University of Venda
Thohoyandou, South Africa • Founded 1982 • World Rank #2499
Overview
Established in 1982, the University of Venda is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Thohoyandou (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Limpopo.
Officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, University of Venda (UNIVEN) is a large-sized coeducational South African higher education institution. University of Venda (UNIVEN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UNIVEN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for University of Venda are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape University of Venda's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Degrees
University of Venda's degree catalogue by academic level. Continuing education and non-degree pathways sit outside the standard tiers but are sometimes offered alongside.
Bachelor's 49 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Physics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Forestry
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Horticulture
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Indigenous Studies
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Management
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Music
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Regional Planning
- Religious Studies
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Theology
- Tourism
- Town Planning
Master's 56 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Administration
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Earth Sciences
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational and Student Counselling
- English Studies
- Environmental Management
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Health Administration
- History
- Horticulture
- Human Rights
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Mineralogy
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Philosophy of Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Regional Planning
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Town Planning
Doctoral 46 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Administration
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Curriculum
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational and Student Counselling
- English Studies
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Horticulture
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mineralogy
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Philosophy of Education
- Physics
- Public Health
- Regional Planning
- Rural Planning
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Town Planning
- Water Science
Diploma & Certificate 3 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Health Administration
- Leadership
- Sports Management
Other 56 programs
- Accountancy
- Administration
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Archaeology
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Curriculum
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational and Student Counselling
- English Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gender Studies
- Geology
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- History
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Microbiology
- Natural Resources
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Philosophy of Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Water Management
- Water Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.
Agriculture (School) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Rural Studies
- Soil Science
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Continuing Education
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Mathematics Education
- Preschool Education
- Science Education
- Teacher Training
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Sciences (School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Geology
- Information Sciences
- Mining Engineering
- Natural Resources
- Regional Planning
- Town Planning
- Water Management
- Water Science
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Parks and Recreation
- Psychology
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human and Social Sciences (School) 30 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Agricultural Education
- Arts and Humanities
- Child Care and Development
- Communication Studies
- Continuing Education
- Cultural Studies
- Curriculum
- Development Studies
- Education
- Educational Administration
- English
- Fine Arts
- Gender Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- Information Sciences
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Library Science
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Music Education
- Musicology
- Primary Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Singing
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Human Resources
- Management
- Public Administration
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematical and Natural Sciences (School) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
All active programmes at University of Venda are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
Bachelor's Degree
9 programmes
University of Venda delivers 9 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology Mining & Oil Engineering
18934
Bachelor of Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor of Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Environmental Science in Disaster Risk Reduction Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Environmental and Natural Resource Science Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Education Arts
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
19 programmes
There are 19 programmes to choose from at University of Venda for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education
Master of Education in Curriculum Studies Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Chemistry Education Chemistry
Master of Earth Science Earth Sciences & Geology
Master of Arts in Language Practice Linguistics & Language Studies
Master of Education in Educational Management Business & Management
Master of Public Management in Development Management Business & Management
Master of Social Work Social Work
Master of Science in e-Science Natural Sciences
Master of Public Management in Municipal Management Business & Management
Master of Education in Sociology of Education Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Science Education Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Psychology of Education Psychology
Master of Education in Physics Education Physics & Astronomy
Master of Education in Philosophy of Education Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Education in Life Sciences Education Religious Studies
Master of Education in Inclusive Education Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling Counselling & Psychotherapy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
15 programmes
University of Venda's 15 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Doctor of Education in Sociology of Education Education & Teaching
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Education in Science Education Education & Teaching
Doctor of Education in Psychology of Education Psychology
Doctor of Education in Physics Education Physics & Astronomy
Doctor of Education in Philosophy of Education Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Education in Mathematics Education Mathematics
Doctor of Education in Life Sciences Education Religious Studies
Doctor of Education in Inclusive Education Education & Teaching
Doctor of Education in Guidance and Counselling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Doctor of Education in Educational Management Business & Management
Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education
Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies Education & Teaching
Doctor of Education in Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Doctor of Education in Chemistry Education Chemistry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
28 programmes
University of Venda also offers 28 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.
Higher Certificate in Nursing Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Studies Gender & Sexuality Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in African Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Accounting
Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Arts
Bachelor of Education Honours in Curriculum Studies Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Physics Education Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Education Honours in Philosophy of Education Philosophy & Ethics
Bachelor of Education Honours in Mathematics Education Mathematics
Bachelor of Education Honours in Life Sciences Education Religious Studies
Bachelor of Education Honours in Inclusive Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Guidance and Counselling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Bachelor of Education Honours in Educational Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Education Honours in Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education Honours in Psychology of Education Psychology
Bachelor of Education Honours in Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Chemistry Education Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies Media Studies & Mass Media
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archaeology Archaeology
15858
Bachelor of Arts Honours Liberal Arts
Diploma in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Public Administration Honours Public Administration
96593
Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Environmental Sciences Honours Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Education Honours in Sociology of Education Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Venda
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of Venda, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of Venda offers 71 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at University of Venda has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via University of Venda's online portal at www.univen.ac.za. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +27 (15) 962 8000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Venda
Common questions students ask about University of Venda — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When did University of Venda open?
University of Venda traces its founding to 1982 (approximately 44 years ago).
Where can I find University of Venda?
The institution is located in Thohoyandou, South Africa.
Is University of Venda a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does University of Venda have?
The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.
What is University of Venda's ranking?
University of Venda is ranked #2499 globally and #17 in South Africa.
What programmes are available at University of Venda?
Programmes at University of Venda cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is University of Venda officially recognised?
Yes, University of Venda is recognised by Council on Higher Education (CHE); South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
What is University of Venda's official website?
The institution's website is www.univen.ac.za.
Top-Ranked Universities in South Africa
Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in South Africa may overtake University of Venda or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Below: Association of African Universities (AAU) member institutions alongside University of Venda, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Accreditation portability differs for Education & Teaching programmes across South Africa. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Often Compared with University of Venda
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at University of Venda's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
