Historical Background
Botswana Open University (BOU) is a result of the transformation of Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL). The transformation was the actualisation of the recommendation of the Tertiary Education Policy that a comprehensive national distance education institution be established. The institution would develop, offer and accredit university level programmes independently without being tied to collaborating partners. Botswana Open University was developed to meet the growing local demand for ODL tertiary level programmes.
The Presidential Directive CAB 37 A of 2011 paved way to BOCODOL’s transformation into an Open University. Subsequently, the Botswana Open University Bill was presented to Parliament and ultimately passed on the 20th July 2017. The Act was consequently signed into law by His Excellency the President of the Botswana, Lt General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama. The transformation to an Open University marks a major milestone in the development of Education for Botswana and a significant step towards realising Botswana’s vision of an educated nation, which also emphasises on the elimination of poverty through the provision of knowledge and skills. BOU is founded in accordance to the Act of Parliament prevailing over the former Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL).
The University’s mandate is to make education accessible to all Batswana especially for the out of school young and adults using Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodology. Open learning seeks to break down the barriers to personal development by providing flexible learning environments, enabling people to study what is relevant to their needs, at a time and place convenient to them. The University aims to extend education and training using open and distance learning methods on a national scale.
BOU offerings will encompass programmes from school equivalency which comprise; Junior Certificate (JC) and the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) to the vocational, management and professional programmes at certificate diploma, degrees and postgraduate levels.
The Botswana Open University has its Headquarters in Gaborone, five Campuses in Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun and Kang. Each campus serves as an administrative support center and provides learner support through the learning centres strategically located across the country.
Our Vision
Vision Statement – A vision is an image of the organisation’s desired goal. It gives shape and direction to an organisation’s future. It further assists with the setting of goals and milestones that move an organisation closer to the desired future state. BOU’s vision statement is as follows:
“To inspire excellence and present life-long learning opportunities globally.”
Our Mission
Mission Statement – The mission or core purpose defines what the organisation exists to do. The “mission” or “core purpose” of an organisation represents the fundamental reason for the organisation’s existence – its raison d’être. BOU’s mission statement is stated below:
“To provide quality education, research and community engagement through open and distance learning solutions.”
Our Core Values
The following are the defined University values:
- Innovation
- Student Centredness
- Excellence
- Inclusivity
- Collegiality
Academic Departments
- Human Resources
- Financial Services
- Corporate Relations & Marketing
- IT Services
- Academic Registry
- Student Affairs and Welfare (DSAW)
- Legal Services Office
- Strategy Office
- Internal Audit
- Facilities & Administration
- Procurement
- SADC-CDE
Campuses
- Gaborone Regional Campus
- Francistown Regional Campus
- Maun Regional Campus
- Palapye Regional Campus
- Kang Regional Campus
Below are the courses offered by the Botswana Open University and their basic entry criteria;
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
| 1. Certificate in Distance Education (formerly CDEP) – Offered at Gaborone Regional Campus. | Minimum 1 year and3 years maximum | Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or its equivalent, with at least a pass in four subjects, one of which should be EnglishThe applicant shall be a practitioner in a distance education organisationComputer literacy and internet knowledge and connectivity is a requirement as the course is offered only online |
| 2. Certificate in Disaster Management (CDM) –Offered at Gaborone and Francistown Regional Campuses. | Minimum 1 year and3 years maximum | At least a pass in six subjects at the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or its equivalent,OR Junior Certificate (JC), supported with relevant working experience. The applicant shall be computer literate, have access to a computer and internet connectivity. |
| 3. Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth (CBWCY) – Offered atall Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun and Kang. | 1 Year | Minimum Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) plus relevant work experience working with children and youth in a given organisation. The applicant shall be computer literate, have access to a computer and internet connectivity. |
| 4. Certificate in Small Scale Business Management (SSBM)-Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun and Kang. | 1 Semester | The course targets people already in business and those who aspire to set up their own businesses.The minimum entry requirement is the Botswana Junior Certificate or its equivalent. At least two years of relevant experience in business will be an added advantage. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. |
| 5. Certificate in Vocational Education and Training (CVET) –offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang) | 1 Semester | The course targets candidates who have the interest to be accredited as Trainers. These are people who have no skills and competencies in training but are planning to have them. The course has eight units to be covered and upon completion of the training, the candidate can apply for Assessment. Upon successfully meeting all the assessment criteria the candidate will be awarded a Certificate in Vocational Education and Training. The full details about the course can be accessed from the university website at www.bou.ac.bw. |
| 6. Certificate in English for Professional Purposes – Offeredat Gaborone Regional Campus, | 2 Semesters | Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), or its equivalent, plus some professional training, OR the Junior Certificate (JC), supported with working experience of at least two years, and professional rank, where applicable. |
| 7. Diploma in Human Resources Management– Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang. | 2 years | At least a pass in four subjects at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent plus credits (Grade C or better) in Mathematics and English Language, ORAt least a pass in four subjects at BGCSE or equivalent plus a certificate in Human Resources Management, or any other related course/programme completed from a recognized institution JC plus (5) five years of relevant experience and a certificate in Human Resources Management, or any other related course/programme completed from a recognized institution. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. |
| 8. Diploma in Business Management – Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang. | 2 years | At least a pass in four subjects at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent plus credits (Grade C or better) in Mathematics and English Language, ORAt least a pass in four subjects at BGCSE or equivalent plus a certificate in Business Management, or any other related business course/programme completed from a recognized institution ORJC plus (5) five years relevant experience and a certificate in Business Management or any other related course/programme completed from a recognized institution. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. | ||
| 9. Diploma in Integrated Early Childhood Development – Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang. | 2 years minimum and 4 years maximum. | JC and a Certificate in Early Childhood and 2 years of relevant work experience, OR A pass in at least four (4) subjects at BGCSE or its equivalent and relevant work experience Current employment in an Early Childhood setting is a requirement. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. | ||
| 10. BEd – Integrated Early Childhood Development – Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang. | 2 years minimum and 4 years maximum. | A Diploma in Integrated Early Childhood Development (DIECD) or Early Childhood Education OR Any related diploma qualification awarded by other universities or institutions is acceptable to BOU. Computer literacy and internet usage as the programme is offered online Proficiency in English language applicant shall be computer literate, and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. | ||
| 11. B.Ed.- Primary -Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang. | 2 years minimum and 4 years minimum. | A Diploma in Primary Education (DPE) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience Computer literacy and internet usage as the programme is offered online Proficiency in the English language The applicant should be computer literate and have access to a computer and Internet connectivity. | ||
| 12. Bed – Special and Inclusive Education Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Kang, Palapye, and Maun Regional Campuses. | 2 years minimum and 4 years. maximum | Diploma in Education (Primary, Secondary, Special Education, and Integrated Early Childhood) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience Computer literacy and internet usage as the programme is offered online Proficiency in the English language The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. | ||
| 13. Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resources and Industrial Relations) – Offered at all Regional Campuses; Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, Maun, and Kang. | 3 and half years. | (i) At least a pass in five subjects at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent with a Grade C or better in both English and Mathematics. OR At least a pass in five subjects at BGCSE and a certificate, preferably in Human Resources Management or any other business course/programme completed from a recognized institution. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. | ||
| 14. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship (BBE) – Offered at Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Palapye Regional Campuses. | 3 and half years. | (i) At least a pass in five subjects at BGCSE or equivalent with a Grade C or better in both English and Mathematics. OR At least a pass in five subjects at BGCSE and a certificate, preferably in Business Studies or any other related course/programme completed from a recognized institution. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. | ||
| Inspire Tomorrow, Today |
| 15. Bachelor of Business Administration (Leadership and Change Management (BBA LCM) – offered at Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Palapye Regional Campuses. | 3 and half years. | At least a pass in five subjects at BGCSE or equivalent with a Grade C or better in both English and Mathematics. OR At least a pass in five subjects at BGCSE and a certificate, preferably in Business Studies or any other related course/programme completed from a recognized institution. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. |
| 16. Master of Education- Educational Leadership– Offered at Gaborone and Maun Regional Campuses. | 2 years minimum and 5 years maximum | Bachelor’s degree, preferably education-related. Working in the education and/or training field for two or more years. Proficient in English which is the language of instruction. The applicant shall be computer literate & have access to internet connectivity as the programme is offered online. Preference will be given to those in leadership positions |
| 17. Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CEMPA) – Offered at Gaborone Regional Campus. | 2 years minimum and 5 years maximum | Relevant and related undergraduate degree with good standing A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience A working knowledge of the English language at the post-graduate studies level functioning in an executive position will be an added advantage where necessary, the University may require applicants to sit an admission test, and the applicant should score a satisfactory grade in the test. The application should be accompanied by; A comprehensive curriculum vitae, a short covering letter stating the programme that you want to be considered for, and describing how acquiring the programme qualification will be of relevance to you or any other beneficiaries of your choice. The applicant shall be computer literate and have access to a computer and internet connectivity. |
| 18. Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) – Offered at Gaborone Regional Campus. | ||
| 19. Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Assurance in Education– Offered at Gaborone Regional Campus. | 1-year minimum and 2 years maximum | A first degree, preferably in education or equivalent A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience in an educational environment. Computer literacy and access to internet connectivity as the programme is offered online Proficiency in the English language |
Application Requirements and Procedures
- Applications should be done online through the University website at www.bou.ac.bw under Online Services.
- BEFORE completing applications, applicants should carefully read the Guidelines for Applications and Payment on the University website.
- Applicants may use the computer rooms at the University Regional Campuses OR Internet Cafes to process their applications.
- Certified copies of certificates, identification documents and either results slips or transcripts should accompany the application following the online Application Guidelines. Please make sure that you have scanned soft copies of these documents before you start the process of applying. Please note that online attachment of these documents is core as these are used to assess your eligibility for admission.
- Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of P67.00 online. Application fees paid after closing date or without authorization by the University shall be forfeited
Only successful applicants will be responded to. Please note that there are set quotas and admission will be on a first come first served basis.
Contact Us
The following are contact numbers at your Regional Campus where you can further make inquiries on issues of your interest
– Francistown 241 8383
– Gaborone 364 6100 / 364 6150
– Kang 651 7248
– Maun 686 5621
– Palapye 492 4024
For online Services-related issues, please send mail to helpdesk@staff.bou.ac.bw