List of Best Medical Schools in Zambia 2026
In this article, we have compiled the list of the best medical schools in Zambia for 2026.
Almost every country has a medical school. The health system of a nation is dependent on the presence of a medical school. In fact, the overall well-being of a nation is dependent on a medical school. A medical school is a tertiary educational institution, or part of such an institution, that teaches medicine and awards a professional degree for physicians and surgeons. Such medical degrees include the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, MBChB, BMBS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Some medical schools also offer additional degrees such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master’s degree (M.Sc), or a physician assistant program.
Some medical schools also carry out medical research and operate teaching hospitals. It is no news that the criteria for admission to medical school is very competitive. Some require standardized exam scores, grade point averages, and leadership roles after undergraduate study before admission, while others admit students directly from secondary school. The criteria, structure, teaching methodology, and nature of medical programs vary from country to country.
In this article, we take a close look at the best medical schools in Zambia.
Zambia is an African country located in the south-central part of the continent. Its capital city is Lusaka and it has a population of over 20 million people. Zambia currently has several accredited medical schools registered with the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. In Zambia, a student with strong O-Level and A-Level results stands the best chance of gaining admission into medical school, especially at the highly competitive University of Zambia and Copperbelt University. It takes a minimum of 5 to 7 years to complete a medical degree in Zambia.
LIST OF THE BEST MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN ZAMBIA
1. University of Zambia School of Medicine (UNZASOM)
The University of Zambia is a public university located in Lusaka, Zambia. It is Zambia’s largest and oldest learning institution, established in 1965 and officially opened on 12 July 1966. Its medical school, the University of Zambia School of Medicine (UNZASOM), is the country’s first public medical school. The school provides medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Its campus is located in the Ridgeway area of Lusaka, in close proximity to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). As of 2011, UNZASOM had graduated approximately 1,200 physicians and surgeons since its inception.
The School of Medicine is organised into four schools: the School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Public Health.
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
Postgraduate Courses
- Master of Medicine in Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Orthopaedic Surgery
- Master of Science (various specialisations)
2. Copperbelt University School of Medicine (CUSOM)
Copperbelt University is a public university in Kitwe, Zambia, and is the second-largest public university in the country. Its medical school, the Copperbelt University School of Medicine (CUSOM), is the country’s second public medical school and the first to be located outside Lusaka. CUSOM is situated in Ndola, in close proximity to Ndola Central Hospital. It is also the first medical school in Zambia to offer courses in dentistry.
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Postgraduate Courses
- Master of Science
- Master of Medicine
- Doctor of Science
3. Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU)
Levy Mwanawasa Medical University is a public medical university established in 2018 and named after Zambia’s late President Levy Mwanawasa. Despite being the youngest public medical institution in Zambia, it has grown rapidly and now boasts a teaching hospital, four faculties, and over 30 diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes. LMMU is fully accredited by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ). It is located in Lusaka.
For the full list of courses offered, visit the LMMU official website.
4. Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU)
Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU) is a privately owned specialised medical university in Zambia, founded by eight Zambian professionals and incorporated in 2008. It was established to address the shortage of qualified medical personnel in Southern Africa. LAMU offers the largest number of medical courses among private institutions in Zambia.
Pre-Medical Foundation Programme
- Covers Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at A-Level standards
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Anaesthesia
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Radiography
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Postgraduate Courses
- Master of Medicine in Clinical Oncology
- Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in Physiotherapy
5. University of Lusaka School of Medicine (UNILUS)
The University of Lusaka (UNILUS) is a modern private university situated in Lusaka, Zambia, known for its focus on excellence in research, education, and training. Its School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Courses Offered
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
6. Cavendish University Zambia School of Medicine (CUZ)
Cavendish University Zambia (CUZ) is a private university located in Lusaka, affiliated with Cavendish International Limited in London. Its School of Medicine is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in educating and training healthcare workers for Zambia and the broader Southern Africa region.
Programmes Offered
- Medical School Foundation Programme
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
7. Texila American University Zambia
Texila American University (TAU) is a private university established in Zambia in 2016. It is approved by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), and is listed with the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI). The university offers career-focused medical and management programmes and is also affiliated with international accreditation bodies.
Programmes Offered
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Diploma in Nursing
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Diploma in Pharmacy
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
Zambia is steadily improving its medical education landscape. As a Zambian or international student considering a medical school in Zambia, you are well covered if you meet the entry requirements. The process is rigorous, so ensure you have strong O-Level and A-Level results, particularly in English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
See also: How To Become A Medical Doctor In Zambia
Hullo greetings, am writing from uganda. I hold degree in health service management and diploma in clinical medicine and community health. i would loike to upgrade my skills. How do i apply and join your institution, especially in medicine?
Rampoi Matete,
Greetings, I’m from South Africa and has a son who has just completed his matric last year in 2024, and he is interested to study Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. I would therefore like to know the grades required for his admission and the commencement of first year Medicine course, preferably in Lusaka