University of Venda

About UNIVEN

University of Venda is based in Thohoyandou in northern Limpopo, close to the Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe border, and has grown from a rural teaching college into a comprehensive university with a research focus on rural development.

Its programmes span the sciences, humanities and management, with particular emphasis on agriculture, environmental science and health as they relate to the surrounding region. Univen has built research strength in indigenous knowledge systems and rural livelihoods, areas well suited to its Venda and Tsonga cultural setting.

Its remote northern Limpopo location, near several major nature reserves, gives Univen a genuinely rural campus character, and the university has positioned itself as a specialist in research questions that are directly relevant to the communities around it.

Why students choose UNIVEN

• Research strength in indigenous knowledge systems
• Located near the Kruger National Park
• Strong rural development and agriculture focus

Fields of study

• Agriculture
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Human & Social Sciences
• Management, Commerce & Law
• Science, Engineering & Technology

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than UNIVEN-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.