Choosing one of the Best Nursing Schools in Zambia is one of the most important decisions for anyone planning to build a successful career in healthcare. Zambia has invested significantly in nursing education over the last decade, leading to the establishment of numerous public, private, and faith-based nursing institutions that produce highly skilled nurses and midwives.
However, not every institution offering nursing programmes is legally recognized to train as professional nurses. Before applying, prospective students should always verify whether a school is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ). Accreditation ensures that graduates are eligible for professional registration, licensure, and employment in Zambia and, in many cases, abroad.
Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a university or a Diploma in Nursing (RN) or Midwifery (RM) at a nursing college, this guide will help you understand Zambia’s nursing education system, identify accredited institutions, and choose the right school for your career goals.
What Is NMCZ Accreditation and Why Is It the Only Thing That Matters?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) is a Statutory Body, established in 1970 under the Nurses and Midwives Act No.55 of 1970 with an express mandate to regulate nursing and midwifery education and practice. This Act was repealed and replaced by the Nurses and Midwives Act No. 31 of 1997, which redefined the functions of the Council and expanded the scope of practice for nurses and midwives. The recent legal development was the enactment of the Nurses and Midwives Act No. 10 of 2019 which provided for the change of name of the Council from the General Nursing Council of Zambia to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia among others.
The 2019 Act still recognises the Council as a Statutory Body responsible for “Regulating the education, training and practice of nurses and midwives”.
Any school that trains nurses in Zambia must be accredited by the NMCZ. Without NMCZ accreditation, a nursing school has no legal authority to produce graduates who can sit for the NMCZ licensing examinations or be registered as nurses in Zambia.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) is the statutory regulatory authority responsible for overseeing nursing and midwifery education, licensing, professional standards, and ethical practice throughout Zambia.
Types of Nursing School Accreditation Status
Not every nursing institution has the same approval status. Understanding these categories can help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Full Accreditation lasts five years. The school meets all NMCN standards for facilities, faculty, and clinical exposure. These institutions have successfully met all NMCZ requirements and are authorized to admit students, conduct examinations, and graduate qualified nurses and midwives.
- Provisional Accreditation lasts two years. The school is operational but has outstanding deficiencies that it must address.
- Programme Specific Accreditation: The Institution may have approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing but not a Diploma in Midwifery
- Denied/Withdrawn Accreditation: Institutions that fail to meet regulatory standards may lose accreditation.
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Nursing Education System in Zambia and How It Works
Zambia has a well-structured nursing education system designed to prepare competent healthcare professionals capable of serving both urban and rural communities.
Students can enter nursing education through different pathways depending on their academic qualifications and career aspirations.
1. Diploma in Registered Nursing (RN)
This remains one of the most popular entry routes.The programme is 3 years Award: Registered Nurse (RN) certificate Institution type: Schools of Nursing, Colleges of Nursing Sciences, Schools of Nursing attached to teaching hospitals
Graduates become eligible to sit for professional licensing examinations through the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia.
2. Diploma in Registered Midwifery (RM)
Students interested in maternal and newborn healthcare can specialize in registered midwifery. Duration: 3years Award: Registered Midwife
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Duration: 5 years (4 years for Direct Entry) Award: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Institution type: University Departments/Faculties of Nursing Science
. Post-Basic and Specialist Nursing Programmes
Registered nurses can further specialize in areas such as: Duration: 12 – 18 months
- Critical Care Nursing
- Paediatric Nursing
- Theatre Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
- Intensive Care Nursing
Specialization often leads to better career prospects and higher salaries.
15 Best Nursing Schools in Zambia (2026)
Below are 15 of the most respected NMCZ-accredited nursing schools in Zambia, selected based on accreditation status, academic reputation, clinical training opportunities, graduate employability, and program offerings. Always confirm current accreditation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) before applying.
| Rank | Nursing School | Type | Location | Main Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Zambia (UNZA) | Public University | Lusaka & Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 2 | Mulungushi University | Public University | Kabwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 3 | Mukuba University | Public University | Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 4 | Levy Mwanawasa Medical University | Public University | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 5 | Lusaka Apex Medical University | Private University | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 6 | Cavendish University Zambia | Private University | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 7 | Eden University | Private University | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 8 | Chreso University | Private University | Lusaka & Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| 9 | Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery | Public College | Livingstone | Diploma in Registered Nursing |
| 10 | Lusaka College of Nursing and Midwifery | Public College | Lusaka | Diploma RN/RM |
| 11 | Ndola College of Nursing and Midwifery | Public College | Ndola | Diploma RN/RM |
| 12 | Kitwe College of Nursing and Midwifery | Public College | Kitwe | Diploma RN/RM |
| 13 | Chikankata College of Nursing and Midwifery | Faith-Based | Chikankata | Diploma Nursing & Midwifery |
| 14 | Macha College of Nursing and Midwifery | Faith-Based | Macha | Diploma Nursing & Midwifery |
| 15 | Monze College of Nursing and Midwifery | Faith-Based | Monze | Diploma Nursing & Midwifery |
General Admission Requirements
Eligibility Criteria:
Must have five 5 ‘O’ Levels or equivalent in English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Science and any other two subjects at credit level or better.
Age Requirement: Most institutions require applicants to be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
- Medical fitness certificate.
- National Registration Card (NRC) or equivalent identification.
- Completed application form.
- Passport-size photographs.
For Bachelor of Science in Nursing programmes, universities may also require higher secondary qualifications or equivalent entry credentials.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because many of the Best Nursing Schools in Zambia receive thousands of applications every academic year, making admission highly competitive.
Why Study Nursing in Zambia?
Nursing remains one of the most respected professions in Zambia and across Africa. With growing demand for healthcare services, qualified nurses continue to enjoy excellent employment opportunities in government hospitals, mission facilities, private hospitals, humanitarian organizations, and international health agencies.
Graduates from the Best Nursing Schools in Zambia are increasingly finding opportunities not only within the country but also in neighbouring African nations and overseas, where skilled nurses are in high demand.
Top NMCZ-Accredited University Nursing Schools in Zambia (BSN Programmes)
If your goal is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), choosing an institution approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) is essential. Only graduates from approved institutions are eligible for professional registration and licensure in Zambia. The Council regularly publishes the official register of approved universities and colleges that are authorized to offer nursing and midwifery programmes.
Below are some of the leading NMCZ-accredited universities offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing programmes.
| University | Ownership | Location | Main Nursing Programmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Zambia (UNZA) | Public | Lusaka & Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Midwifery, Mental Health Nursing |
| Mulungushi University | Public | Kabwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Mukuba University | Public | Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Levy Mwanawasa Medical University | Public | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Cavendish University Zambia | Private | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Chreso University | Private | Lusaka & Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Lusaka Apex Medical University | Private | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Rockview University | Private | Lusaka & Chipata | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Eden University | Private | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Northrise University | Private | Ndola | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Rusangu University | Private | Monze, Lusaka & Kitwe | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Trinity University | Private | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Woodlands University | Private | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Zambia Christian University | Private | Ndola | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| Blessings University of Excellence | Private | Lusaka | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Tip: Always verify the approval status of your preferred institution on the official NMCZ register before applying because programme approvals can change over time.
Top NMCZ-Accredited Best Nursing Schools and Midwifery in Zambia (Diploma RN/RM Programmes)
Students who wish to become Registered Nurses (RN) or Registered Midwives (RM) through diploma programmes have a wide range of approved colleges across Zambia. These institutions are categorized into Government (GRZ), Private and Faith-Based colleges.
1. Best Public (GRZ) Nursing & Midwifery Colleges
Government colleges are popular because they offer quality education, strong clinical exposure in public hospitals, and relatively affordable tuition.
Some of the best include:
- Lusaka College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Ndola College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Kitwe College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Chipata College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Kasama College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Kabwe College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Choma College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Kafue College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Mansa College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Mazabuka College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Solwezi College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Mbala College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Kalene College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Michael Chilufya Sata College of Nursing and Midwifery
Other approved government colleges include Chibombo, Chavuma, Chilubi, Kaoma, Lewanika, Lukupa, Luwi, Mporokoso, Mufulira, Nchanga, Roan, Senanga, Serenje, Yeta and Zambezi Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery.
2. Top Private Nursing Colleges in Zambia
Private colleges have expanded rapidly and provide modern learning facilities, flexible admissions, and growing clinical partnerships.
Some of the leading private colleges include:
- Agape College of Nursing
- Mukuni Institute of Nursing and Technology
- Mukuni Trust Nursing College
- Nkana College of Nursing
- Mufulira Nursing College
- Lusaka Nursing Institute
- Itawa College of Nursing
- Kent College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Makeni College School of Nursing
- Glory Academy College of Nursing
- Dovecot College of Nursing
- Nightingale College of Nursing and Applied Sciences
- Ubuntu School of Health Sciences
- Southern School of Nursing
- Rainbow Institute of Health Sciences
- Oasis Medical University
Other approved private institutions include Best Care Institute, Copperbelt Nursing Polytechnic, National College of Health Sciences, Great East College of Health Sciences, Premium School of Health Science, Mosa College of Nursing, Elyon Nursing Institute, Fountain of Peace College of Health Sciences and many others.
3. Top Faith-Based Nursing & Midwifery Colleges
Faith-based institutions have built an excellent reputation for discipline, ethical nursing practice and strong community health training.
Highly respected colleges include:
- Chikankata College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Macha College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Mukinge College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Mwami College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Monze College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Chitambo College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Chilonga School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Mbereshi Mission College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Namianga College of Nursing and Midwifery
- St Francis College of Nursing and Midwifery
- St Lukes College of Nursing and Midwifery
- St Paul’s College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Sancta Maria College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Zimba College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Lumezi College of Nursing and Midwifery
These colleges are well known for producing competent nurses who serve across Zambia and internationally.
How to Verify a School’s NMCZ Accreditation Status
One of the most important steps before applying to any nursing institution is confirming that both the institution and the specific nursing programme are approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ). The Council maintains an official register of approved training institutions and programmes, and students should rely on this list rather than advertisements or social media claims.
Follow these simple steps before paying any application or tuition fees:
1. Check the Official NMCZ List
Visit the official NMCZ website and review the latest register of approved nursing and midwifery training institutions. This list is updated periodically whenever new programmes are approved or accreditation statuses change.
2. Confirm the Programme
Some institutions may be approved for one programme but not another. For example, a university may have approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing but not Midwifery.
Always verify the exact programme you intend to study.
3. Contact the Institution
Ask the admissions office for:
- NMCZ accreditation status
- Current intake approval
- Programme approval letter
- Clinical placement hospitals
- Graduation and licensing success rates
A genuine institution should provide this information without hesitation.
4. Verify Through NMCZ
If you’re unsure, contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council directly before accepting admission.
This simple step can save you years of frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the best nursing school in Zambia?
The University of Zambia (UNZA) is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading institutions for Bachelor of Science in Nursing programmes due to its long-standing reputation, experienced faculty, research focus, and extensive clinical partnerships. Other highly respected institutions include Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Mukuba University, and Mulungushi University.
How many nursing schools are approved by NMCZ?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia approves more than 100 training institutions, including public universities, private universities, government nursing colleges, private colleges, and faith-based nursing schools. The list is reviewed periodically, so applicants should always check the latest official register before applying.
Can I study nursing at a private college in Zambia?
Yes.
Many private colleges are fully approved by NMCZ and produce competent nurses working throughout Zambia and internationally.
Always verify accreditation before enrolling.
How long does nursing training take in Zambia?
The duration depends on the programme:
- Diploma in Registered Nursing: approximately 3 years
- Diploma in Registered Midwifery: approximately 3 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: approximately 4 years
- Post-basic nursing specializations: 1–2 years, depending on the specialty
Can foreign students study nursing in Zambia?
Yes.
Many universities and colleges accept international students provided they meet admission requirements and obtain the necessary immigration documentation.
Some institutions may also require credential evaluation for foreign qualifications.
Is nursing a good career in Zambia?
Absolutely.
The demand for qualified nurses continues to increase because of:
- Population growth
- Expansion of healthcare facilities
- International recruitment opportunities
- Growth of private healthcare
- Increased investment in specialist nursing services
Nursing also offers excellent opportunities for postgraduate education and international employment.
Conclusion
Choosing among the Best Nursing Schools in Zambia is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your healthcare career. Whether you choose a government university, a private university, a public nursing college, or a faith-based institution, your priority should always be selecting an NMCZ-accredited programme that provides quality education, strong clinical exposure, and a clear path to professional registration.
As Zambia continues to strengthen its healthcare workforce, graduates from accredited institutions remain highly sought after by government hospitals, private healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and international employers. By researching carefully, verifying accreditation, and selecting a programme that aligns with your career goals, you will be well-positioned for long-term success in one of the country’s most respected professions.
If you’re planning to apply in 2026 or beyond, bookmark this guide and use it alongside the official NMCZ register to make an informed decision. The right nursing school can be the first step toward a rewarding career serving communities in Zambia and beyond.
Sources for further reading
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ). Approved Training Institutions. Official Website
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia. Education & Training Department. Education & Training
- NMCZ Register of Approved Higher Education Institutions (2024). Official PDF Register
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia. Registration & Licensing Services. Licensing Information
