If you are a student coming to Zimbabwe with dependents, this classification referring to a wife, husband, or a child, you are required to apply for a dependent permit which is separate from the study permit.

To apply you will need to provide to the International Students Advisor:

• Two photocopies of the biometric data page of the dependent’s passport and Identity Card (if they have one).
• A letter written by the applicant or on the applicant’s behalf addressed to the Principal Immigration Director of Zimbabwe clearly expressing the desire to apply for the dependant permit and a request for consideration.
• $300 dependent permit fee (Charged per dependent)

The Vacation Relief program is one that is run by the Dean of Student Affairs under the supervision of the International Students Advisor. It is designed to give a safe, comfortable and secure place for those international students who for various reasons are not able to return to their homes for the vacation. While this program is available to all who need it, spaces are highly limited and is only meant for those in dire need and without any other options.

Countries excluded from participation in the program due to their close proximity to Zimbabwe are:

1. Mozambique
2. Zambia
3. South Africa
4. Lesotho
5. Swaziland
6. Malawi
7. Namibia
8. Botswana

Parents and guardians of international students are strongly encouraged to make the necessary arrangements to be able to cater for their children’s board and meals should they be remaining on campus for the vacation for whatever reason or to be able to bring their children home for the holidays.

Application Process

An advertisement is flighted a month before the end of the semester for applications. Students must complete an application form that can be collected from the ISA and attach to this a photocopy of their study permit. The application time is usually one week.

Vacation Relief Requirements

Each student is allocated a station where they must repot to each morning without fail to be assigned various tasks to perform in the line of hygiene and sanitation, grounds maintenance, basic office administration, farming or laboratory work for a period not exceeding five hours daily.

This service is delivered by the student for triple occupancy accommodation and meals (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) amounting to $6 per day.

Rules and Regulations

Each student who has applied for VRP must:

1. Report for work on time as set forth by the duty station manager
2. Perform all duties diligently and in a manner that is respectful to their fellow students and the university displaying the character of leadership and discipline that is inherently within each student enrolled at the university.
3. Sign in to their duty stations at the start of work and sign out at the end of work thus completing the day’s obligations.
4. Advise their supervisor in good time to excuse themselves from the day’s duties should they have another engagement, failure to do so will result in an accumulation of days not worked for which the student must reimburse the university at the beginning of the semester.

I am a fully registered student but hold a study permit from another institution in Zimbabwe. Is this legal?

Whether you are a continuing student or a first year, as soon as you transfer to Africa University, you must change your study permit to one that is issued for this institution. If you find yourself in this situation you will be assisted by the ISA office to change your permit to that of this university. While not illegal for you, it poses serious risks to the integrity and reputation of the university and your fellow students and can also potentially lead to complications with your future permit renewal process both with the university and Zimbabwe Immigration Services. Please change this as soon as possible if this is your case.

I am registered but my permit has expired. What should I do?

Holding a permit that has long since expired changes your status immediately illegal and makes liable for deportation by the government of Zimbabwe. The worst thing you can do in this situation is to panic and conceal this information. This can cause you unnecessary stress and anxiety that can adversely affect your studies. As soon as you notice that your permit has expired it is crucial that you notify the ISA as soon as possible. You must then produce the necessary documents to the ISA. You will very likely receive a fine of $100 in addition to the statutory fee of $200 that you must pay for renewal. Again, you are highly encouraged to note your permit expiry dates and apply three months before.

My documents have been stolen and I have lost my Passport and Study Permit. What procedures do I follow to get a new one?

You will need to go to the Zimbabwe Republic Police to file a report stating that your permit has been stolen. You will then be issued with an official document (Police Report) from the ZRP which will assist them in finding your lost property but is also an officially recognized document detailing what has happened. Take this police report to the immigration offices where they will issue you with a temporary replacement. You must then report to your embassy or consulate if you have also lost your passport for further assistance in acquiring a replacement. You should also notify the ISA so that your personal file is updated.

I need a letter from the university to open a bank account. How do I get one?

Simply bring a copy of your current registration form for the semester as well as a photocopy of your current study permit to the ISA office to apply for the Proof of Enrolment Letter that takes about two working days to process.

While these FAQ’s are in no way exhaustive and you will likely have many questions not answered here , they do cover the most pertinent issues and how to address them. If you need any more information or would like clarification on any of these or other issues, the ISA office is always open and there to serve you .We aim to ensure your stay in Zimbabwe is pleasant and that you achieve what each of you individually have set out to accomplish which is to improve on yourselves and become leaders in your communities.