The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has officially commenced preparations for the 2026 academic year, with the Registrar’s Division recently conducting a comprehensive Selection, Admission and Registration Dry Run.
The University Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi, extended a warm welcome message to both newly admitted first-year students and returning students.
“On behalf of the University of Venda, I would like to warmly welcome all our first-year students. Congratulations on successfully passing your matric and thank you for choosing UNIVEN as your university of choice. UNIVEN is now your home, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your academic journey,” said Dr Baloyi.
He further welcomed returning students, expressing appreciation for their continued commitment to their studies at the institution.
“To our returning students, we thank you for your loyalty and perseverance. Your decision to continue your studies with us reaffirms your trust in the University of Venda, and we look forward to another successful academic year together.”
The dry run forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to institutional readiness, improved service delivery and operational efficiency, ahead of the 2026 registration cycle. It brought together key stakeholders involved in the admissions and registration value chain to simulate processes, test systems and assess operational workflows under real-time conditions.
Dr Baloyi explained that the purpose of the dry run was to improve understanding of the end-to-end registration process, reduce assumptions, and address challenges proactively.
“As application numbers continue to grow, it is essential that our systems remain fair, transparent and efficient. Lessons learned from 2025, have informed improvements aimed at ensuring a smooth and seamless registration process in 2026,” he said.
As the University prepares to welcome students for the 2026 academic year, all prospective and returning students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Selection, Admission and Registration processes and to follow official communication channels.
The University of Venda cautions all prospective and returning students to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities related to admission and registration. Students are strongly advised not to pay any individual or third party for admission, registration or placement, as the University does not use agents or intermediaries for these processes. All selection, admission and registration activities are conducted strictly through the University’s official systems and communication channels.
Any request for payment, admission assistance or guaranteed placement outside official UNIVEN platforms should be treated as fraudulent. Students are encouraged to report any suspected fraud or unethical conduct through the University’s confidential Fraud and Whistle-Blowing Hotline on 0800 212 755 or via email at univenhotline@tip-offs.com. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, ensuring that reports can be made safely and confidentially.
For detailed information on application status tracking, admission outcomes, registration requirements, and important dates, students are advised to visit the University of Venda’s official website at www.univen.ac.za.
Through this initiative, UNIVEN reaffirms its dedication to delivering a student-centred, efficient and transparent registration experience for the 2026 academic year.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
