Harare Institute of Technology Biography

Background

The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) is a public university located in Harare, Zimbabwe. It was established in 1988 as the National Vocational Training Centre (NVTC). The institution originally focused on offering technical training and vocational skills. In 2005, it became a fully-fledged university through the Harare Institute of Technology Act, allowing it to offer academic degrees in technology and applied sciences.

Institutional Growth

Transition to a University

HIT's transition from a training center to a university started with the development of programs in engineering and applied sciences. In 2005, it was officially granted university status, marking a significant shift in its role within Zimbabwe’s higher education system. This change allowed the institute to award degrees and to expand into research and innovation.

Academic Faculties

HIT is structured into five main schools:

• School of Engineering and Technology
• School of Information Science and Technology
• School of Industrial Sciences and Technology
• School of Business and Management Sciences
• School of Allied Health Sciences

These schools offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some of the postgraduate options include degrees in Cloud Computing, Machine Design, and Financial Engineering.

Governance and Leadership

HIT operates as a public institution under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development in Zimbabwe.

• Chancellor: The President of Zimbabwe (currently Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa)
• Vice-Chancellor: Eng. Quinton C. Kanhukamwe

The university is overseen by a council that includes representatives from the government, industry, and academia.

Location and Facilities

The university is based at 1505 Ganges Road in Belvedere, Harare, close to the city center. It has an urban campus that includes:

• Lecture halls and seminar rooms
• Laboratories for engineering and science programs
• A Technovation Centre for research and innovation
• Hostels for students
• A student clinic
• Sports and recreational areas

These facilities are designed to support both academic and student life.

Tuition and Student Population

HIT has a student body estimated at around 2,000 to 2,999 students.

• Local tuition (2024/2025): Between ZWL$31,898 and ZWL$49,528 per semester, depending on the program.
• International tuition: Ranges from US$780 to US$1,500 per semester.
• Application fees: US$20 (local applicants), US$50 (international applicants)

Focus on Research and Innovation

The university promotes research in applied science and industrial technology. HIT has established research centers that focus on:

• Renewable energy
• Environmental management
• Technology transfer
• Science and technology education

It aims to produce solutions that can be applied directly in industries across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Global Collaborations

HIT works with universities in other countries to promote academic exchange and joint research projects. These include:

• VIT University and Delhi Technological University (India)
• Moi University (Kenya)
• Eskisehir Osamangazi University (Turkey)

These partnerships help strengthen HIT’s academic and research programs through faculty exchange, collaborative projects, and innovation sharing.

Achievements

HIT has received several awards for academic and research leadership. One of its notable recognitions is the International Socrates Award for excellence in higher education leadership. The institution also has a growing research profile, with over 400 published scientific papers.

Many of HIT's graduates have gone on to start businesses and projects in fields such as:

• Software and IT services
• Renewable energy
• Agriculture and agro-processing

Rankings

See where HIT ranks on the top 20 list of best Universities in Zimbabwe in 2025.

We are working towards providing the most accurate rankings. Contact IBZIM support for more info: +263717238876 (whatsapp)