Zimbabwe Open University

Zimbabwe Open University Learn while you Earn!!! It started off as an offshoot of the University of Zimbabwe and has since grown into a fully fledged University.

The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) is a unique institution of higher learning offering Open and Distance e-Learning to students in Zimbabwe, in the region and in the international arena. A Centre for Distance Education was established in 1993 by the University of Zimbabwe, in the Department of Educational Administration. This was in line with the Government's realisation, after independence, that

the majority of the people in Zimbabwe was hungry for tertiary education and had missed the opportunity of going to college when they were still young, due to the colonial restrictions that had denied them the chance. The ZANU-PF Government, whose 1980 Election Manifesto made education a human right, facilitated the development of distance learning to accommodate those people who would not have been in a position to go to conventional, residential tertiary institutions for an education because of lack of sufficient funding and other commitments, for example, work commitments. In 1996, the Centre became the University College of Distance Education headed by Professor Graham Hill. Three years later, on 1st March 1999, through an Act of Parliament, the University College became the first open and distance learning University in Zimbabwe. The first Vice Chancellor for the University was Professor Peter Dzvimbo. Dr Kurasha took over as the head of the Zimbabwe Open University in 2003 and she made history by becoming the first female Vice Chancellor in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Open University is a multi-disciplinary and inter-faculty institution of higher learning offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. ZOU offers degree and non-degree programmes through distance teaching and open e-learning to youth and adult learners. With a combination of cutting edge technology, print materials and face-to face tuition, the Zimbabwe Open University provides knowledge, competencies and dispositions necessary for the development of competitive human capital. In a dynamic and fast changing global village, a philosophy of lifelong learning for social inclusion is our guiding beacon!

ZOU Wraps Up a Successful Showcase at the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural ShowThe Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has success...
29/08/2026

ZOU Wraps Up a Successful Showcase at the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has successfully concluded its six-day exhibition at the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, held under the theme, “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge.”

The closing day was marked by continued excitement at the ZOU stand as visitors engaged with the University’s innovators, academic programmes. Innovative products on display demonstrated how ZOU is transforming knowledge and research into practical solutions with potential to contribute to communities and national development.

ZOU Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Nyaja also visited the stand, where he interacted with innovators, viewed some of the products on display and engaged with the team. His visit highlighted the University’s commitment to supporting innovation, research and the practical application of knowledge.

Throughout the Show, the ZOU stand welcomed prospective students, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, families and other stakeholders, while ZOU FM Campus Radio added another dynamic platform for engagement and sharing the University’s story.

As the curtains close on this year’s Agricultural Show, ZOU extends sincere appreciation to everyone who visited and engaged with the University.

The Show may have ended, but the journey of innovation and learning continues.

Apply to ZOU today — Empowerment Through Open Learning.

27/08/2026
Study with us today. Apply and register for the August 2026 intake NOW!!
27/08/2026

Study with us today. Apply and register for the August 2026 intake NOW!!

Join our Faculty of Education this semester, apply and register to study with ZOU. Enjoy flexible distance learning with...
27/08/2026

Join our Faculty of Education this semester, apply and register to study with ZOU.

Enjoy flexible distance learning with ZOU....

Address

Harare
CORNERHOUSE,CORNERLEOPARDTAKAWIRAANDSAMORAMACHAEL

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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