| Legal Name | Great Zimbabwe University |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 (26 Years Ago) |
| Location | Main campus: Masvingo |
| Type | Public University |
| Chancellor | President of Zimbabwe |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Rungano Jonas Zvobgo |
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Background
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is a public university located in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. It was founded in 1999 as the Masvingo Degree Programme, which was originally part of the University of Zimbabwe. The institution became independent and was officially renamed Great Zimbabwe University in 2007. The name reflects its connection to the nearby Great Zimbabwe National Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Zimbabwean history.
The university is one of several public institutions established to expand access to higher education in the country. Its vision focuses on culture, development, and academic excellence.
Leadership and Governance
Great Zimbabwe University is governed like other state universities in Zimbabwe. The Chancellor is the President of Zimbabwe, currently Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. The Vice-Chancellor, responsible for the day-to-day running of the university, is Professor Rungano Jonas Zvobgo.
The university also has a governing council that oversees policy and development decisions. This structure follows national standards for public higher education institutions.
Campuses and Locations
GZU operates across several campuses in and around Masvingo:
- Main Campus: Located near Masvingo Teachers’ College, this campus houses administration offices and the Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture.
- Mucheke (City) Campus: Found in central Masvingo, it offers programs such as Law, Social Sciences, and Tourism.
- Mashava Campus: Located about 45 km from the city, this campus includes the Faculties of Commerce and Arts and offers student accommodation.
- Mega Campus (Planned): The university has secured land near the Great Zimbabwe Monuments to build a large new campus in the future.
Academic Faculties and Programs
GZU provides a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple fields. The university has several faculties or “schools”:
- Herbert Chitepo School of Law & Business Sciences: Law, Business, Tourism, and related studies.
- Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture & Engineering: Agriculture, Engineering, and Natural Sciences.
- School of Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Computer Science, Environmental Science.
- Robert Mugabe School of Heritage & Education: Primary and Secondary Education, Special Needs Education.
- Simon Muzenda School of Arts, Culture & Heritage Studies: Visual and Performing Arts, Literature, and Cultural Studies.
- Julius Nyerere School of Social Sciences: Sociology, Development Studies, Psychology, and Political Science.
- Munhumutapa School of Commerce: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, and Management.
All programs are taught in English, and the university supports research and innovation across disciplines.
Admissions and Fees
Entry Requirements
To enter undergraduate programs, students need at least five subjects at Advanced Level (A-Level), including English. Postgraduate programs require a relevant first degree. Some programs may also require work experience or additional qualifications.
Fees (2025 Estimates)
- Local Undergraduate Students: ZWL$25,960 – ZWL$30,060 per semester
- Postgraduate Students: ZWL$34,445 – ZWL$39,655 per semester
- Masters Students: ZWL$37,750 – ZWL$44,045 per semester
- PhD Students: ZWL$45,000 – ZWL$57,000 per semester
- International Students:
- Undergraduate: US$2,500 – US$5,000 per year
- Postgraduate: US$5,000 – US$7,500 per year
Enrollment numbers vary by source, but the student population may range from a few thousand to over 20,000.
Student Life and Services
GZU provides student accommodation on some campuses, especially in Mashava. Other services include:
- Academic libraries
- On-campus health and counseling services
- Sports facilities
- Religious and cultural clubs
- Access to digital tools and support for online learning
The university also hosts cultural events like the Dzimbahwe Arts Festival, where students showcase traditional music, dance, drama, and art.
Research and Partnerships
GZU encourages research in heritage, culture, language, and development. It collaborates with local and international institutions on various academic projects. The university also promotes student and staff exchange programs.
See where Great Zimbabwe University ranks on the top 20 list of best Universities in Zimbabwe.