Midlands State University Biography

Background

Midlands State University (MSU) is a public university in Zimbabwe. It was established in 2000 and is located in Gweru, Midlands Province. The university began as an expansion of Gweru Teachers’ College, which had started offering University of Zimbabwe degrees in the late 1990s. The institution was formally created through the State University in the Midlands Act, reflecting Zimbabwe’s efforts to increase access to higher education.

Establishment and Growth

The university officially opened its doors in 2000. The first students attended classes in buildings that once belonged to Gweru Teachers’ College. Over time, MSU expanded its facilities and campuses, often using funds raised during difficult economic times. The main campus remains in Gweru, but there are now additional campuses in Zvishavane, Harare, Mutare, and other locations.

Governance

MSU is governed by a University Council and a Senate. The President of Zimbabwe acts as the Chancellor, while the Vice-Chancellor is responsible for daily operations. The university follows a structure similar to other state universities in Zimbabwe, with academic and administrative leaders overseeing different areas.

Academic Programmes

The university offers a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. There are nine faculties, including Agriculture, Arts, Business Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Sciences. MSU is known for its modular, semester-based system and includes work-related learning as part of many degrees. Admission requirements include at least five ‘O’ Level passes (including English) and two ‘A’ Level passes for undergraduate entry.

Campuses and Facilities

MSU operates several campuses:

• Main Campus (Gweru): Central administration, teaching, and student accommodation.
• Zvishavane Campus: Serves students in a mining town.
• Harare, TelOne, Batanai, and Mutare Campuses: Offer programmes in business, law, tourism, and engineering.

Student accommodation is available both on and off campus. The university continues to expand its facilities to meet the needs of a growing student population.

Student Body

MSU has about 31,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in Zimbabwe. Most students are undergraduates, but there is a growing number of postgraduate students. The university attracts students from across Zimbabwe and from other countries in the region and beyond.

Fees and Official Colors

For the 2024/2025 academic year, undergraduate fees for SADC students range from US$1,072 to US$1,122 per year. Fees for non-SADC and international students are higher. The official colors of MSU are gold and sky blue, which are used in branding and academic dress. There is no standard daily uniform for students.

Accreditation and Recognition

Midlands State University is accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. It is recognized in national and international university rankings and is considered one of the fastest-growing universities in Zimbabwe.

Rankings

See where MSU 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)