Historical Background
Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA), a parastatal institution offering higher learning in agricultural sciences, has become a fully-fledged university after government’s approval.
The transformation was announced at a ceremony held at the institution on Tuesday, November 12, and will see the new institution re-named the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The new university will operate as an independent entity as it was initially an associate institute of the University of Botswana.
The new university will have its own governing and operational structures such as the senate, chancellor, and vice-chancellor as well as academic and support staff. It would further have its own academic seal and qualifications. The Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi, who officially launched the university, called the transformation a milestone achievement, adding that it would open new opportunities for the institution, as the college status prevented BCA from reaching new heights.
“As a university, the image of BCA and its graduates will be greatly enhanced, enabling it to have more international recognition and appeal. The end result is the attraction and retention of highly skilled local and international academic staff, something which has been a challenge to the BCA because of its college status,” said the assistant minister.
He explained that when fully developed, the university will have a number of faculties that offer demand-driven programmes in agriculture and related disciplines. He also said the new university will have easier access to membership academic networks and associations such as the Association of African Universities,” said the assistant minister.
As a result of the transformation of the institution, which currently enrolls around 1 000 students, it is hoped it would be able to enroll up to 5 000 learners annually. Mr Molebatsi said the increase in enrolment will lead to an increase in the number of school leavers joining tertiary institutions and thus contributing significantly to the Vision 2016 pillar of an educated and informed nation.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, and also chairman of the BCA council, Dr Mucus Chimbombi hailed the transformation. He said it would create a new perspective for the university’s students and the agriculture sector in Botswana.
Our aim is to provide students with the tools and support needed for success in the agriculture industry.
Available BUAN Programmes
Bachelor of Science Degree Programmes
Duration: 4 years / 8 Semester E Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education
Bachelor of Science in Crop Science ( with streams in Agronomy and Horticulture)
Bachelor of Science in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Mechanization
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics
Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extensions
Bachelor of Science in Range Science
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Higher Diploma Programmes:
Duration: 3 years / 6 Semester
Higher Diploma in Agriculture
Higher Diploma in Animal Health and Production
Higher Diploma in Forestry and Range Ecology
BUAN Entry Requirements:
General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE OR IGCSE) Holders.
Applicants are required to:
• (i). Have taken at least five subjects including English Language E and Mathematics examinations or their equivalent and obtained;
Minimum grade E in English 17
Minimum grade C (credit) in Mathematics
• (ii). Have a minimum grade of C (credit) in at least two of Physics • Chemistry • Biology. Or Minimum grade BB, in Science Double Award
(iii). Have a minimum of grade D (Pass) in any other subjects. Minimum entry of English “E”
• The application fee is not charged
• Application must be supported by an official letter from the social and Community Development office
Get in touch with the management of the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources BUAN using the details below for further assistance;
Enquiries (+267) 3650330
Fax: (+267) 3928753
Admissions Office No. 003
Email: admissions@buan.ac.bw