University of Zambia

University of Zambia (UNZA) is a public research university located in Lusaka, Zambia.

The history of the University of Zambia (UNZA) can be traced back to the early 1950s, when there were proposals to establish a university college in Lusaka. However, these proposals were abandoned in 1953 with the creation of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and the related political decision to establish a university college in Salisbury. After Zambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, one of the new government's top priorities was to establish a national university. The University of Zambia Act was passed in 1965, and the university was officially opened to the public on 12 July 1966.

UNZA began with a small student body and a limited number of academic programs. However, the university grew rapidly in the early years, and by 1970, it had over 1,000 students enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. UNZA has played a vital role in the development of Zambia since its inception. The university has produced many of Zambia's leading leaders and professionals, and it has contributed significantly to the country's economic and social development.

In the early years, UNZA was heavily dependent on foreign aid. However, the university has gradually become more self-reliant in recent years. UNZA now receives over half of its funding from the Zambian government, and the remainder comes from student fees, research grants, and other sources. UNZA has also faced a number of challenges in its history. The university experienced a period of financial instability in the 1980s and 1990s. However, UNZA has made significant financial progress in recent years, and it is now one of the most financially stable universities in Africa.

Another challenge that UNZA has faced is the decline in the quality of education in Zambia. However, UNZA has taken a number of steps to improve the quality of its education, including hiring new faculty members, improving its infrastructure, and introducing new academic programs. UNZA is now a leading institution of higher learning in Africa. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and it has a strong research culture. UNZA is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and to preparing them for success in the globalized world.

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