HARARE – The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) is intensifying efforts to shut down illegal institutions issuing fraudulent degrees, including fake PhDs. The regulatory body has raised concerns over a growing network of unregistered colleges operating without accreditation, jeopardizing the integrity of Zimbabwe’s education system.
In an official statement, ZIMCHE condemned these illegal operations, warning that they mislead students, deceive employers, and undermine genuine academic achievements. Several institutions have already been served closure orders, but some continue to defy regulations, enrolling unsuspecting students and awarding counterfeit qualifications.
A major issue is the fraudulent use of academic titles, with individuals falsely claiming to be “Doctors” or “Professors” based on bogus credentials. While some are victims of these scams, others knowingly exploit fake degrees to boost their professional or social standing. ZIMCHE has warned that those issuing or using fraudulent qualifications risk civil and criminal prosecution under the ZIMCHE Act (Chapter 25:27).
To protect students and employers, ZIMCHE urges thorough verification of academic credentials. The public has also been cautioned about diploma mills that frequently change locations to avoid detection. Authorities have launched investigations and vowed to take legal action against violators to preserve the credibility of Zimbabwe’s higher education sector.
Accredited Universities in Zimbabwe
For students seeking legitimate qualifications, ZIMCHE recognizes the following accredited institutions:
State Universities
• Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE)
• Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)
• Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)
• Gwanda State University (GSU)
• Harare Institute of Technology (HIT)
• Lupane State University (LSU)
• Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS)
• Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST)
• Midlands State University (MSU)
• National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
• University of Zimbabwe (UZ)
• Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU)
• Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)
• The Pan African University of Minerals Processing (PAUMP)
Private Universities
• Africa University (AU)
• Arrupe Jesuit University (AJU)
• Catholic University in Zimbabwe (CUZ)
• Reformed Church University (RCU)
• Solasi University (SU)
• Women’s University in Africa (WUA)
• Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU)
Intergovernmental Institutions
• Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI)
Students and employers are encouraged to verify the accreditation of institutions before enrollment or employment to avoid falling victim to academic fraud.
