INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE MALAWI U NICAF UNIVERSITY
International Student Guide Welcome to Malawi! Malawi is a safe and peaceful country, home to a genuinely friendly nation. Malawi's people are undoubtedly the country's greatest asset. Their friendliness and charm are legendary and visitors are always surprised with the genuine warm welcome they receive on arrival. Famed for its hospitality, it certainly lives up to its reputation as the warm heart of Africa. Malawi is endowed with many natural characteristics, which distinguish it from other countries of the African continent. On the eastern part of the country, there is Lake Malawi, also known as 'Island Sea', which is the jewel in the crown, with many sandy beaches and tourist resorts on its shores. Located on the south-eastern corner of the country is Mount Mulanje, covering an area of 650 square kilometres. Because of its high altitude, at 3002 meters above sea level, it is also called the 'Island in the Sky' (Chilumba M'mulengalenga). Malawi offers visitors great safari experiences, including sightings of the 'Big Five': lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos, in Africa's best managed and least clouded national parks and reserves. The Malawi National Park is 580 square kilometres and covers part of the river Shire in Machinga District. Other national parks are Lengwe, where Nyala can be viewed, and Lake Malawi, a hotspot for fishing, with 1000 different species of fish. Apart from parks there are wild life reserves like Majete, where antelopes live, Mwabvi in Nkhotakota, and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife in Rumphi, where elephants, hippos, kudu and impala can be viewed. Also attractive to visitors are the wildlife sanctuaries in the cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu. The Lilongwe City sanctuary is home to over 150 species of wild animals, birds and reptiles. There are lodges inside the sanctuary, which offer both accommodation and meals. The sanctuary is very easy to reach from any point in the city on foot, by bicycle, motor cycle or minibus. Malawi is a fast developing country, with modern stores in the big cities, offering a wide range of famous international brands, with restaurants serving local and international delicacies and a host of diverse entertainment venues. Our country is also known for its fine institutions of Higher Education, which include Unicaf University. Unicaf University offers quality international education with a local focus, and is fast becoming a hub of excellence for learning, teaching and research in the sub-saharan region. We congratulate you for choosing to expand your horizons and secure your future by studying for a degree of international quality with Unicaf University in Malawi. 2
Before your arrival at Unicaf University in Malawi, it is essential that you make the right preparations regarding your trip and your life as a student in our country. University Requirements Nationals of most SADC countries do not require an entry visa for Malawi. However, you are advised to check with the Immigration Office of your country, to find out whether you need a visa or not. Please make sure that you have submitted the following documents and have made the following payments to the University by the appropriate due date: Tuition fees as shown in your invoice. This consists of advance payment of the first year's fees for Bachelor degrees, and advance payment of the total of fees for Master's degrees. The Visa Application fee, MWK 10,000 The Visa fee for single entry, valid for 90 days, US $75 The Student Residence Permit fee, US $100, renewable every year. (Note: for the procedure of applying for a visa or a student permit please contact the University's International Office at international@unicafuniversity.com ) Please remember that you will need to register with Malawi Immigration Authorities during the first week of your stay. DOCUMENTS TO HAVE WITH YOU WHILE TRAVELLING It is very important that you have with you, (and not in your luggage), at all times the following documents, which you will be asked to present at the Immigration Check Point, upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe, or at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, in the southern part of Malawi, from where you can continue your trip to Lilongwe by plane or bus. Original passport valid for a period of 2 years or more Letter of acceptance to Unicaf University Health passport (Yellow Book) for yellow fever Copies of Unicaf University receipts for the amounts paid to the University Visa processing fee of US $100 (check the rate of the US Dollar to the Malawian Kwacha at www.xe.com) Copy of your application letter for an entry visa, that was sent to you by the University's Office of Admissions Open ticket, valid for return to your home country Original educational documents and qualifications that you hold (degrees, diplomas and certificates) 3
USEFUL TIPS WHILE TRAVELLING Wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers. It is important to feel relaxed and comfortable while travelling. Make sure you carry a pen and paper with you, in case you need to write something down. Carry with you any prescribed medication you need and some pain killers. Carry your address in Malawi, if you already know it, and the address of the Unicaf University campus in Lilongwe. Carry with you the telephone numbers to call in an emergency (i.e. the Police in Lilongwe, 997, and the Reception at the UU Lilongwe campus +265 (0) 1755 333). Carry a book or magazine to read on the plane or bus, or an MP3 Player to listen to music. Carry your address book with contact details of family and friends. Keep a journal with details of your trip, from the moment you set off from home to the moment you arrive in Malawi. AIRPORT PICKUP If you would like to be met at the airport and transferred to the campus, please email the following information to international@unicafuniversity.com at least five (5) working days prior to your arrival in Malawi. The email should include the following: Your name Your Unicaf University student ID number Your home country Your e-mail address and telephone number A copy of your travel itinerary Confirmation that you wish to be picked up from Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe IMPORTANT NOTES Please make sure you e-mail the above information to international@unicafuniversity.com at least five (5) working days prior to your arrival in Malawi. A Unicaf University representative will be waiting to pick you up at the airport exit, holding a placard with the University sign and your name. 4
YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS Upon your arrival in Malawi, it is important to visit the University's Admissions Office for official registration and orientation. The Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday, from 8.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. ACCOMMODATION The University's Student Affairs Department provides assistance to students searching for accommodation within a short distance from the University campus. If you require such assistance you should state it clearly in an email you have to send to international@unicafuniversity.com at least five (5) working days prior to your arrival in Malawi. You may select any of the following types of accommodation: Hotel accommodation - there are various options to choose from, suitable for the first few days Lodges - with lower accommodation charges than formal hotels, suitable for the first few days University arranged houses Student arranged accommodation The choice of and liability for any type of accommodation is the responsibility of the student PERSONAL LIVING EXPENSES In addition to the payment of your tuition fees, you also need to budget for personal and living expenses. The estimated basic expenses for one academic year are: i. Accommodation ii. Food and personal expenses iii. Books and stationery, which you may be required to buy occasionally. (Unicaf University has a well-equipped e-library, through which you can access text books, articles and other study materials online.) Average cost of living per month: MWK 183,250 (US $252) Breakdown of monthly living expenses: 1. Food... MWK 50,000 (US $68) 2. Accommodation.. MWK 85,000 (US $117) 3. Transportation.. MWK 22,000 (US $30) 4. Electricity and water. MWK 10,000 (US $14) 5. Health Care.. MWK 5,000 (US $7) 6. Miscellaneous MWK 10,000 (US $14) 7. Stationery, pens etc... MWK 1,250 (US $2) 5
COMMUNICATION The budget needed for communication depends on each individual student's needs. However, an average amount of US $5 per week for telephone, internet and fax usage is usually adequate. MEDICAL AND HEALTH INSURANCE It is essential, but not a must, to have health insurance cover while living in Malawi. There are several healthcare providers, which include the Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM) and Provident Health. Government hospitals offer both paid and free of charge medical services; private hospitals supplement the government hospitals at a fee. FEELING HOMESICK Homesickness is common to most students who are away from home and family for the first time. But alongside home sickness there is a feeling of excitement, about every new adventure. Feeling homesick is perfectly normal for all students who pursue studies abroad. Unicaf University faculty and staff understand the difficulties and concerns of students trying to adapt to a new culture and way of life. Students have the opportunity to talk with someone about how they feel and are encouraged to join in to student activities, social functions and University events, to socialise with fellow students, make new friends and network. THE WEATHER IN MALAWI Malawi's weather is generally quite pleasant and warm. It's rainy from November to April, and you will need an umbrella during this period. In the months of May, June, July and August temperatures drop. This is the winter season for Malawi, but there is no snow or frost. However, warm clothing and heavier bed covers are required. September is a month of mild dry heat, while October and part of November is the hottest period of the year. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Malawi has a variety of financial institutions offering banking services to foreign students, including the National Bank of Malawi, Standard Bank, Ecobank, First Merchant Bank, FDH Bank, NBS Bank, New Finance Bank, Nedbank etc. The requirements to open a bank account in Malawi are as follows: Valid ID (passport, etc.) Two passport-size photos of all bank account signatories Proof of residence, (student permit, utility bill or other) Completed application form 6
FACILITIES Lilongwe is a growing, busy city, home to many shopping malls such as Game, Shoprite, City Mall, Gateway Mall, Shopper's Mall, where Unicaf University is located, Crossroads Mall and many others, with a variety of shops and leisure facilities. A large selection of restaurants, sports centres, cinemas, night clubs and other entertainment centres are available in Lilongwe to enjoy in your leisure time. Postal services are offered by the Malawi Postal Corporation, DHL, G4s, and others. There are also money transfer service providers such as Airtel Money, TNM Mpamba, Zoona, Moneygram, Western Union, Hello Paisa. There are a large number of churches, representing different denominations, as well as mosques and Hindu temples Malawi's main mobile telephony service providers are Airtel, TNM and Access. Their stores are located at the airport, in shopping malls, and along various roads across the city. Public transport services in Lilongwe run from 4 am till late at night. Public buses bear red numbers on their plates. Taxis usually have a sign at the top, although the majority only have red numbers on their plates. There are big buses, which serve longer distances, connecting Lilongwe with Blantyre, Mzuzu and other distant destinations. There are also companies which offer vehicles for hire, like Budget Car Hire, Planet Car Hire, SS Rent A Car and others. FOREIGN MISSIONS Most foreign missions and embassies are located in the city centre, near Capital Hill, where government offices are also found. All foreign embassies are easy to locate and Malawians are friendly and approachable to anyone asking for directions. 7
U NICAF UNIVERSITY Address: Unit 1, Shoppers Mall, Area 4, Plot 67, P. O. Box 1420, Lilongwe, Malawi Telephone: +265 (0) 1755 333 Email: info@unicafmalawi.com Web: www.unicafuniversity.com