Education System Zimbabwe

Education system
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwean education

system described and
compared with the Dutch
system
Education system | Evaluation chart
Education system Zimbabwe
This document provides information about the education system of Zimbabwe. It also
includes the Dutch comparison of qualifications obtained in Zimbabwe.
Except where expressly stated otherwise and with the exception of images and
illustrations, this publication is subject to the Creative Commons Attribution Non-
Commercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) Licence. For more information about the reuse
of this publication please visit https://www.nuffic.nl/en/home/copyright.
Education system Zimbabwe | EP-Nuffic | 1st edition, December 2015 | version 1, December 2015 2
Doctor of Philosophy L7
(PhD)
postgraduate
3+
Master L6
(university education)
1-2
undergraduate
Bachelor (General) L4 Bachelor (Honours) L4 Postgraduate DiplomaL5

(university education) (university education) (university education)
3 3-5 1
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level L3

(upper secondary school)
2
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level L2

(lower secondary school)
4
Primary Education L1
L0 Education level
0 Duration of education
Click here to view a sample of

the diploma
Evaluation chart
The left side of the chart below lists the foreign degree, followed by the Dutch equivalent
on the right along with the corresponding reference levels in the Dutch and European
qualifications frameworks.
Foreign degree or qualification Dutch equivalent and NLQF level EQF level
Zimbabwe General Certificate of VMBO-T diploma 2 2

Education at Ordinary Level
(final result of A, B or C obtained for at
least 5 examination subjects)
Zimbabwe General Certificate of HAVO diploma 4 4

least 6 examination subjects) plus the
Zimbabwe General Certificate of
Education at Advanced Level with at
least 1 subject.
Zimbabwe General Certificate of at least a HAVO diploma 4 4

least 5 examination subjects) plus the
Zimbabwe General Certificate of
Education at Advanced Level with at least
2 subjects.
Bachelor's (General) 3 years of HBO or 1 year of WO 6 6

(3 years)
Bachelor's(Honours) HBO bachelors degree or 2 years of WO 6 6

(3 years)
Bachelor's(Honours) HBO or WO bachelors degree 6 6

(4 years)
Master's HBO masters degree or WO bachelors degree 7/6 7/6

(1 year)
Master's WO masters degree 7 7

(2 years)
NB:
The information provided in the table is a general recommendation from which no
rights may be derived.
NLQF = Dutch Qualifications Framework. EQF = European Qualifications
Framework.
The evaluation of a foreign qualification in terms of the EQF/NLQF does not
necessarily mean that all of the learning outcomes associated with these levels have
been achieved.
Information on the Dutch equivalent qualifications is available in the Netherlands
Education System. See: www.nuffic.nl/en/library/education-system-the-
netherlands.pdf
The information regarding international study programmes at VMBO and MBO level
is issued by SBB, the Cooperation Organisation for Vocational Education, Training
and the Labour Market. The evaluation may vary if the diploma is being evaluated for
purposes other than admission to higher education in the Netherlands.
Introduction
The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on 18 April

1980. Until this time, the majority of the population had only limited access
to high quality education. The country has since invested in, amongst
others, the construction of schools, the development of teacher-training
programmes and the availability of resources.
The education system has a 2-7-4-2-3+ structure. In other words: 2 years of pre-primary
school (nursery school), 7 years of primary school, 4 years of lower secondary school, 2
years of upper secondary school and at least 3 years of higher education.
General responsibility for education lies with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary
Education and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
Students generally start grade 1 of primary education in the year that they turn 6. In the
first 2 grades of primary education, lessons are conducted in the students' mother tongue.
In rural areas, this is often Shona or Ndebele, while in urban areas it is English. From
grade 3 onwards, lessons are conducted in English. All primary education is compulsory.
The academic year runs from January to December and consists of trimesters, each
separated by a one-month break.
Primary and secondary education
Most children in Zimbabwe go to nursery school between the ages of 4 and 6.
Primary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6-13 years and runs
from grade 1 until grade 7. At the end of grade 7, pupils sit national examinations, which
include the subjects English, maths and one indigenous language and one general paper.
Due to a shortage of secondary schools in a number of poorer areas, as well as the fact
that many parents can't afford to pay school fees, around 30% of grade 7 students do not
progress to secondary education.
The secondary education system is based on the British education system and is divided
into lower secondary school and upper secondary school. Lower secondary school is for
pupils between 13 and 16 years of age, while upper secondary school is for pupils
between 16 and 18.
Lower secondary school has a duration of 4 years and consists of forms I-IV. Form IV
concludes with the national examination for the Zimbabwe General Certificate of
Education at Ordinary Level. The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) is
the examining body for these examinations. To obtain the certificate, students must
achieve a pass in at least 5 subjects, including English, maths, science, history or one of
the technical/vocational subjects. At the Ordinary Level, students can currently choose
from 30 subjects in which they wish to sit examinations.
In terms of level, the Zimbabwe General

Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level
with an A, B or C for at least 5 examination
subjects is comparable to a VMBO-T
(theoretische leerweg) diploma in the
Netherlands.
After obtaining the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level, pupils
may continue to the 2-year upper secondary school consisting of forms V and VI and
concluding with the examinations for the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at
Advanced Level. Due to the limited number of available places, competition for access to
upper secondary education is fierce. Selection is made based on the results achieved for
the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level. The majority of
Ordinary Level students therefore enter the labour market or progress to senior
secondary vocational education at a technical school or a nursing or teaching college, for
instance.
At the end of form VI, pupils in upper secondary education sit examinations for the
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level. To be eligible for this
certificate, pupils must obtain a passing grade in at least 2 subjects. Pupils at the
Advanced Level can currently choose from a range of 24 subjects in which they can sit
examinations.

subjects plus the Zimbabwe General
Certificate of Education at Advanced Level
with at least 1 subject is comparable to a
HAVO diploma in the Netherlands.

subjects plus the Zimbabwe General
Certificate of Education at Advanced Level
with at least 2 subjects is comparable to at
least a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands.
Admission to higher education
For admission to a university bachelor's programme, the minimum requirement is that the
student holds a Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level with at least
5 passes, plus the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level with at
least 2 passes. Higher requirements can be set depending on the degree programme.
Most universities conduct a selective admissions policy, which means in practice, good
results should be achieved.
Higher education
When Zimbabwe gained independence, the country had only one national university: the
University of Zimbabwe. Since this time, the number of higher education institutions in
Zimbabwe has risen enormously. At the moment, there are 12 recognised universities, 9
recognised polytechnics and 12 recognised teacher colleges. General responsibility for
higher education lies with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
Universities provide both academic higher education and higher professional education.
These institutions offer both degree programmes and non-degree programmes. The
former are concluded with an academic degree, the latter with a different qualification.
The degrees awarded are bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorates, while
the non-degree qualifications are known as certificates and diplomas. The universities are
authorised to award academic degrees.
The structure of the higher education system is divided into an undergraduate and
postgraduate phase. Undergraduate education is generally concluded with a bachelor's
degree. Some institutions also offer certificate or diploma programmes, which run for 1
and 2 years respectively. Postgraduate programmes are concluded with a master's
degree or a doctorate.
University and higher professional education
Higher education in Zimbabwe distinguishes 2 types of bachelor's degrees: general

bachelor's degrees and honours bachelor's degrees. In principle, both study programmes
have a nominal length of 3 to 4 years. The distinction depends on the content of the
programme. Honours degrees are also distinguished by the classification with which the
degree is earned. This is stated on the certificate (e.g. upper second division).
Bachelor (General)
Most bachelor's programmes have a duration of 3 years. A general bachelor's
programme can lead to an honours bachelor's programme if the student completes an
additional year of study.
In terms of level, the Bachelor (General)

following a nominal 3-year programme is
comparable to 3 years of higher
professional education (HBO) or 1 year of
university education (WO) in the
Netherlands, depending on the content and
type of study.
Bachelor (Honours)
Most bachelor's programmes have a duration of 3 years. Study programmes in the
engineering specialisation last 4 years. Programmes in medicine and veterinary medicine
have a duration of 5 years.
In terms of level, the Bachelor (Honours)

following a nominal 3-year programme is
comparable to an HBO bachelors degree or
2 years of university education (WO) in the
Netherlands, depending on the content and
type of study.
In terms of level, the Bachelor (Honours)

degree following a nominal 4-year
programme is comparable to an HBO or WO
bachelor's degree in the Netherlands,
depending on the content and type of study.
Master
The nominal duration of a masters degree programme is 1 or 2 years. To be admitted to
a master's programme, students must hold a bachelor's (honours) degree, usually with a
lower second division classification at the least. In most cases, these study programmes
continue the specialisation of the bachelors degree obtained previously. In principle,
masters programmes conclude with a thesis.
In terms of level, the Master following a

nominal 1-year programme is comparable to
an HBO masters degree or WO bachelors
degree in the Netherlands, depending on the
content and type of study.
In terms of level, the Master following a

nominal 2-year programme is comparable to
a WO masters degree in the Netherlands.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Following completion of a master's programme, students can be admitted to a university
doctoral programme leading to the title of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This degree is
awarded following a period of at least 3 years of studies and research following a
master's degree (although admission based on a bachelor's (honours) degree with
excellent results is also possible), as well as the completion of a doctoral thesis.
Assessment systems
Both the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level and the Zimbabwe
General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level are assessed using grades of A to E,
with A being the highest passing grade and E the lowest. At the Advanced Level, you can
also receive grade O. This means that the pupil in question has not obtained a passing
grade at the Advanced Level, but has done enough to earn what is known as a subsidiary
pass. This subject does not count as a subject at the Advanced Level, but one level
lower.
The following assessment system is used within higher education. Bachelor's degrees
also feature a class.
Surplus/(deficit) Description Classification
80-100% Distinction First Division
70-79% Merit Upper Second Division
60-69% Pass Lower Second Division
50-59% Pass Third Division
<50% Fail Fail
Qualification frameworks
Zimbabwe has not established a national qualifications framework.
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education has been responsible for the registration
and accreditation of higher education institutions since 2006. Zimbabwe has no
programme-accreditation system. Recognised higher education institutions can be found
on the website of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. See
www.mhtestd.gov.zw.
International treaties
Zimbabwe has no international education agreements with other countries.
Addresses
www.mhtestd.gov.zw
Website of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education with an overview of recognised
higher education institutions.
www.mopse.gov.zw
Website of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
www.zimche.ac.zw
Website of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education.
www.zimsec.co.zw
Website of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council, with information about the
Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations.
www.s-bb.nl
Website of the Cooperation Organisation for Vocational Education, Training and the
Labour Market (SBB).
Composition of file
For admission to higher education, the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at

Ordinary Level must be handed over, as well as the Zimbabwe General Certificate of
Education at Advanced Level.
Upon completion of a higher education programme, the diploma is awarded, generally

featuring an overview of subjects and the study and examination results achieved.
List of higher education institutions
www.mhtestd.gov.zw
Website of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education with, amongst others, an
overview of recognised higher education institutions.
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary

Level
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced

Level
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - diploma
Bachelor of Science (Honours) transcript (page 1)
Master of Science diploma
Master of Science transcript (page 1)
Master of Science transcript (page 2)
Qualification Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at

Ordinary Level
general secondary education diploma (lower secondary)

grants access to upper secondary education programmes
This qualification is comparable to a VMBO-T (theoretische leerweg)

diploma in the Netherlands, providing a final result of A, B or C has been
obtained for at least 5 examination subjects.
This information is a general recommendation from which no rights may be derived.
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at

Advanced Level
general secondary education diploma (upper secondary)

grants access to all higher education programmes in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level with an

A, B or C for at least 6 examination subjects, plus the Zimbabwe General
Certificate of Education at Advanced Level with a pass for at least 1
subject is comparable to a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands.
The Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level with an

A, B or C for at least 5 examination subjects, plus the Zimbabwe General
Certificate of Education with a pass for at least 2 subjects is comparable
to at least a HAVO diploma in the Netherlands.
Bachelor (Honours)
(3 years)
first cycle higher education diploma

grants access to masters programmes in Zimbabwe
This qualification is comparable to an HBO bachelors degree or 2 years

of university education (WO) in the Netherlands, depending on the
content and type of study.
Bachelor (Honours)
(4 years)
first cycle higher education diploma

grants access to masters programmes in Zimbabwe
This qualification is comparable to an HBO or WO bachelors degree in

the Netherlands, depending on the content and type of study.
Master
(1 year)
second cycle higher education diploma

grants access to PhD programmes in Zimbabwe
This qualification is comparable to an HBO master's degree or WO

bachelor's degree in the Netherlands, depending on the content and type
of study.
Master
(2 years)
second cycle higher education diploma

grants access to PhD programmes in Zimbabwe
This qualification is comparable to a WO master's degree in the

Netherlands.

Education System Zimbabwe

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Education system

The Zimbabwean education

Education system Zimbabwe

Education system Zimbabwe

Education system Zimbabwe

Bachelor (General) L4 Bachelor (Honours) L4 Postgraduate DiplomaL5

Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level L3

Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level L2

Click here to view a sample of

Education system Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe General Certificate of VMBO-T diploma 2 2

Zimbabwe General Certificate of HAVO diploma 4 4

Zimbabwe General Certificate of at least a HAVO diploma 4 4

Bachelor's (General) 3 years of HBO or 1 year of WO 6 6

Bachelor's(Honours) HBO bachelors degree or 2 years of WO 6 6

Bachelor's(Honours) HBO or WO bachelors degree 6 6

Master's HBO masters degree or WO bachelors degree 7/6 7/6

Master's WO masters degree 7 7

Education system Zimbabwe

Education system Zimbabwe

The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on 18 April

Primary and secondary education

Most children in Zimbabwe go to nursery school between the ages of 4 and 6.

Education system Zimbabwe

In terms of level, the Zimbabwe General

In terms of level, the Zimbabwe General

Education system Zimbabwe

In terms of level, the Zimbabwe General

Admission to higher education

Education system Zimbabwe

University and higher professional education

Higher education in Zimbabwe distinguishes 2 types of bachelor's degrees: general

In terms of level, the Bachelor (General)

In terms of level, the Bachelor (Honours)

Education system Zimbabwe

In terms of level, the Bachelor (Honours)

In terms of level, the Master following a

In terms of level, the Master following a

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Education system Zimbabwe

Surplus/(deficit) Description Classification

80-100% Distinction First Division

70-79% Merit Upper Second Division

60-69% Pass Lower Second Division

50-59% Pass Third Division

<50% Fail Fail

Zimbabwe has not established a national qualifications framework.

Quality assurance and accreditation

Education system Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has no international education agreements with other countries.

For admission to higher education, the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at

Upon completion of a higher education programme, the diploma is awarded, generally

Education system Zimbabwe

List of higher education institutions

Education system Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary

Education system Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced

Education system Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - diploma

Education system Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Science (Honours) transcript (page 1)

Education system Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Science (Honours) transcript (page 2)