About the University

About UNIVEN

Creating future leaders through engaged scholarship, relevant learning and institutional impact.

University Overview

The University of Venda

Discover UNIVEN’s purpose, values, leadership, institutional structure and contribution to the region and beyond.

About

About UNIVEN

The University of Venda is a comprehensive university committed to teaching and learning, research, innovation and community engagement.

Based in Thohoyandou in the Vhembe District of Limpopo, UNIVEN has grown from its foundations in 1982 into a diverse institution serving local, national, continental and international communities.

Fact

Established

UNIVEN was established in 1982 and has grown through decades of academic and institutional transformation.

Fact

Comprehensive University

Since 2002 the University has developed career-focused, academic and vocationally focused programmes.

Fact

National Asset

UNIVEN contributes to the human-resource and development needs of South Africa and the region.

Experience UNIVEN

Experience UNIVEN

Explore the University’s history, people, campus and journey through institutional transformation.

University History

UNIVEN History Book

Read the University of Venda history book and discover the story behind more than four decades of growth and change.

Download History Book
Watch and Learn

UNIVEN Promotional Video

Experience the University of Venda through its people, places and academic environment.

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Our Purpose

Vision and Mission

Our vision and mission guide the University’s direction, impact and commitment to engaged scholarship.

Vision

Leading Through Engaged Scholarship

A university leading in engaged scholarship.

Mission

Developing Competitive Graduates

The University of Venda produces graduates that are locally relevant and globally competitive.

Institutional Values

Institutional Values

The University of Venda is guided by values that shape the way we learn, lead, collaborate and serve.

01

Excellence

Striving for the highest standards in teaching, research and service.

02

Integrity

Acting with honesty, ethics and transparency in all we do.

03

Accountability

Taking responsibility for our actions and delivering on our commitments.

04

Diversity

Embracing inclusivity, equity and different perspectives.

05

Respect

Valuing the dignity and contributions of every individual.

Our History

The UNIVEN Story

From its establishment in the early 1980s to its role as a comprehensive university today, UNIVEN’s history is a story of growth, transformation and relevance.

1982

The University is Established

UNIVEN opened its doors in Thohoyandou and began building a new higher-education institution for the region.

1986

A Diverse Academic Community

Academic programmes expanded and the University’s teaching and postgraduate profile continued to develop.

1991

A Broad Academic Foundation

The institution offered programmes across humanities, social sciences, natural and applied sciences.

1994

Accelerated Transformation

With democracy and new leadership, UNIVEN entered a period of accelerated institutional and academic transformation.

2002

A Comprehensive University

The Department of Education mandated UNIVEN to transform into a comprehensive university offering career-focused programmes.

2007

Institutional Transformation

Transformation continued across governance, curriculum, research, infrastructure and the student experience.

Today

A National Higher Education Asset

UNIVEN continues to contribute to human development through teaching, research, innovation and community engagement.

UNIVEN History

Discover the UNIVEN Journey

Learn more about the people, milestones and transformations that shaped the University of Venda.

Download the History Book
The University of Venda, situated in Thohoyandou in the scenic Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province of South Africa was established in 1982. The university has ever experienced tremendous growth and change. From its early years, staff members were drawn from various backgrounds in South Africa but by 1994 staff members were increasingly recruited from other African countries and overseas. The presence on campus of staff from diverse backgrounds created a unique atmosphere and a fertile environment for new ideas and a capacity for change. During this time the institution remained a traditional university that offered a full-range of courses straddling the humanities, social sciences, natural and applied sciences. With the advent of democracy in 1994 and a new leadership at the helm, UNIVEN embarked on a process of accelerated transformation. From 1995 the university shifted its focus to science and technology, resulting in the introduction of new programmes with an increase in student enrolment in the natural and applied sciences. In 2002, the Department of Education mandated the institution to transform into a comprehensive university that offers career-focused programmes. Prior to its new mandate, UNIVEN had already taken a step to establish some career-focused programmes with emphasis on science and technology. During each stage of transformation the university aligned its vision and mission to the needs of the community at local, regional, national, continental and international levels. This process of transformation created significant changes in administrative governance and in the size and shape of the curriculum. It also attracted better qualified staff and resulted in an improved student profile. To date the university has established itself as a national asset through its niche on problem-oriented, project-based curriculum with a strength in nurturing under-prepared students into nationally competitive graduates. The university has therefore become an important player in the South African higher education landscape, contributing significantly to the human resources and development needs of the country and region.