As the United States and the UK tighten student visa policies, Zimbabwean students, facing fierce competition for limited spots at domestic universities, are increasingly forced to settle for local alternatives instead of seeking overseas education with more career opportunities, leaving their academic aspirations in limbo. Every year, thousands of Zimbabwean students graduate from secondary school with dreams of pursuing a university education. But with only 16 universities in the country, demand far exceeds available spaces. As a result, many who can afford it turn to foreign institutions for higher studies. "External universities have got lower grades that they accept, and they can take even lower grades than what we do here and that may attract some of our learners. That's one area of universities. The second one is obviously an issue of a mindset from the learners themselves. Learners would believe that the best education is always abroad. And therefore, if I come back home with a certificate in engineering from so and so university abroad, then I look more educated than the person who has acquired an engineering degree locally," said Sifiso Ndlovu, CEO of the Zimbabwe Teachers' Association. For many African students, including those from Zimbabwe, studying abroad represents a pathway to a brighter future, offering access to higher-quality education and more job opportunities. This experience equips them with valuable skills, enabling them to return home and contribute to their countries. However, stringent visa policies in the U.S. and UK threaten to hinder these aspirations. With limited options for those unable to study overseas, authorities in African countries face growing pressure to strengthen local opportunities amid a challenging economic landscape. "It's very painful to have gone through all the five years of education and you find yourself either jobless or you find yourself unable to create a job because you don't have capital. So, the challenge that we have now is for the state to provide foundational capital for those who remain, that they can even open their own survival businesses or startups that can help them do their own job and start employment," Ndlovu said. Furthermore, many African universities lack programs in emerging fields, leaving students at a disadvantage in fast-evolving global industries. Recognizing this gap, African governments are now reforming higher education curricula to align with modern trends, prioritizing practical, skills-based learning that better prepares graduates for the workforce. SHOTLIST: Harare, Zimbabwe - Recent 1. Various of students walking; 2. Various of school gate, sign of University of Zimbabwe, pedestrians; 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Sifiso Ndlovu, CEO, Zimbabwe Teachers' Association: "External universities have got lower grades that they accept, and they can take even lower grades than what we do here and that may attract some of our learners. That's one area of universities. The second one is obviously an issue of a mindset from the learners themselves. Learners would believe that the best education is always abroad. And therefore, if I come back home with a certificate in engineering from so and so university abroad, then I look more educated than the person who has acquired an engineering degree locally."; 4. Information board of local university, traffic; 5. Various of Ndlovu working in office; 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Sifiso Ndlovu, CEO, Zimbabwe Teachers' Association: "It's very painful to have gone through all the five years of education and you find yourself either jobless or you find yourself unable to create a job because you don't have capital. So, the challenge that we have now is for the state to provide foundational capital for those who remain, that they can even open their own survival businesses or startups that can help them do their own job and start employment."; 7. Information board of local university, flags, traffic; 8. Various of people, vehicles passing through school gate. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]