Higher Education Institutions
The Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 defines a Higher Education Institution (HEI) as an institution that provides higher education on a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis.
HEI is an institution that provides higher education.
All HEIs, both Private and Public, are headed by the Vice-Chancellor.
An HEI provides higher education, which is tertiary education leading to the qualification of a Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree.
The Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 defines a Higher Education Institution (HEI) as an institution that provides higher education on a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis. The Act separates this HEIs into Private, Public and Aided Higher Education Institutions. The later mean colleges, other than public colleges, established or maintained by any person, organisation or community with assistance from the Ministry of Higher Education.
Therefore, as defined in the Act, an HEI provides higher education, which is tertiary education leading to the qualification of a Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree.
A Public HEI
A Public Higher Education Institution (HEI) as an HEI which is owned by the Government or a local authority and is financed out of public funds, with public funds having the meaning assigned to it in the Public Finance Act, 2004.
The Higher Education Act Part IV Section 14 (1)
The Minister may, by statutory instrument, establish or declare an educational institution as a Public HEI.
The Higher Education Act Part IV Section 14 (2)
A Public HEI established or declared under subsection (1) shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name and, subject to its statutes and this Act, of performing all acts and things that a body corporate may, by law, do or perform.
A Public HEI
The Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 defines a Public Higher Education Institution (HEI) as an HEI which is owned by the Government or a local authority and is financed out of public funds, with public funds having the meaning assigned to it in the Public Finance Act, 2004.
Establishment and maintenance of Private HEI
A person may establish and maintain a private higher education institution for the purpose of providing higher education as required under the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013.
Application for Registration
A person who intends to operate a private higher education institution shall apply to the Authority for registration of the private higher education institution in the prescribed manner and form upon payment of the prescribed fee.
Certificate of Registration
The Authority shall, where it approves an application for registration, issue the applicant with a certificate of registration in the prescribed form.
Deregistration of private higher education institution
The Authority shall deregister a private higher education institution if the private higher education institution contravenes any term or condition of the certificate of registration or any provision of the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013
A Private HEI
The Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 defines a Private higher education institution as a higher education institution which is not established or maintained by the Government or a local authority out of public funds.
Function A
Provide higher education
Function B
Create conditions for learners to acquire qualifications and pursue excellence and promote the full realisation of the potential of learners;
Function C
Create conditions for lifelong learning
Function D
Prepare learners and academics and strengthen the effect of academic learning and scientific research so as to enhance social and economic development
Function E
Conduct research necessary and responsive to national needs
Function F
Provide facilities appropriate for the pursuit of learning and research and for the acquisition of higher education that is responsive to the needs of the public
Function G
Prepare specialist, expert, research and managerial cadres to carry out intellectual and creative work to meet national needs
Function H
Provide optimal opportunities for learning and the creation of knowledge
Function I
Contribute to the advancement of all forms of knowledge and scholarship in keeping with international standards of academic quality
HEI Functions
As defined in the Act, an HEI provides higher education, which is tertiary education leading to the qualification of a Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree.
Purpose A
Setting and safeguarding the quality of academic programmes
Purpose B
Recognising Learning Programmes
Purpose C
Ensuring the continuous improvement of the quality of academic programmes
Purpose D
Providing the public with notice that an HEI meets the standards of the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)
Purpose E
Developing institutional arrangements
Accreditation of LPs
The Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 defines a Learning Programme (LP) as a process by which learners acquire knowledge, skill and competence, or a course of study or instruction, apprenticeship, training and employment.
The Act further states that the LPs to be provided at the Private Higher Education Institution should be of a quality that will enable the Private HEI to provide a standard of higher education in accordance with the Higher Education Act.
Thus, ensuring this standard is achieved through the process of Accreditation of LPs.
It is the responsibility of ALL HEIs in the country to ensure that ALL the LPs that they offer are submitted to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for Accreditation so that the graduates of these Learning Programmes could be recognised by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).