Study in Lesotho

The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) oversees higher education policy, while the Council on Higher Education (CHE) supports quality assurance. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and their programmes should have the required CHE and MOET approval. CHE accreditation normally involves programme accreditation and an institutional audit. Check the current institution and programme status in CHE or LQMIS records before applying or paying fees because accreditation status and deadlines can change. Public institutions include the National University of Lesotho (NUL), Lerotholi Polytechnic, Lesotho College of Education (LCE), Centre for Accounting Studies (CAS), Institute of Development Management (IDM), Lesotho Agricultural College (LAC) and Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management (LIPAM). Private institutions include Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), Paray School of Nursing, Botho University, Lesotho Boston Health Alliance (LeBoHA), Scott School of Nursing, Maluti Adventist College (MAC) and Roma College of Nursing. The suitable provider depends on the programme, its accreditation, entry requirements and the recognition needed after graduation. Common pathways begin with an LGCSE, COSC or accepted equivalent and continue through a certificate, diploma or degree. A bachelor's qualification can lead to a postgraduate diploma, master's degree or PhD. Institutions may offer bridging programmes, and NUL also provides faculty and institute pathways through the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS). Regulated professions may require a separate professional council registration, while specialised programmes may involve regional or international institutions. Admission requirements depend on the programme and institution. NUL publishes annual requirements, prospectuses and admission lists. One published NUL reference baseline for LGCSE applicants lists six subjects, at least four C grades including English, two D grades and a maximum APS of 26; the requirements for the 2026/27 intake require separate verification. International or foreign certificates may require a CHE qualification evaluation. Applications can require an online form, certified certificates and transcripts, identification, a birth certificate, references or other programme-specific evidence. The Lesotho Qualifications Framework (LQF) is the national framework for academic, technical, vocational, short and partial qualifications. It has ten levels and supports qualification design, admission, recognition and mobility. It does not remove the admission rules of an individual institution or the separate registration requirements of a regulated profession. NMDS funding is a partially reimbursable loan bursary, not an automatic benefit attached to admission. Eligibility generally depends on being Basotho, entering an approved or sponsored programme and meeting the current priority-field, quota, need or performance rules. The application is normally made through the sponsored institution, which submits an admission list to NMDS. Regional or international applications can require proof of application, certified certificates and transcripts, identification, a birth certificate, an NMDS statement or bank proof, a CHE evaluation where relevant and a CV. Applicants with disabilities may also need motivation letters from the applicant, an association or the institution. There is no universal NUL bursary, and the funding contract can create repayment duties. Fees are denominated in maloti and depend on the institution, programme and academic year. Possible charges include application, registration, tuition, residence, examinations, transcripts and late fees. At NUL, financial clearance is required for academic registration, residence and class attendance. Students generally pay in full before registration or use instalments approved by management. Institutions publish their own fee schedules and payment deadlines. Academic calendars also differ. NUL's academic year normally runs from July to June in two semesters. NUL allows course additions, deletions or substitutions within three weeks, or 21 days, after classes begin; later changes can attract a late fee. Examination timetables are usually published about two weeks before examinations. Readmission is treated like a new application, and the NUL FAQ gives 31 March as a reference deadline. Current notices from the institution, its website or the District Education Offices take priority over older dates. During study, students follow the institution's rules on course registration, attendance, assessment and examinations. Results may be released through a portal, SMS or institutional notices, while Student Records issues transcripts. Tutors, deans, Student Affairs and the Students' Representative Council (SRC) can provide academic advice, representation or support under the institution's own rules. Residence depends on available capacity and residence regulations. After completion, the institution issues a certificate, diploma or degree and transcript. CHE verification or evaluation may be needed for employment, further study or recognition of a local or foreign qualification. The 2024 CHE fee schedule lists M550 for verification of a local qualification, M650 for verification of a foreign qualification, M2,500 for evaluation of a local qualification and M3,500 for evaluation of a foreign qualification; current fees should be checked before payment. An employer or professional council may require an additional recognition or registration step.