| Legal Name | Bindura University of Science Education |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 (29 Years Ago) |
| Location | Bindura, Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe |
| Type | Public University |
| Chancellor | President of Zimbabwe |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Eddie Mwenje |
Great Zimbabwe University Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is a multi-campus public institution in Masvingo, Zimbabwe offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Lupane State University Lupane State University (LSU) is a public institution in Lupane, Zimbabwe, established in 2004 with a mandate to advance agricultural education.
Background
Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is a public institution in Zimbabwe, established to help improve science education in the country. Located in the town of Bindura, about 87 kilometers northeast of the capital city Harare, the university was founded in 1996 as part of government efforts to train more science teachers and support national development.
The idea for the university came from the Zimbabwe-Cuba Teacher Training Programme in the 1980s, where Zimbabwean students were sent abroad to study science education. In 1995, the Zimbabwean government decided to create a local training facility for science teachers, leading to the establishment of BUSE.
University Structure and Campuses
BUSE has several campuses:
- Main Campus: 741 Chimurenga Road, Bindura
- Town Campus: Border Gezi Avenue, Bindura
- FSE Campus: Shashiview, Bindura
- Harare Branch: 8th Floor, Finance House, Harare
A new larger campus is under construction northeast of the main town.
Academic Profile
The university is organized into five main faculties:
- Science Education
- Science and Engineering
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Commerce
- Social Sciences and Humanities
BUSE offers degrees ranging from diploma to doctoral level, especially in science, technology, agriculture, commerce, and social sciences. The university operates in English and is medium-sized, with enrollment of about 9,000–9,999 students.
Leadership
As of 2025, BUSE is led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje, a microbiologist and biotechnology specialist. The Chancellor's role is filled ex-officio by the President of Zimbabwe, which is standard for state universities in the country.
Research and Innovation
BUSE is known for research in areas such as:
- Mycological biotechnology, including use of fungi in food and environmental cleanup
- Environmental microbiology
- Water quality management
- Probiotic therapies and bioactive plant compounds
The university has pioneered several local solutions, such as water treatment initiatives and digital systems for public service monitoring.
Student Life
BUSE provides a variety of services to students:
- Health services staffed by doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and psychologists
- Sports facilities, including a National Sports Academy for training
- Libraries and study spaces
- Accommodation (on- and off-campus)
- Student clubs and organizations
BUSE does not require a formal student uniform; however, its logo and regalia feature yellow, blue, and green.
Fees and Financial Aid
- Local Fees (2022 example): Sciences & Engineering: ZWL 198,000; Commercials and Humanities: ZWL 184,800 per semester
- Estimated Average: Around US$2,900 per year for local and international students
- Financial Assistance: Scholarships, bursaries, and flexible payment options are available.
Achievements
- Established Zimbabwe's first School of Optometry (2018)
- Produced notable alumni, including a Rhodes Scholar (2019) and an Olympic qualifier (2024)
- Developed innovative applications, such as water treatment systems and probiotic-based wellness products.