee or portion thereof is payable.

Following the approval of the Higher Education (General) Regulation 2024 by Cabinet and its publication under Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 51 of 2024 in Zambia government Gazette Supplement notice day Friday 30^th August, 2024.

The S.I. came into effect upon its publication pursuant to Section 52 of the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 and subsequently the new fees were operationalized.

The new regulations bring a lot of benefits to our HEIs and stakeholders among the following:  

• The Authority will be able to finance more quality assurance activities such as annual institutional audits of all HEIs, monitor affiliations among HEIs and maintain a data base of all students studying in all HEIs
• The Authority will be able to finance more external experts together with HEA staff to under undertake registration and physical site visits and this will in turn build capacity in our registration processes.
• HEA will be able to fund sufficient numbers of experts to undertake the accreditation process of learning programmes and this will in turn reduce delays in providing evaluation results.
• HEA will be able to fund regular learning programme audits and this will deter HEIs from employing unqualified Lecturers.
• Ultimately, the implementation of these regulations will lead to improved quality of higher education in Zambia, enhanced human capital development and will lead to accelerated national development in the country.

The new structure fee table is below:

ON REGISTRATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Introduction

Following the enactment of Statutory Instrument No. 51 of 2024, the Higher Education Authority is pleased to announce updates to the registration and audit processes for higher education institutions (HEIs) in Zambia. The key updates are outlined below.

Application for Registration of College, University College, and Technical University College as Private Higher Education Institutions

Under SI No. 51 of 2024, any person or organisation intending to establish a college, university college, or technical university college as a private HEI is now required to apply for registration using a standardised application form (Form I), found in the First Schedule of the SI. Previously, there was no prescribed form for such applications, and this new measure will streamline the registration process.

Application for Registration of University or Technical University

In accordance with the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021, operationalised by SI No. 51 of 2024, initial registration will no longer be granted to universities. Only colleges and university colleges will be registered at the outset. Universities or technical universities can now apply for registration only after operating as a higher education institution for a minimum of five years and meeting the prescribed standards outlined in the Zambia Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance.

Annual Institutional Audits

SI No. 51 of 2024 mandates that all HEIs undergo an annual institutional audit as stipulated by the Higher Education (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 2021. The Authority will issue an audit notice to HEIs within the first month of each year’s first quarter and HEI are expected to conduct self-assessments by 31st March each year and submit self-assessment reports to the Authority on or before 31st March of each year. An annual institutional audit fee, as indicated by the acting manager-finance, will apply.

Application for Re-registration

SI No. 51 of 2024 also establishes guidelines for the re-registration of de-registered HEIs. Institutions that have been de-registered may reapply for registration two years after the date of de-registration, using the application forms specified for their institution type.

The Higher Education Authority remains committed to upholding quality standards in higher education and ensuring that HEIs provide students with quality education and training. For further information on the new registration and audit requirements, please visit the HEA website (www.hea.org.zm).

ON HIGHER EDUCATION (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 2024 PART III: ACCREDITATION OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES

The Regulations have provided for the accreditation of learning programmes in all the types (categories) of Higher Education Institutions with an exception of an institute- created for solely conducting research.

The Regulations have also provided guidance on the accreditation of training programmes developed by professional bodies to be offered by Higher Education Institutions. Professional bodies have been exempted from providing specific information on the teaching staff and actual facilities among others. however, they will be required to provide guidance on who is eligible to teach on the training programme and what sought of facilities best suit the delivery of such a training programme.

The need for input from a relevant professional body has been emphasised. therefore, professional bodies will play an approving/recommendation role in the accreditation process such as approval of the curriculum before the applicant submits the learning programme for accreditation

Once the accreditation process is complete, the authority is expected to provide feedback to the would-be applicant regardless of the outcome i.e. accepted/rejected as per the forms set out in the first schedule

Certificate of accreditation validity period has been prescribed depending on the duration of the learning programme for instance a certificate of accreditation shall be valid for a period of six years where the duration of the learning programme is four to five years in order to allow the higher education institution to engage relevant stakeholders in the curriculum review process once a cohort of students has graduated.

Further, the regulations have included the renewal of accreditation once the accreditation certificate expires, the HEI will be expected to apply for renewal of accreditation following the exact criteria as that for the accreditation of a learning programme.

Application for variation of an accredited learning programme can only be considered when a learning programme has been offered by a higher education institution for at least one academic year before the variation, it does not result in the change of more than twenty-five percent of the core courses or modules, core course has been replaced, a new course has been introduced and when there is change in the nomenclature of the learning programme.

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Note: The Media Statement was released on 11^th November, 2024

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website, www.hea.org.zm, for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.

Higher Education Authority

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has conducted nine (9) incidental audits on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), specifically on named colleges, and confirmed the allegations that these institutions had enrolled students who did not meet the entry requirements of five (5) O-Level credits or better.

HEA conducts incidental audits where it has reason to believe that an HEI has mismanaged funds or the academic processes. In this respect, several colleges were audited for mismanaging the academic process.

Therefore, the Authority has directed the colleges to, with immediate effect, implement the following:

1. All first-year students who had been enrolled and do not meet the entry requirements must immediately stop learning and will not proceed with their studies until they obtain a full Grade 12 Certificate with at least 5 O-level credits or better.
2. All second-year students who were enrolled in first year without meeting the entry requirements must immediately stop learning and will not proceed to third year until they obtain a full Grade 12 with at least 5 O-Level credits or better.
3. Third-year students will not advance to teaching practice unless they hold a complete Grade 12 certificate with a minimum of 5 O-level credits.

Furthermore, HEA is directing all HEIs failing to meet these standards to cease this practice and adhere to the enrolment requirement of at least 5 O-level credits.

The Authority will conduct compliance audits on this directive in the second quarter of 2025, at which point punitive measures will be applied to any HEI found in violation.

Watch the video of the press release here: https://youtu.be/9Ni1WxWEUrI

Downloads:

1. PDF copy of the Press Release: https://hea.org.zm/download/hea-press-release-pdf_audit-of-9-colleges-for-violating-enrolment-requirements-26-11-24/
2. MP3 audio of the of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gh2nxoC1m3jOFfCz2naHlC07aqi5DMV/view?usp=sharing
3. MP4 video of the of the Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pHTPse5sHmNjUj7se-e0fRodILPTbYGP/view?usp=sharing

Follow the Higher Education Authority (HEA) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VasVJip7oQhXnhbaOB2I

Join the conversation @HEAZambia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube using the hashtag #HEAZambia #HigherEducationZambia, and visit our website for ALL the information on higher education in Zambia.