Challenges for Funding Higher Education in Zambian Public Universities: A Study of Selected Institutions

This mixed-methods study examines obstacles to funding higher education in selected Zambian public universities-Mulungushi University, Copperbelt University, and Mukuba University.Through questionnaires (n = 150 academic, administrative, and finance staff), semi-structured interviews with university leaders and stakeholders (n = 18), observations, and document review, the study identifies principal constraints: inadequate and delayed government allocations, limited diversification of revenue (low private sector engagement, weak internal income generation), rising operational costs, governance and financial-management weaknesses, and infrastructural deficits.These funding problems negatively affect teaching quality, research capacity, student services, and institutional sustainability.The paper offers policy and institutional recommendations-timely multi-year government funding, strengthened financial governance, proactive revenue diversification, enhanced private sector partnerships, and expanded student support mechanisms-to enhance funding resilience and higher education contributions to national development.