Great Zimbabwe University
Masvingo, Zimbabwe • Founded 1999 • World Rank #5291
Overview
Established in 1999, the Great Zimbabwe University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Masvingo (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development of Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is a small-sized coeducational Zimbabwean higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation) and bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 25-year-old Zimbabwean higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Zimbabwean higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
GZU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including housing, sports facilities, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Great Zimbabwe University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Great Zimbabwe University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Great Zimbabwe University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Sciences
Degrees
Also Language Proficiency Certificate; Executive Certificate; Special Honours degree in Accounting, 1yr; MBA; Dual Degrees
Bachelor's 91 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Adult Education
- African Languages
- Agricultural Education
- Animal Husbandry
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art Education
- Art Management
- Banking
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Child Care and Development
- Communication Studies
- Computer Education
- Computer Science
- Continuing Education
- Crop Production
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- E-Business/Commerce
- Economic History
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Energy Engineering
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Fishery
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Government
- Health Education
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Home Economics Education
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Irrigation
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Music Education
- Native Language Education
- Operations Research
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Regional Planning
- Religious Education
- Religious Studies
- Rural Planning
- Rural Studies
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Technology Education
- Tourism
- Town Planning
- Transport Management
- Water Management
- Wildlife
Master's 54 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Art Education
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Child Care and Development
- Curriculum
- Demography and Population
- Development Studies
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Foreign Languages Education
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Government
- Higher Education
- History
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Leadership
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Native Language Education
- Peace and Disarmament
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Regional Planning
- Religious Education
- Religious Studies
- Rural Planning
- Social Policy
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Special Education
- Technology Education
- Town Planning
- Vocational Education
Doctoral 14 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Rural Planning
- Sociology
- Town Planning
Diploma & Certificate 20 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Education
- Agriculture
- Art Education
- Business Education
- Computer Education
- Continuing Education
- Education
- Foreign Languages Education
- Home Economics Education
- Human Resources
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Management
- Mathematics Education
- Native Language Education
- Pastoral Studies
- Religious Studies
- Science Education
- Social Sciences
- Technology Education
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development of Zimbabwe.
Gender and Cultural Studies (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Gender Studies
- Social Policy
Agriculture and Engineering (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Production
- Fishery
- Soil Science
- Water Science
- Wildlife
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Heritage and Education (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Educational Sciences
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Business Sciences (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Banking
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Finance
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Information Technology
- Management
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medical and Health Sciences (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Laboratory Techniques
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- Gender Studies
- Human Resources
- Psychology
- Rural Studies
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Great Zimbabwe University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
Bachelor's Degree
60 programmes
Great Zimbabwe University runs 60 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Bachelor of Science Honours in Crop Science Horticulture and Crop Science
Bachelor of Science Honours in Soil Science Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal Science Animal Science
Bachelor of Science Honours in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Religious Studies
Bachelor of Science Honours in Irrigation and Water Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science Honours in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Mining Engineering Mining & Oil Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
Bachelor of Science Honours in Agricultural Economics Agriculture
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Honours Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Biomedical Science Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Internal Auditing Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in E-Commerce Business & Management
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Banking and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Banking Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Engineering Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Fiscal Studies Business & Management
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics Economics
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Risk Management and Insurance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing Management Marketing
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics and Transport Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Hospitality, Tourism and Culture Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Science Honours in Industrial Relations Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science Honours in Politics and Public Administration Public Administration
Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology Psychology
Bachelor of Science Honours in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Science Honours in Social Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Science Honours in Counselling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Bachelor of Science Honours in Peace, Conflict and Governance Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Science Honours in Social Ecology Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Computer Science Honours Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics Mathematics
Bachelor of Science Honours in Statistics and Operations Research Mathematics
Bachelor of Physics Honours Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography and Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science Honours in Renewable Energy Energy Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemical Technology Chemistry
Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science Honours in Urban Planning and Development Business & Management
Bachelor of Laws Honours Law
Bachelor of Education Honours in Primary Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Secondary Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Bachelor of Education Honours in Educational Leadership and Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Adult and Continuing Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Heritage Studies Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Archaeology Archaeology
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Museum Studies Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Musicology and Ethnochoreology Music
Bachelor of Arts Honours in ChiShona Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Science Honours in Technical Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science Honours in Special Needs Education Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Philosophy
17 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, Great Zimbabwe University runs 17 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Master of Philosophy in Pharmacology Pharmacy
Master of Philosophy in Chemical Pathology Biological Sciences
Master of Philosophy in Immunology Biological Sciences
Master of Philosophy in Medical Microbiology Microbiology
Master of Philosophy in Medical Analytics and Informatics Data Science & Analytics
Master of Philosophy in Agriculture Agriculture
Master of Philosophy in Mathematics Mathematics
Master of Philosophy in Statistics and Operations Research Mathematics
Master of Philosophy in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Master of Philosophy in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Master of Philosophy in Geography and Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
Master of Philosophy in Archaeology Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Philosophy in History Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Philosophy in Economic History and Development Studies Economics
Master of Philosophy in Anatomy Biological Sciences
Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry Biochemistry
Master of Philosophy in Physiology Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
23 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, Great Zimbabwe University runs 23 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Master of Science in Agronomy Agriculture
Master of Science in Animal Science Animal Science
Master of Business Administration Business Administration
Master of Business Management Business & Management
Master of Development Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Master of Commerce in Public Management and Governance Business & Management
Master of Science in Gender and Policy Studies Public Policy
Master of Science in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Master of Education in Curriculum Studies Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Languages Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Early Childhood Development and Care Early Childhood Education
Master of Education in Inclusive Education Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Sociology Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Educational Psychology Educational Psychology
Master of Education in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management Business & Management
Master of Education in Humanities Education & Teaching
Master of Technical Education in Building Technology and Design Applied Design
Master of Technical Education in Food Technology and Design Applied Design
Master of Technical Education in Textile Technology and Design Applied Design
Master of Technical Education in Art and Design Applied Design
Master of Science in Demography and Population Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Science in Counselling Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
15 programmes
There are 15 programmes to choose from at Great Zimbabwe University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Agriculture
Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Mathematics
Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics and Operations Research Mathematics
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography and Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in History Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry Biochemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology Pharmacy
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Pathology Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Microbiology Microbiology
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Analytics and Informatics Data Science & Analytics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
13 programmes
Great Zimbabwe University lists 13 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Post Graduate Diploma in Higher and Tertiary Education Education & Teaching
Post Graduate Diploma in Wildlife Law and Policy Law
Post Graduate Diploma in Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Construction Management
Graduate Certificate in Education Education & Teaching
Graduate Diploma in Education Education & Teaching
Certificate in Human Resources Analytics Data Science & Analytics
Certificate in Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Construction Management
Executive Certificate in Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Construction Management
Executive Certificate in Project Monitoring and Evaluation Construction Management
Certificate in Sugarcane Farming
Diploma in Sugarcane Farming
Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Project Management Entrepreneurship
English Proficiency Bridging Programme English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Great Zimbabwe University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Great Zimbabwe University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at Great Zimbabwe University
Use the programme finder to browse Great Zimbabwe University's 128 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at Great Zimbabwe University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Lodge your application
Great Zimbabwe University processes applications through www.gzu.ac.zw. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +263 (39) 263718. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Zimbabwe University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Great Zimbabwe University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
When was Great Zimbabwe University founded?
Great Zimbabwe University was established in 1999 (approximately 27 years ago).
In which city is Great Zimbabwe University?
Great Zimbabwe University is based in Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
What is Great Zimbabwe University's control type?
Great Zimbabwe University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Great Zimbabwe University?
Great Zimbabwe University has approximately 2,000-2,999 students.
What is Great Zimbabwe University's ranking?
Great Zimbabwe University is ranked #5291 globally and #4 in Zimbabwe.
What programmes are available at Great Zimbabwe University?
Great Zimbabwe University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Does Great Zimbabwe University have a religious affiliation?
Great Zimbabwe University operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
How many faculties does Great Zimbabwe University have?
Great Zimbabwe University is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Great Zimbabwe University officially recognised?
Yes, Great Zimbabwe University is recognised by Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE).
How do I find Great Zimbabwe University online?
You can find Great Zimbabwe University online at www.gzu.ac.zw.
Members of Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA)
Sabbatical exchange agreements among Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.
Other Zimbabwean Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Universities sharing Great Zimbabwe University's Christian-Catholic affiliation are listed below — useful if faith context shapes your shortlist. Faith-context shortlisting overlaps with but is distinct from academic shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Choosing the right Education & Teaching programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across Zimbabwe cover the same discipline as Great Zimbabwe University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Often Compared with Great Zimbabwe University
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Great Zimbabwe University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
