News

The University of Botswana (UB) will confer PhD/Doctoral, MPhil, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates on 4,059 graduands during its 44th Graduation Ceremonies scheduled for the 21st to the 23rd of October 2026 at the UB Campus Indoor Sports Centre.

The number represents an increase of 520 graduands or approximately 14.7 per cent from the 3,539 recorded at the University’s 43rd Graduation Ceremony in 2025. The 2026 cohort comprises 34 Doctoral Degrees, seven (7) MPhil Degrees, 306 Master’s Degrees, 59 Postgraduate Diplomas and 3,653 undergraduate graduands receiving Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates. The graduands represent 22 countries, reflecting the University’s international reach.

This year’s theme, “Building High-Performance Economies: From Local Excellence to Global Impact,” highlights the relationship between knowledge, institutional performance and economic progress. It also speaks to the potential of expertise developed locally to contribute to Botswana’s development and address challenges beyond its borders.

A notable feature of this year’s graduation is the increase in doctoral awards, from 22 in 2025 to 34 in 2026. The rise of 12 awards, equivalent to approximately 54.5 per cent, is significant in the context of UB’s efforts to strengthen research capacity, advance scholarship and produce knowledge responsive to national and regional development priorities.

The growth also aligns with broader African efforts to strengthen research capacity and develop advanced expertise, including targets to increase the continent’s research output by five per cent and produce 100,000 PhD graduates over the next decade. The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) strategic plan for 2022–2027 identifies research output and doctoral-level expertise as important priorities. Through postgraduate training, multidisciplinary research and collaboration, UB has an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to this continental agenda.

The graduation cohort also reflects the breadth of the University’s academic programmes, from undergraduate study to advanced postgraduate qualifications and professional training. The pathways contribute to developing specialised knowledge and expertise required across different sectors of the economy and society.

The significance of this output extends beyond the graduation ceremonies. Botswana is pursuing economic diversification and transformation especially through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) as it seeks to broaden its economic base and reduce vulnerability to fluctuations in diamond revenues. Consequently, universities have a vital role in this process through the development of skilled professionals, research that addresses national challenges and innovation that can be translated into practical applications for industry and society.

Similarly, UB’s ongoing transformation into a High-Performance Organisation (HPO) is part of its institutional response to these demands. By strengthening its delivery of quality education, high-impact research, innovation and service, the University aims to enhance its contribution to national development and prepare graduates to participate meaningfully in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy.

Also, behind the graduation figures are years of academic work by students, supported by lecturers, professional staff, families and other stakeholders. Therefore, the ceremonies will celebrate this achievement while recognising the responsibility graduates carry to apply their knowledge, skills and professional values in ways that benefit their communities and society.

As UB celebrates the Class of 2026, the increase in graduands and doctoral awards provides a measure of its academic output. However, the larger task is to ensure that this growing pool of knowledge and expertise translates into research breakthroughs, innovation, productive employment and practical solutions to Botswana’s development priorities