At least 13,000 Zimbabwean students are currently enrolled in universities across Poland, Sheila Chikomo, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, told Parliament recently.
Chikomo was responding to a question from Emakhandeni-Luveve MP Descent Bajila in the National Assembly. Bajila had inquired about the accreditation of the universities attended by these students.
Chikomo said Zimbabwean students were drawn to Poland by the affordable tuition fees and the potential for further migration to other attractive destinations within Europe. Said Chikomo:
<blockquote>
The report of significant population of Zimbabweans residing in Poland comprises not only students but also truck drivers who have been attracted to Poland for various opportunities and disperse throughout Poland. Poland serves as a gateway to Europe and the United Kingdom.
In terms of figures, current estimates are that they are around 13,000 Zimbabwean students in Poland.
</blockquote>
Chikomo explained that it is difficult to determine the exact number of Zimbabwean students in Poland, as some have made private arrangements to study there and have not contacted the Zimbabwean Embassy in Germany. She said:
<blockquote>
This has made it difficult for our actual figure of Zimbabweans living in Poland. So far, the exercise to ascertain the number has not yielded any desired results.
This will then mean that it requires that for the whole Embassy to accurately determine the number of Zimbabweans in Poland they should travel for some days to conduct a comprehensive study in that country.
</blockquote>
She further said one of the key factors attracting many foreigners, including Zimbabweans, to Poland is the relatively low university fees, which are approximately $3,500 per year. Said Chikomo:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwean students in Poland are registered with the Policy Ministry of Science Higher Tertiary Education and enrolled in different universities with Vincent Pol University (VPU) in Lublin being one of the most prominent options.
VPU is officially registered with the Policy Ministry of Science Higher Tertiary Education, allowing it to recognise Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Notably, VPU has recently seen about 300 Zimbabwean students graduate in the last year.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/13000-zimbabwean-students-studying-in-poland-says-minister/">ZimLive</a>

Pindula News

At least 13,000 students from Zimbabwe are studying in universities in Poland. They are attracted by affordable tuition fees and the opportunity to move to other parts of Europe. It is hard to know the exact number because some students make private arrangements. The Vincent Pol University in Lublin is a popular choice for Zimbabwean students. The university is approved by the Ministry of Science, allowing students to earn degrees. About 300 Zimbabwean students graduated from the university last year. Overall, Zimbabweans are finding opportunities and education in Poland, making it a popular destination for them.

"13,000 Zimbabwean Students Currently Studying In Polish Universities"

The number of Zimbabwean students enrolled at United States colleges and universities has increased by 18.7% over the previous academic year, the US Embassy in Zimbabwe has revealed.
In <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zimbabwean-students-flock-to-us-universities/">a statement</a> released on Monday, the Embassy said growing numbers of Zimbabweans are choosing U.S. higher education, citing the 2023 Open Doors Report issued by the Institute of International Education. It said:
<blockquote>
With a reported 1,789 Zimbabwean higher education students in the United States for the 2022/23 academic year, Zimbabwe is the second leading country in sub-Saharan Africa, per capita, and the sixth in the overall number of students in the United States.
The number of Zimbabwean undergraduate students increased by 24.4%, representing one of the largest increases among all sub-Saharan African nations.
</blockquote>
The Embassy attributed the increase to a combination of factors, including strong academic, athletic, and creative scholarships, comprehensive support from the EducationUSA program, and robust exchange programs that facilitate academic and professional exchange opportunities. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The United States remains in the top three destination countries for Zimbabweans studying abroad, after South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The growing interest of Zimbabweans studying in the United States affirms the strong bonds between the people of Zimbabwe and the United States.
Of Zimbabweans studying in the United States, 51.4% are undergraduates, 29.4% are graduate students, and 17% are involved in optional practical training (OPT), with the remaining students enrolled in non-degree programs.
Several factors contribute to the success of Zimbabwean students’ applications and acceptance to U.S. institutions.
Academic, athletic, and creative scholarships provide a pathway for many students. The U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA program provides information and guidance to students interested in pursuing tertiary studies in the United States.
Four EducationUSA advisors in Harare, Gweru, Mutare, and Bulawayo help students identify the best fit for their needs among the thousands of diverse options in the United States.
EducationUSA also provides Opportunity Funds to select high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to remove application and travel-related financial barriers.
The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe also maintains robust exchange programs that enable Zimbabweans to travel to the United States for academic and professional exchange and prioritizes visa appointments for student and exchange visitors.
In the past decade, more than 500 Zimbabweans have participated in the U.S. Fulbright Program, a fully funded academic exchange that represents just a fraction of the Embassy’s nearly two dozen exchange programs.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Students Flock To American Universities

An estimated 10 000 young Zimbabweans are reportedly enrolled at Zambian colleges and universities.
Parents and students who spoke to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/10-000-zimbabwe-students-flock-to-zambia/">The Mirror</a> claimed that Zambian universities are generally cheaper and fees are paid in the local currency which is stable, unlike the Zimbabwe dollar.
In Zambia, fees start from as little as $300 per semester and the quality of education on offer is reported to be higher than what is offered in Zimbabwe.
Moreover, some students said Zimbabwean universities’s primary focus is no longer on providing quality education but on making money.
An engineering student left a local State university in the second year and went to Zambia saying one can finish a degree programme in Zimbabwe without ever setting foot in a workshop.
The Mirror established that Lusaka Health Institute alone has an estimated 123 first, second and third-year nursing students.
Joseph Mukina, an agent who processes applications for Zimbabwean students, said that there are at least 200 Zimbabwean students in each of the 58 institutes of higher learning that he deals with.
This brings the total number of Zimbabwean students in the country to over 11 000.
The Mirror also reported a source at Chirundu Border Post as saying “the flood” of Zimbabwean students crossing into Zambia at the start of new semesters cannot be ignored anymore.
However, the Minister of Higher Education, Amon Murwira said he saw nothing wrong with Zimbabweans going to Zambia to further their education. Said Murwira:
<blockquote>
People would want to twist the story to suit their narrative, but the truth is that everyone has his own choice.
We have a lot of Zimbabweans studying in China and other countries and we also have a lot of Zambians in our institutions of higher learning.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Mukina said some of the popular institutions are Africa University, Cavendish University (Lusaka), Central African Baptist University, Chreso University, Copperstone University, Eden University, Gideon Robert University, Information and Communications University (ICU), Lusaka Apex Medical University, Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) (Lusaka), Rusangu University, South Valley University, St. Bonaventure University, Texila American University Zambia, UNICAF University, University of Lusaka, Victoria Falls University of Technology (VFU), Zambia Catholic University and Zambian Open University
He also claimed he processes hundreds of applications every month from Zimbabweans seeking enrolment at Zambian colleges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

10 000 Zimbabwean Students Migrate To Zambia

A Zimbabwean student who is pursuing medical studies at Vincent Pol University in Poland has launched a shoe-cleaning company in the east European country.
Nqobani Sibanda (22), launched the “Shoe Laundry by Que” on 6 January this year in Lublin, Poland with the aim of providing a shoe cleaning and customising service.
The launch was facilitated by an African-run business initiative called the Entrepreneurs Networking Forum, an organisation founded by Poland-based Zimbabwean poet, author and publisher, Mthulisi Ndlovu.
The Entrepreneurs Networking Forum says its focus is to empower international citizens in the diaspora and enhance entrepreneurial collaborations.
Sibanda said <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bulawayo-youth-launches-shoe-cleaning-company-in-poland/">told the Chronicle</a> that the launch was made possible through long-term investments and perseverance. He said:
<blockquote>
I have been saving for this business for the past two or so years and finally reached the target of my capital investment.
I actually started saving up a bit before I even settled in Europe and the success of everything is also owed to the support that I got from close friends and family who chose to invest in my vision.
We are four guys and we clean all types of shoes from formal to casual sneakers. Honestly, we were not prepared for such a response from so many clients.
So far, we have received positive feedback and ratings, a clear sign that people appreciate our services.
My friends and relatives have been forthcoming and we have received so much support from Vincent Pol University, which also endorsed our brand, therefore enhancing confidence and broadening the sphere of potential clientele.
… In shoe customisation, we do specific desired paintings on shoes or change shoe colours.
This enhances cultural exchange and fosters diversity, tolerance, and general exhibition of the richness of our creative African history.
There is so much power in this form of storytelling as we incorporate it with fashion designs.
</blockquote>
Sibanda said on average, they clean 30 pairs per week.
Sibanda did his education at Inkanyezi Primary School in Lobengula suburb, Inyathi High and Tennyson Hlabangana High School.
He said he was raised by a single parent and routinely sold food items on the streets with his brother.

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