Welcome to the International Office. Our vision is to become a world class International Office through offering teaching and learning opportunities virtually. The main goal of the office is to promote the activities that bring about increased awareness, enrollment and enhance the role it plays in student recruitment, learning and retention. The office also strives to increase awareness of its existence to all prospective students locally and internationally. That would in return yield benefits that include having a good international reputation, having a robust e-learning platform in place, and open and distance e-learning that is attractive to students.

The International Office accepts students from other countries provided they meet the entry and general programme requirements for admission. All SADC and other international students shall pay tuition and administration fees in US dollars at a rate stipulated in the Fees Ordinance of the University except where there are Government-to-Government protocols stating otherwise. All SADC and other international students’ resident outside Zimbabwe shall write their examinations online. All the students’ affairs shall be administered by the International Students Office in collaboration with the faculties. 

The Office also drives the internationalization agenda of the Zimbabwe Open University and is the interface of the University with international universities and the international corporate world. This includes the pursuit of mutually beneficial students and staff exchange programmes, which are essential for the University to produce quality graduates who meet the needs of industry and are prepared to solve global problems through the development of commercially viable goods and services.

Admissions

Since Zimbabwe Open University is an open distance e-learning institution, the International Students Office encourages all prospective students and those who have already enrolled to embrace technology by doing everything online. Application to study with ZOU is now strictly done online and the applications are processed online. Applicants, whether rejected or accepted can track and get their application feedback online. All this is done on the online application platform that is accessed on the institution’s website; www.zou.ac.zw

Registration

6^th Floor, Corner House,

Corner Samora Machel Avenue and Leopold

Takawira Street,

P.O. BOX MP 1119 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

+263-24-2793007/8; 780246/7

Office Email:    virtualcampus@zou.ac.zw;  

FEE STRUCTURE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS PER SEMESTER

FEE STRUCTURE FOR EXTERNAL ZIMBABWEANS AND THOSE IN     THE SADC REGION PER SEMESTER

FEE STRUCTURE FOR PRACTICUMS, TEACHING PRACTICE AND INTERNSHIP INCLUSIVE OF THE SUPERVISION FEE

We moved away from the traditional way of having physical examination centres across the globe where we could courier hard copy examinations and appoint invigilators to monitor the students whilst they are writing. Examinations are now strictly online. Students are expected to have the following requirements for them to be able to write their examinations from wherever they are:

• Good laptop/ computer with a web camera
• reliable internet connectivity
• reliable source of power and/or backup

Students who have the three requirements above can write their online examinations from wherever they are. Examinations under these conditions will be proctored by the International Students Office staff in collaboration with the ICT personnel.

Study Permit (Student Visa)
International students are encouraged to apply for a Zimbabwe Open University study permit at the Zimbabwean Embassy or mission nearest to them before leaving the country of origin i.e. if you want to visit Zimbabwe on study permit, otherwise ZOU is accessible from the comfort of your home.

To apply for a student permit, you will need the following:

• Residence Permit application form (IF5) fully completed and attested by a Commissioner of Oaths. The application form is obtainable from the nearest Zimbabwean Embassy or from the Department of Immigration offices in Harare
• Letter of acceptance from Zimbabwe Open University
• Proof of payment of fees
• Copy of birth certificate/passport biodata page
• 2 passport size photos
• Non-refundable fee of US$200.00 for student’s permit application

*NB. The law requires all international students to ensure that their study permits are valid at all times for the duration of their studies. A study permit must be renewed within 30 days prior to expiry. Please contact the International Relations Office for assistance with your visa application processes.

Important Address
Principal Immigration Officer
Clients Services Centre
Students Desk
Department of Immigration
1st Floor, Liquenda House
Nelson Mandela Avenue
P. Bag 7717
Harare
Zimbabwe
Tel    +263 (4) 791913-9

6^th Floor, Corner House,

Corner Samora Machel Avenue and Leopold

Takawira Street,

P.O. BOX MP 1119 Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

+263-24-2793007/8; 780246/7

Office Email:    virtualcampus@zou.ac.zw;  

Weather and climate

Zimbabwe has a tropical climate.  The country enjoys a temperate climate with four seasons; a warm wet season from November to March; a transitional season from April to May; a cool dry winter season from May to August and a warm dry season from August to October.  June is the coldest month while October is the warmest month of the year.

Duration of study

Each programme is divided into years of study. Each year of study is divided into two semesters (16 Weeks each) Examinations are held at the end of each semester.

Mode of study

Zimbabwe Open University offers its degree programmes through Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) and six-hour online tutorials.

Student Affairs

The University has student advisors to which students can turn to for advice in academic, financial or personal matters. Students are free to join the numerous active student associations, societies, clubs and organizations to experience the rich and varied social life on the University.  Students are required to have medical cover (insurance) when they visit the country.