The Copperbelt University, CBU Admission Requirements: 2024/2025 for all the courses at the undergraduate, diploma and postgraduate level is updated every year. Therefore, this article contains the full list of all the undergraduate and Postgraduate courses coupled with their general requirements.
For admission into programmes of study at the Copperbelt University, CBU for any first degree or second degree, an applicant must have the following requirements for a successful admission.
Further reading: Copperbelt University, CBU List of Courses – 2023/2024
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY, CBU ZAMBIA UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Requirements
- Have ‘0’ level passes in Mathematics and English, which are compulsory and compose schedule A of the required courses;
- Have ‘0’ level passes in either one or two subjects from schedule B, and;
- Have ‘0’ level passes in one or two subjects from schedule C to make a total of five subjects
Schedule A (Compulsory)
- English Language; Mathematics
Schedule B
- Economics; Principles of Accounts;
- Commerce; Physics or Chemistry;
- Physical Science; Additional Mathematics;
- Geography or History;
- Metalwork or Woodwork
- Geometrical & Mechanical Drawing
Schedule C
- Agricultural Science; Biology, Engineering Science; Human and Social Biology, Food and Nutrition; Combined Science; English Literature; A Religious subject, Information Technology, and Other languages
NB: In the case of Production Management, Chemistry and Physics shall be treated as separate subjects
SCHOOL OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
For admission to Undergraduate Degree Programmes: At least ordinary level passes in Mathematics and English Language and any one Science subject from:
- Science
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
Two (2) subjects from:
- Biology
- Economics
- Principles of Accounts
- Commerce
- History
- Literature in English
- A Language other than English
- Computer Science
- Geography
- Religious Knowledge
- Wood Work
- Civic education
However, a separate system of entry is available to non-school leavers. As a general rule, students with a Certificate or Diploma from the Copperbelt University who wish to further their studies to degree level may be granted exemptions.
SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES
1. Entry Requirements for Admission
A candidate must fulfil the following entry requirements for admission to one of the School’s Departments. These particular entrance requirement prescribed by the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences are five GCE ‘O’ Level credits or better in the Zambian School Certification or its equivalent as follows:
- Schedule A: Mathematics and English (Compulsory)
- Schedule B: Either ONE or TWO subjects in the following courses: Physical Science, Science, Chemistry and Physics (Compulsory)
NB: If a candidate offers Physical Science and Science, this will be counted as one subject. If he/she has Physics and Chemistry as individual subjects, then they will be counted as two subjects.
- Schedule C: Depending on the number of subject (s) considered in (ii) above, either TWO or THREE subjects will be taken from ANY BEST of the following; Biology, Additional Mathematics, Geography, Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing, Commerce, and Principles in Accounts, History, Literature in English, Human and Social Biology, Religious Subject, Zambian Languages (As any Other).
2. Entry Requirements for special cases into a degree programme
- A candidate is admissible in third year if he/she is a holder of a diploma in the related field of study in which he/she seeks admission.
- A candidate is admissible in second year if he/she is a holder of a diploma in any science or engineering field other than the related field of study in which he/she seeks admission.
- A candidate so admitted at either second or third year for a degree programme shall be required to take any extra courses from the previous year if such courses which are vital or prerequisites to the programme into which he/she seeks admission were not part of the study courses at diploma level.
- A candidate is admissible in third year if he/she is a holder of a degree in any science or engineering field similar to the field of study in which he/she seeks admission, e.g. a holder of a degree in geology is admissible in third year mining engineering degree and a holder of a degree in chemistry is admissible in third-year chemical engineering degree and vice versa.
- A candidate is admissible in third year (or final year) if he/she is a holder of an advanced certificate with a minimum of two years’ work experience in the related field of study.
- A candidate is admissible in second year if he/she is a holder of an advanced certificate in any science or engineering field other than the related field of study in which he/she seeks admission.
- A candidate so admitted at either second or third year for a diploma programme shall be required to take any extra courses from the previous year if such courses which are vital or prerequisites to the programme into which he/she seeks admission were not part of the study courses at advanced certificate level.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
As a student in the School of Engineering, you are privileged to know that you are le crème de la crème of Zambian youth from secondary school as you enter engineering with the best GCE ‘ O ’ Level results (currently between 6 and 8 points). We expect you to perform to the best of your ability.
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
Degree Programmes
- Bachelor of Science in Education ( Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics)
Note: All candidates wishing to pursue the following degree programmes should apply under the BSc. Non-quota programme.
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Telecommunication/Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aeronautical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering in Railway Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Admission Requirements
In order to become eligible for admission to a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree of the Copperbelt University in the School of Natural Resources, a candidate:
- Must first satisfy the general entrance requirements of the Copperbelt University.
- Must satisfy the specific requirements for admission to the School of Natural Resources as given in the school handbook.
- Be selected for such a programme of study and it must be emphasized that admission to the School of Natural Resources is by selection and that possession of the minimum entrance requirements is not of itself a guarantee of acceptance.
Departments of Forest Resource Management and Zoology and Aquatic Sciences Rules and Regulations
To qualify for admission to the above-mentioned degrees, a candidate must obtain credits in at least five subjects in the Zambian School Certificate or its equivalent as follows:
Schedule A: Compulsory Subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Biology or Agricultural Science
Schedule B:
- Any one (1) or two (2) from the following:
- Physics, Chemistry, Science, Physical Science and Geography
Schedule C:
- Any one other subject
Department of Biomaterial Sciences and Technology Rules and Regulations
Ordinary Level Certificate
- To qualify for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Bioenergy Science or Wood Science and Technology, a candidate must obtain credits in at least five (05) subjects in the Zambian school certificate or its equivalent as follows:
-
- English
- Mathematics or Advance Mathematics
- Any two (02) or three (03) from the following:
- Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science or Science, Biology/ Agricultural Science or Botany
- Any one subject from:
- Geometrical and Mechanical / Technical Drawing, Woodwork
Advanced Level Certificate
- For a candidate in this category to qualify for admission, he/ she must obtain at least a pass in Mathematics and any one other subject at A level. In addition, the candidate must have proven ability to communicate in the English language both written and spoken- preferably a credit in the English language at “O” level.
Special Cases
For a candidate in this category to qualify for admission, he/ she must:
- Possess a Diploma (second class and above or equivalent) in other related disciplines from recognized institutions and have at least credits in English, Mathematics and any other three (03) subjects in the Zambian school certificate or its equivalent.
- Ordinary Level Certificate School leavers are admitted at first year while A level certificate and Diploma holders are admitted in the second year of study.
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences Rules and Regulations
To qualify for admission to the above-mentioned degrees, a candidate must obtain credits in at least five subjects in the Zambian School Certificate or its equivalent as follows:
- Schedule A: Compulsory Subjects
-
- English
- Mathematics
- Biology or Agricultural Science
- Schedule B: Any one (1) or two (2) from the following:
- Physics, Chemistry, Science, Physical Science and Geography
- Schedule C: Any one other subject
Diploma Holders
- For diploma holders, he or she should possess a diploma related to the field of study being applied for. In addition, he or she should possess passes in at least five subjects in the Zambia School Certificate or equivalent. The subjects indicated are the same as those in the case of school leavers.
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Internal Selection
This is intended for students in the School of Natural Sciences Non-Quota who select Medicine or Dentistry as their first choice after 1 year in the SNM at the Copperbelt University
- Pass in all the courses in the SNMS Non-quota
- A minimum of 8 points in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology
- A comment of clear pass
External Selection (Parallel Program)
This is intended for students, not in the CBU SMNS Non-quota group, and includes eligible students with equivalent qualifications from other schools, institutions or Universities
- “A” level qualifications at least with a minimum of passes in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or its equivalent
- Students with 1 year in Natural sciences at any approved University with passes in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics will be admissible.
- Direct entry students will be those with BSc in Natural Sciences with Biology and Chemistry majors or health-related sciences will be admissible. Students with credits and above will be preferred.
Admission Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
This is a 3-year program leading to the award of a BSc in Clinical Medicine. It is intended to upgrade the skills and knowledge for holders of a Diploma in Clinical Medicine. However, any health professional with a Diploma in health sciences may apply.
Admission Criteria
- Diploma in Clinical Medicine or Health-related field
- A levels with passes in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology
- One year in the School of Natural Sciences with passes in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology
Admission Bachelor for Post Graduate Courses
The CBU SOM offers two types of Postgraduate training programs. These programs are the following;
- Clinical Master degrees
- Research Degrees
Admission Requirements
- The basic medical degree of MBChB or equivalent
- At least 2 years post qualifying experience
- Registration with the Health Professions Council of Zambia
Research Programs
Two programs are offered in this field namely;
- Master of Science Degree (leading to a career as a Senior Medical Scientist, who would manage an Academic Research unit within the University system or other similar institutions)
- Doctor of Science Degree (leading to a career as an Expert Medical Scientist, who would manage an Academic Research department or institute within the University or other similar institutions )
Admission Requirements
- For Master of Science – this is a structures 2-year degree by research with annual panel evaluation for progression.
- The candidate will be required to have BSc in a natural science, health sciences or equivalent
- The BSc degree should normally have been obtained with a credit or higher
- Candidates with MBChB or BVM admissible to this program
- Some research experience will be an added advantage
- For the Doctor of Science degree – this is a structured 3-year degree program by research, with annual panel evaluation for progression.
- Candidates are expected to have MSc degree in Medical or Health Science and equivalents
- Medical and Veterinary Doctors with Masters degrees in clinical areas are also admissible
- Research experience is vital for admission
DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
In order to become eligible for admission to the Master in Peace and Conflict Studies degree programme, an applicant must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Applicant should hold a good first degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from a recognized institution and with at least 2 years of practical (work) experience;
- Applicant holding first degree in areas other than those covered in (a) above, would also be considered. These shall have at least 3 years of practical experience;
- Exceptions to (a) and (b) above would be considered on a case by case basis.
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY, CBU ZAMBIA POSTGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES
School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Postgraduate Programmes
- Candidates seeking admission to the Master of Science in Mathematics/Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) Education degree programmes must possess one of the following:
- A University Bachelor’s degree with a combination of Mathematics/Science and Education disciplines obtained from the Copperbelt University or from any other University recognized by CBU Senate and provided the degree is equivalent in content, scope and quality to that offered by CBU.
- A university Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and/or Science disciplines without education but with one or more years of experience in Mathematics and/or Science teaching. All other conditions as stated above
- Candidates seeking admission to the Master of Science in Mathematics, Natural (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Computer Science degree programmes must possess the following:
- A BSc. degree with majors in Pure Mathematics, Natural and/or Computer science disciplines obtained from the Copperbelt University or from any other University recognized by CBU Senate and provided the degree is equivalent in content, scope and quality to that offered by CBU. These entry requirements also apply to candidates seeking admission to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme. Candidates possessing Mathematics/Science with/and Education degrees are not eligible for the pure Maths/Science degree programmes.
- Candidates seeking admission to the PhD study programme must possess a relevant Master of Science degree obtained from the Copperbelt University or from any other University recognized by CBU Senate and provided the degree is equivalent in content, scope and quality to that offered by CBU. The candidates should also provide a draft research proposal in the chosen discipline.
School of Business
Master of Science in Project Management
For one to be eligible for the MSc Project Management course, he/she must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Applicants should hold a first degree from a recognized University with preferably two years practical experience
- Applicants with post-graduate diploma in various disciplines with at least two years practical experience
- Holders of professional qualifications such as EIZ, SIZ, ZlA, CIOB. RICS and RIBA.
Master of Business Administration (Banking and Finance)
For one to be eligible for admission to the MBA – Banking and Finance degree programme, he or she must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Applicants should hold a good first degree (i.e., a minimum of Credit) in Business Administration, Commerce, Accounting or Economics, from a recognized tertiary institution and with at least 2 years of practical (work) experience.
- Applicants holding such first degrees (i.e., a minimum of Credit) in areas other than those availed in (1) above would also be considered. These should have at least three years of practical experience.
- Practicing Accountants and Management Accountants who are holders of any of the following qualifications: CIMA and ACCA.
Admission Requirements for Masters of Business Administration
Administration degree programme, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements.
- Applicants should hold a good first degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Accounting or Economics, from a recognized institution and with at least 2 years of practical (work) experience.
- Applicants holding first degrees in areas other than those covered in (1) above, would also be considered. These shall have at least 3 years of practical experience.
- Exceptions to (1) and (2) above would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) [by research only]
- All the rules, regulations, criteria and other specifications contained herein must be read in conjunction with the General Regulations of the Copperbelt University and particularly those pertaining to the Schools of Graduate Studies and Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Additionally, the decision of the Copperbelt University Senate shall be final and binding on matters concerning the interpretation or revision of all the rules, regulations, criteria and other specifications contained herein.
- Except when Senate shall approve otherwise, all the postgraduate programmes in the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (SMNS) are on a Full-time basis. The minimum duration for programmes at M.Sc and MPhil levels is two years, while the maximum duration is four years. For the PhD, the research and thesis shall be completed at least three years and within six years after the initial registration. Except where explicitly specified, all M.Sc programmes consist of two phases. Phase I constitutes the taught component comprising lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips, seminars and literature review sessions. Depending on the programme of study, Phase I has a duration of 12 – 18 months and culminates in a written examination. Phase II (6 – 12 months) of the programme covers the second and final year when students are required to conduct a supervised research project in the relevant discipline to culminate in the writing of a dissertation.
- The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme is by research only and is aimed at providing research capacity to students who want to explore particular areas of specific socio-economic importance to Zambia or those who want to use the MPhil as their entry qualifications to a PhD degree programme in SMNS.
- The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme is by research only and the research topics should be original and must exhibit some measure of academic and socio-economic relevance to the needs of Zambia and the world.
Click here to apply for Copperbelt University 2024/2025 Intake admission
Hello!
My name is Hilia and I am from Namibia. I would like to study dentistry and I have certificate in dental surgery assisting.
Hi Hilia,
Kindly go through the admission requirements, if you meet it, kindly visit https://www.eafinder.com/copperbelt-university-cbu-admission-and-application-form-2020-2021/ to check on the easy procedures on how to apply for CBU admission.
Good afternoon,
I am from Malawi.
How does one pay application fees from Malawi?
Regards
Hi, when is the admission list for the 2020/2021 academic year likely to be released?
I am from Botswana .
how does one pay application fee from Botswana
Comment:hi can i be accepted with these results in electrical and electronics engineering eng 3,maths 1,scie 1,bio 1,geo 2,D & T 3.your quick response will be highly appreciated.
Do you offer Distance Learning in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply? Please Let me know My phone No. 0955425424, Chisalaba Mumba from Lufwanyama.
My name is Charles from zambia when will the 2021/2022 intake commence
Hi CHarles,
Application is only done once in a year. The admission list for 2020/2021 is already out. You need to wait for next intake.
My children is about to apply for Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, we are seating in Tanzania.
How do we get the banking details for making payment for application fees.
I have checked but I could not see these details, further more is the application fees seats at K150 as it appears from the Fees structure
Can I apply for 2021/2022 intake
Applying for studying Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management for January 2022 intake.
Is it possible for me to be given a bursary at copperbelt university under barchelar of engineering in mining and geology with these grades; English language 6,Mathematics 3,Science 3,Biology 6,Civic education 6,Art and Design 6,Religious education 3 and Commerce 3?
I can’t see any computer science program ..can u kindly tell me what is required for me to be in a computer science program
Are there any entry requirements for special cases into a diploma programme, say in the school of mining engineering? (diploma in mining engineering).
WHEN ARE YOU CLOSING FOR 2025 INTAKE?