Welcome
Welcome to our university’s about page, where you can learn more about who we are and what we stand for.
Welcome to Vaal University of Technology
The Journey:
The year 2024 marks exactly 20 years of the existence of the Vaal University of Technology.
The university was first established as a college for advanced technical education in 1966 and then transitioned into Technikon in 1979. With the restructuring of the higher education landscape, the institution became a University of Technology in 2004 and has seen significant growth in its activities and reach since that time. The university currently boasts close to 20 000 active students.
This is testament to the institution’s dedication to education, innovation, and excellence in the field of technology. Such anniversaries are not only moments to reflect on past achievements but also to look forward to future advancements and contributions to the world of technology and academia.
Throughout the years, VUT has and continues to offer an expansive catalogue of industry tailored undergraduate and postgraduate programmes which span the fields of Applied and Computer Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Human Sciences and Management Sciences. Our diverse Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) caters to a wide range of students with interests and ambitions in various disciplines.
Our innovative learning method facilitated by committed and esteemed thought leaders is the reason our institution has remained a reputable contributor to the country’s knowledge edifice over the two decades. We proudly celebrate the vibrant tapestry of success woven by our esteemed alumni by shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of these accomplished individuals who once walked our halls and now stride confidently in diverse fields locally and internationally. From groundbreaking innovations to transformative leadership roles, our alumni exemplify the embodiment of our institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering lifelong connections.
Located in a historical industrial hub, we have a vision to foster “Learning and Innovation for a Digitally Smart and Sustainable Industrial
Progress and Socio-Economic Transformation.” Our mission is to produce techno-entrepreneurial graduates and innovators who
will serve as catalysts for a vibrant transformation of a flourishing and sustainable society, industry, and commerce. To achieve this, we provide
technology-enhanced teaching and learning, quality living and learning communities, high-impact research and innovation that contributes to solving society and industry challenges.
With several centres of excellence and NRF-rated professors, we pride ourselves with being associated with world-class academics and researchers
who not only produce ground-breaking research that solves real life problems, but also empower aspiring researchers to engage the most experienced minds in several research fields as their aides.
We are the only university in South Africa that fully owns a Science and Technology Park which is home to the Technology Transfer and Innovation which is a strategic technology hub that endeavors to promote SMMEs and industrial competitiveness. Its strategic location (Sebokeng), available infrastructure as well as the current entrepreneurial culture make it an ideal implementing agency for driving regional government programmes within the Southern Gauteng region.
The VUT Law Clinic which is also housed at the same precinct, offers free legal services to the indigent members of the Emfuleni community on matters related to Domestic Violence, Maintenance, Divorces, Drafting of Wills, Children’s Court, Social justice issues such as the
right to housing and unlawful evictions as well as labour related issues especially unfair dismissal.
The university proactively forges collaborations with industries to ensure relevance and applicability of education and research. These
relationships with partners from industry, commerce, professional bodies and communities across South Africa also enrich our academic and research endeavors and enhance the value of our qualifications.
Community Engagement
The need to foster meaningful relationships between academic institutions and their surrounding communities, has been a focal point of discussion over the years. Through our department of Community Engagement, VUT continues to play a crucial role in promoting social responsibility, civic engagement, and sustainable development in the broader surrounding communities to create a positive impact and reciprocal and mutual learning for the benefit of social humanity. In addition to giving back
to the community, such initiatives are aligned to, and underpinned by one of the University’s strategic
pillars of Socially Engaged Scholarship.
