HEA Gazettes 2026 University Classifications
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has published the official 2026 classification list of universities, identifying institutions approved to offer higher education up to different Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF) levels.
The classification list has been published in Gazette Notice No. 665 of 2026, issued on Friday, 17th April, 2026, in Lusaka, in accordance with the Higher Education (General) Regulations, 2024, Section 23, which requires the Authority to publish the classification list of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within the first quarter of the year.
The classification is critical because it defines the level at which an HEI may legally offer higher education. It protects students from enrolling in programmes offered outside an institution’s approved level and helps employers, parents and the public understand the scope of each institution’s approval.
Under the Regulations, HEIs are classified into four (4) tiers. Tier 1 institutions offer higher education up to doctoral degree level, Tier 2 institutions up to master’s degree level, Tier 3 institutions up to bachelor’s degree level, and Tier 4 institutions up to diploma level.
In the 2026 classification list, five (5) public universities are classified at ZQF Level 10, meaning they are approved to offer higher education up to doctoral degree level. These are Chalimbana University, the Copperbelt University, Kwame Nkrumah University, Mulungushi University, and the University of Zambia.
Among private universities, 12 institutions are classified at ZQF Level 10. These are Africa Research University, Cavendish University, DMI-St. Eugene University, Gideon Robert University, Information and Communication University, Rockview University, Rusangu University, Texila American University, Unicaf University Zambia, University of Lusaka, Zambian Open University, and ZCAS University.
The Gazette further shows that among private universities, 21 are classified at ZQF Level 9, nine (9) at ZQF Level 8, and eight at ZQF Level 7.
If an HEI is operating outside its approved classification, the public is advised to contact HEA on +260 976 936 658 or email info@hea.org.zm.
The official gazetted list is available on the HEA website, https://hea.org.zm/downloads/gazette-notice-2/.
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