Financing for equity in higher education

Introduction

1. Education resources to subnational governments

2. Education resources to institutions

3. Education resources to students

4. Support for students' living costs

Introduction

Key financing indicators (UIS Data)

In 2012, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education (both sexes) was 4%.

Tuition-free status

In Zambia, the key legislation does not require public higher education to be free of charge.

Governance

The Ministry of Technology and Science (MOTS) is responsible for supervising and financing higher education across Zambia. The Higher Education Authority registers and accredits learning programmes, while the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board administers student loans and scholarships.

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Higher education institutions are financed directly by the central government.

2. Education resources to institutions

Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions

The 2021 Higher Education (Amendment) Act provides for the establishment of both public and private higher education institutions. An aided higher education institution is defined as ‘a higher education institution which is not a public higher education institution and is established or maintained by a person, organisation or community with assistance from the Ministry responsible for higher education’.

Allocation and equity

According to the 2019 National Higher Education Policy, the funding of public higher education institutions is through a combination of direct government funding and user fees. The 2019 Implementation Plan for the National Higher Education Policy aims to enhance the budgetary allocation to public higher education institutions, financing them in line with the provisions of the SADC protocol on Education and Africa Agenda 2063.

3. Education resources to students

Admission for vulnerable groups

There are no national quotas or specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups to enrol in higher education programs. The 2019 Implementation Plan for the National Higher Education Policy aims to provide quotas to support female learners and learners with disabilities in the admissions process.

According to the 2021 Higher Education (Amendment) Act, each higher education institution has regulations that specify requirements for admission.

Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups

The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) was established by the 2016 Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Act to administer student loans and scholarships to Zambians pursuing higher education in recognised institutions locally or abroad. Loans or scholarships are administered to students who require financial assistance or who are recognised for academic excellence, and are paid directly by the HELSB to the institution.

HELSB awards student loans based on the following criteria: 60% to science-based programmes and 40% to arts-based programmes. This is further subdivided as follows: 35% for merit; 30% for each for rural and female affirmative action; and 5% percent for students with disabilities. Student loans vary and include STEM Loans, Art Loans, Rural Loans (aimed at candidates residing in rural areas, recognising the financial challenges and disparities that may exist in these regions), Urban Loans, and Loans for Candidates with Disabilities.

The selection of candidates for scholarships is based on academic merit.