If you want flexible, accessible, and career-focused education, the Botswana Open University (BOU) 2026/27 intake offers a wide range of programmes designed to fit your schedule and learning needs. With fully online delivery, you study from anywhere while gaining recognised qualifications across certificate, diploma, degree, and postgraduate levels. Whether you are starting your academic journey or advancing your career, BOU provides structured programmes, practical knowledge, and the support you need to succeed in today’s digital learning environment.
Certificate Programmes
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Certificate in Digital Entrepreneurship (DE) | 1 Year Minimum 2 years Maximum | (i) The minimum entry requirement is the Botswana Junior Certificate or its equivalent. (ii) At least two years relevant experience in business will be an added advantage. |
| 2. Certificate in Distance Education (CDE) | 1 Year Minimum 3 Years Maximum | The ideal candidates for this programme should possess the following: • The minimum entry requirement is Certificate IV, NCQF Level 4 (General Education or TVET) OR • A recognised senior secondary certificate (COSC, BGCSE, IGCSE, O’ level, Matric etc) • The participant should be a practitioner in a distance education organisation or an aspirant for the same. |
| 3. Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth (CBWCY) | 1 Year Minimum 18 Months Maximum | (i) Minimum Junior Certificate Education (JCE) plus Relevant work experience working with children and youth in a given organisation. |
| 4. Certificate in Vocational Education and Training (CVET) | 1 Year Minimum 2 Years Maximum | (i) The minimum entry requirements is Certificate IV, NCQF Level 4. (ii) Professionals and experts with knowledge and content about the subject matter, but without qualification on pedagogical skills related to teaching, learning and assessment. (iii) Learners who do not have the minimum academic qualifications stated will be considered for access through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). |
| 5. Certificate in English for Professional Purposes (EPP) | 1 Year Minimum 2 Years Maximum | The minimum entry requirement is: (i) Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), or its equivalent, plus some professional training, OR (ii) the Junior Certificate (JC), supported with working experience of at least two years, and professional rank, where applicable. |
Diploma Programmes
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 6. Diploma in Human Resources Management (DHUM) | 3 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) At least 4 passes at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent plus credits (Grade C or better) in Mathematics and English Language, OR (ii) At least 4 passes at BGCSE or equivalent plus a certificate in Human Resources Management, or any other related course/programme completed from a recognised institution OR (iii) JC plus (2) two years relevant experience and a certificate in Human Resources Management, or any other related course/programme completed from a recognised institution. (iii) Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience. |
| 7. Diploma in Business Management (DBUSM) | 3 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) At least 4 passes at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent plus credits (Grade C or better) in Mathematics and English Language; OR (ii) At least 4 passes at BGCSE or equivalent plus a certificate in Business Management, or any other related business course/programme completed from a recognised institution OR (iii) JC plus (2) two years relevant experience and a certificate in Business Management or any other related course/programme completed from a recognised institution. (iv) Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience. |
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 8. Diploma in Marketing Management (DMM) | 3 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) At least 4 passes at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent plus credits (Grade C or better) in Mathematics and English Language; OR (ii) At least 4 passes at BGCSE or equivalent plus a certificate in Business Management, or any other related business course/programme completed from a recognised institution OR (iii) JC plus (2) two years relevant experience and a certificate in Marketing Management or any other related course/programme completed from a recognised institution. (iv) The applicant shall be computer literate, have access to a computer and internet connectivity. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience. |
| 9. Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) | 3 Years for BGCSE holders 5 Years Maximum 2 Years for Certificate holders 4 Years Maximum | (i) A pass in at least four (4) subjects, including English at BGCSE or its equivalent. (ii) Certificate in Early Childhood (iii) Certificate holders may apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 2 |
Also Apply:
- CEDA Graduate Development Programme 2026 In Botswana
- ACFC Vacancies 2026 for Kenyans – Apply by 10th April
- Apply for IPTE 21 Primary School Teacher Trainees in Malawi
Degree Programmes
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 10. Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education (BEDECE) | 4 Years for BGCSE holders 6 Years Maximum 3 Years for Certificate holders 5 Years Maximum Years 2 Years for Diploma holders 4 Years Maximum | (i) BGCSE or equivalent with a pass in at least four (4) subjects including English. (i) BGCSE or equivalent with a pass in at least four (4) subjects including English. (ii) A certificate in either of the following: a) Early Childhood Education/ Early Childhood Development b) Primary Education c) Special and Inclusive Education (iii) Certificate holders may apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 2 (i) BGCSE or equivalent with a pass in at least four (4) subjects including English. (ii) A Diploma in either of the following: a) Early Childhood Education/ Early Childhood Development b) Primary Education c) Special and Inclusive Education (iii) Diploma holders apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 3 |
| 11. Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BPRIM) | 4 Years Minimum 6 Years Maximum | (i) A pass in four (4) subjects including English, at BGCSE or its equivalent. (ii) A Diploma in Primary Education (DPE) or its equivalent in the education field (iii) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience for Diploma holders (iv) Computer literacy and internet usage as the programme is offered online. (v) Proficiency in English language (vi) Please attach your curriculum vitae (CV) and references to demonstrate your post-qualification experience. (vii) Diploma holders apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 3 |
| 12. Bachelor of Education (Special and Inclusive Education) (BSIED) | 4 Years Minimum 6 Years Maximum | (i) A pass in four (4) subjects including English, at BGCSE or its equivalent (ii) Diploma in Education or equivalent in the education field (iii) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience for Diploma holders (iv) Please attach your curriculum vitae (CV) and references to demonstrate your post-qualification experience. (v) Diploma holders may apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 3 |
| 13. Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations (BCOMHR) | 4 Years Minimum 6 Years Maximum 2 Years for holders of Diploma in Human Resources Management or Business Management 6 Years Maximum | (i) At least five (5) passes at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent with a Grade C or better in both English and Mathematics. OR (ii) At least five (5) passes at BGCSE and a certificate, preferably in Human Resources Management or any other business course/programme completed from a recognised institution. (iii) Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience. (i) Diploma in Human Resources Management or Business Management at a Recognised and Accredited Tertiary Institution. (ii) Diploma holders may apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 3 |
| 14. Bachelor of Business Administration (Leadership and Change Management (BBA) | 4 Years Minimum 6 Years Maximum 2 Years for holders of Diploma in Human Resources Management or Business Management 6 Years Maximum | (i) At least five (5) passes at Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or equivalent with a Grade C or better in both English and Mathematics. OR (ii) At least five (5) passes at BGCSE and a certificate, preferably in Human Resources Management or any other business course/programme completed from a recognised institution. (iii) Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience. (i) Diploma in Any Business Course at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution. (ii) Diploma holders may apply for special entry consideration for direct entry into year 3 |
| 15. Bachelor of Technology in Information Systems (BTECHI) | 2 and half Years Minimum 6 years Maximum | (i) BGCSE/IGCSE or other equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade of ‘D’ in five subjects. These subjects must include at least a grade “C” in Mathematics and “D” in English. OR (ii) Diploma in Computing or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Academic transcripts will be used to guide the level of exemption. |
| 16. Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BScPH) | 4 Years Minimum 6 Years Maximum 2 – 3 years for diploma in health science and related disciplines | (i) A pass in four (4) subjects at BGCSE or its equivalent including English and at least one science subject. (i) Diploma in Public Health and Community Health, Clinical and Allied Health Sciences, Health Management, Environmental and Occupational Health, Nutrition and Social Sciences and other relevant health related Disciplines |
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 17. Bachelor of Social Science in Youth Development Work (BSCYWD) | 4 Years Minimum 6 Years Maximum | (i) Botswana General Certificate in secondary Education – BGCSE (NQCF level 4) or equivalent (IGSCE or MATRIC) with a pass (C or better) in English OR (ii) Level 5 programmes: Certificate in Youth Work Programme (CYP) or certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth (CCBWCY) OR certificate in Social Work OR (iii) Any of the following level 6 programmes: Diploma in Community Work with Children and Youth, Diploma in Youth Development or social work |
Postgraduate Programmes
| Programme | Duration | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 18. Master of Education – Educational Leadership (MEDEL) | 2 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) Bachelor’s Degree, preferably education related. (ii) Working in the education and/or training field for two or more years. (iii) Preference will be given to those in leadership positions |
| 19. Master of Education (Early Childhood Development) (MEDECD) | 2 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) A Bachelor’s Degree (NCQF level 7), preferably in Early Childhood/ Child Development or any related field from a recognised Education and Training Provider. (ii) Special Entry: Admission may also be based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
| 20. Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development (MSCCCD) | 2 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) A minimum of two years (2) years post-qualification work experience (ii) Relevant and related undergraduate degree with good standing |
| 21. Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) | 2 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) Relevant and related undergraduate degree with good standing (ii) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience (iii) A working knowledge of the English language at the post-graduate studies level (iv) The application should be accompanied by: a. A comprehensive curriculum vitae. b. A short covering letter stating the programme that you want to be considered for and describe how acquiring the programme qualification will be of relevance to you or any other beneficiaries of your choice. |
| 22. Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) | 2 Years Minimum 5 Years Maximum | (i) Relevant and related undergraduate degree with good standing (ii) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience (iii) A working knowledge of the English language at the post-graduate studies level (iv) The application should be accompanied by: a. A comprehensive curriculum vitae. b. A short covering letter stating the programme that you want to be considered for and describe how acquiring the programme qualification will be of relevance to you or any other beneficiaries of your choice. |
| 23. Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Assurance in Education (PDCQAE) | 1 Year Minimum 2 Years Maximum | (i) A first degree, preferably in education or equivalent. (ii) A minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience in an educational environment. |
| 24. Postgraduate Diploma in Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning (PGDTET) | 1 ½ Years Minimum 3 Years Maximum | (i) Bachelor’s Degree, NCQF 7, preferably in education related or its Equivalent. (ii) Admission may also be based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) |
Flexible Tuition Fees Payment Plan Available
Application Requirements and Procedures
(i) Applications should be done on-line through the University website under Online Services.
(ii) BEFORE completing applications, applicants should carefully read the Guidelines for Applications and Payment on the University website.
(iii) Applicants may use the computer rooms at the University Regional Campuses OR Internet Cafes to process their applications.
(iv) Certified copies of certificates, identification document and other 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.
(v) Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of P 160.00 online. Application fees paid after closing date or without authorization by the University shall be forfeited.
(vi) The fees structure for the programmes is available on the BOU website.
(ii) BEFORE completing applications, applicants should carefully read the Guidelines for Applications and Payment on the University website.
(iii) Applicants may use the computer rooms at the University Regional Campuses OR Internet Cafes to process their applications.
(iv) Certified copies of certificates, identification document and other 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.
(v) Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of P 160.00 online. Application fees paid after closing date or without authorization by the University shall be forfeited.
(vi) The fees structure for the programmes is available on the BOU website.
Contact Details
Should you need assistance please visit any of the BOU Regional Campuses or contact the following:
- M. Keatlholetswe – 3646150 – Gaborone Regional Campus
- B. Simane – 6517248 – Kang Regional Campus
- C. Masheko – 6865621 – Maun Regional Campus
- L.D. Nelson – 2418383 – Francistown Regional Campus
- T. Sexaka – 4924024 – Palapye Regional Campus
Deadline
Application Deadline: 19th June 2026