Study abroad
Study in Botswana
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Botswana
Higher education in Botswana, in Southern Africa, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in mining, conservation and tourism, which is reflected in many study options. English is used in much of higher education, although it is worth checking the language of each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Botswana?
There is no single reason to study in Botswana. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in Southern Africa, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Industry context: Mining, conservation and tourism matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Hospitality, Tourism & Events, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Gaborone, Francistown and Maun each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Botswana means everyday contact with English and Setswana and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Botswana
These subject areas are a useful starting point for students looking at Botswana. They are editorial suggestions based on the country’s wider economy and institutions, not a ranking.
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Business & Management
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Computing & Information Technology
Courses connected to mining, conservation and tourism can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Botswana on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Botswana
- University of BotswanaGaborone, Botswana
- THE 2026 1001–1200
- Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)Boseja, Botswana
- THE 2026 1201–1500
Scholarships to Study in Botswana
Some international students in Botswana receive scholarships or grants, but availability depends on where you come from and what you plan to study.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Botswana
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Botswana
Academic calendars in Botswana differ between institutions and programmes, so there is no single start date that applies everywhere.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Botswana
There is no single price for studying in Botswana. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Botswana
Most international students need permission to study in Botswana, such as a student visa or residence permit, before their course begins.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Botswana in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Botswana
Day-to-day costs in Botswana are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Gaborone can differ noticeably from those in Francistown or Maun and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Botswana
Is Botswana a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Botswana offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Southern Africa and study in English and Setswana. Students interested in mining, conservation and tourism may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Botswana?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Business & Management. The subjects page for Botswana lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Botswana?
Start dates vary between institutions. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Botswana?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Botswana?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Botswana.
Are scholarships available for international students in Botswana?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Botswana?
Gaborone, Francistown and Maun are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
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