Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Zimbabwe
CapitalHarare
Population17.1 million
Area390,757 km² (150,872 sq mi)
LanguagesChibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau
CurrencyZimbabwean dollar ($)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionAfrica / Southern Africa
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$5,928 (2024)
Inflation Rate104.7% (2022)
Health Spend per Capita$63 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend10.6% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)0.4% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data

The cost of education in Zimbabwe varies significantly depending on the type of institution, with public schools being generally more affordable than private schools, and international schools being the most expensive.

Quick Facts

Education Spend (% GDP)0.4%
Literacy Rate86%
School System13 years of compulsory education
Academic Year12 months
CurrencyZWL

Education System Overview

The education system in Zimbabwe is divided into public and private sectors, with the public sector being the largest. Public schools in Zimbabwe are generally considered to be of lower quality compared to private schools, with limited resources and outdated infrastructure. The language of instruction in Zimbabwean schools is English, with Shona and Ndebele also being taught as local languages. Compulsory education in Zimbabwe lasts for 13 years, from primary school to secondary school. International schools are also available in Zimbabwe, offering a range of curricula including the Cambridge International Exams and the International Baccalaureate.

The quality of education in Zimbabwe varies significantly depending on the type of institution and the location. Public schools in rural areas tend to be of lower quality compared to those in urban areas, while private schools are generally considered to be of higher quality. International schools in Zimbabwe are also considered to be of high quality, with many offering a range of extracurricular activities and state-of-the-art facilities. Despite the challenges facing the education system in Zimbabwe, the country has a relatively high literacy rate of 86%, indicating a strong emphasis on education.

School Fees

School TypeAnnual Fee (USD)Notes
Public Primary$0 (free)Limited resources and infrastructure
Private Primary$500-$2,000Range depends on the tier and location of the school
Public Secondary$100-$500Quality varies depending on the location and resources
Private Secondary$1,000-$5,000Range depends on the tier and location of the school
International School$5,000-$15,000Offers a range of curricula, including Cambridge and IB

University Tuition

Institution TypeAnnual Tuition - Local (USD)Annual Tuition - International (USD)Notes
Public University$500-$1,000$2,000-$5,000Limited spaces available for international students
Private University$1,000-$3,000$3,000-$6,000Offers a range of programs, including business and engineering
Top-Ranked University$2,000-$5,000$5,000-$10,000University of Zimbabwe is the top-ranked university in the country

Other Education Costs

ItemCost (USD)Notes
Preschool / Daycare (monthly)$50-$200Limited availability in rural areas
Private Tutoring (per hour)$10-$50Popular among students preparing for exams
Language Course (monthly)$50-$200Offers a range of languages, including English and French
School Supplies (annual)$50-$100Depends on the level of education and the school
School Uniform$20-$50Required for most schools in Zimbabwe

Education Quality & Tips

  • The best schools for expats in Zimbabwe are generally considered to be the international schools, which offer a range of curricula and extracurricular activities.
  • Scholarship availability is limited in Zimbabwe, but some universities and organizations offer scholarships to deserving students.
  • Online learning options are becoming increasingly popular in Zimbabwe, with many universities and institutions offering online courses and degree programs.
  • The education quality in Zimbabwe is generally considered to be lower compared to other countries in the region, due to limited resources and infrastructure.
  • The University of Zimbabwe is the top-ranked university in the country, offering a range of programs including business, engineering, and medicine.
  • Private schools and international schools are generally considered to be of higher quality compared to public schools, but are also more expensive.
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