University of Botswana

University of Botswana is the oldest and largest university in Botswana.

The history of the University of Botswana (UB) can be traced back to 1946, when the Oblates of Mary Immaculate founded Pius XII College, a Catholic vocational training institution. In 1964, Pius XII College was merged with two other institutions to form the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland (UBBS). UBBS was a joint, cross-national higher education institution that served the three countries of Basutoland (now Lesotho), Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and Swaziland. When Botswana gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, the government of Botswana began to make plans for a national university. In 1971, the Botswana Parliament passed the University of Botswana Act, which established UB as an independent institution. UB officially opened its doors to students in 1982.

UB's early years were marked by rapid growth. The university's student population increased from 300 students in 1982 to over 10,000 students by the early 1990s. UB also expanded its academic offerings, adding new faculties and departments. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, UB began to focus on improving the quality of its education and research. The university invested in new facilities and equipment, and it recruited and retained highly qualified faculty members. UB also established partnerships with leading universities around the world.

UB is committed to providing access to education for all Batswana, regardless of their background. UB offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. UB is also committed to social responsibility, and it partners with various organizations to address challenges facing Botswana. The University of Botswana is a valuable asset to Botswana and to the world. It is a leading institution of higher education that is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service.

University of Botswana is ranked as the #1 top university in Botswana during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.