No more hurdles as Zimbabwe recognises degrees earned from Russia

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwean graduates from Russia can now directly apply their qualifications for local jobs, eliminating the need for lengthy conversion processes.

This significant development comes after an agreement on mutual recognition of qualifications signed by Zimbabwe’s Higher Education Minister, Amon Murwira, during his visit to Russia.

Minister Murwira’s participation in the World Youth Festival in Sochi presented an opportunity to solidify ties between the two nations.

Previously, Zimbabwean graduates returning from Russia faced the hurdle of having their degrees re-evaluated before being deemed valid for local employment. This new agreement streamlines the process, allowing graduates to seamlessly transition into the Zimbabwean workforce.

“We signed an agreement in mutual recognition of qualification, which means our education system has been made interoperable.

“If you graduate here (in Russia), at home it is an automatic recognition. If you come from Zimbabwe with a Zimbabwean qualification and enter the education system here without question, the only difference is that when you come here you might need to learn the Russian language.

“Someone who graduates from here can automatically go into our systems. In the past it was not like that, we signed that agreement two years ago, so a person had to be re-evaluated before a person had to be evaluated in Zimbabwe. But we have made that breakthrough,” Murwira said.

The Minister also visited educational institutions like Sochi University and Sirius University, further strengthening the educational bridge between the two countries. He said his discussions with the Russian Science and Higher Education Minister focused on expanding collaborative efforts in the educational sphere.

Meanwhile, Zimche has said that following a review of the accreditation status of various foreign higher education institutions, seven were struck off the list, but there were no reasons given.

“This notice serves to inform the public that the following institutions are no longer accredited with Zimche; Girne American University (Northern Cyprus), Sharda University of India, Parul University (India), Near East University (Northern Cyprus), University of Kyrenia (Northern Cyprus), The European University of Lefke (Northern Cyprus) and University of Nicosia (Northern Cyprus).

“In light of the development, we strongly advise members of the public to verify the accreditation status of foreign universities they intend to enrol with or consider for their children’s university education,” Zimche said.

The council added that studying at an unaccredited institution may result in financial loss and also has serious implications for one’s academic qualifications and career prospects.