Reformed Church University Biography

Background

Reformed Church University (RCU) is a private university in Zimbabwe. It was officially established in 2012 by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ). The idea for the university came after the RCZ was granted a charter in 2010 by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). The university opened its doors to students on 12 August 2012 with a few undergraduate programmes.

Location

The main campus is located about 7 kilometres from Masvingo town, at Riebeek Farm, along the Bulawayo-Mashava Road. The university also has a Harare campus at the Highfield Youth Centre and operates cohort centres in cities such as Mutare, Chiredzi, and Beitbridge. These sites are used for part-time and block release programmes.

Administration

RCU is run under the authority of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. The university is governed by a Council and led by a Vice Chancellor, with the Chancellor position usually held by a senior figure within the RCZ leadership. The university is registered with ZIMCHE and follows the country’s higher education regulations.

Motto and Focus

The university’s motto is: "Building a Legacy Through Inclusivity."
RCU is known for its emphasis on inclusive education, especially for people with disabilities. This focus continues the church’s long history of working with special needs institutions such as Copota School for the Blind and the Henry Murray School for the Deaf.

Academic Programmes

When it started, RCU offered four degree programmes in:

• Special Needs Education
• Early Childhood Development
• Theology
• Human Resources and Industrial Relations

Since then, the university has expanded and now has several faculties, including:

• Faculty of Commerce – Offering degrees in Accounting, Business Management, Marketing, Public Administration, and more
• Faculty of Education and Social Sciences – With programmes in Inclusive Education, ICT Education, Sports Science, and African Languages
• Faculty of Arts, Theology and Heritage Studies – Including Media Studies and Theology
• Faculty of Social Sciences – Offering Social Work and related fields
• Postgraduate Degrees – Including Master of Education and MBA

RCU also offers certificate and diploma courses in areas like sign language, braille, caregiving, and project management.

Admission

To apply, students must submit certified copies of their national ID, birth certificate, and academic results. There is also a non-refundable application fee, which differs for local and international students. The university offers full-time, part-time, and block release study options.

Students and Staff

RCU has around 1,500 students enrolled in various programmes. The university maintains a low student-to-staff ratio, with efforts to provide more personal attention and support to each student. It also promotes research and community service as part of its academic culture.

Campus Life

The university provides student services such as orientation, counseling, e-learning support, and basic healthcare. Some accommodation is available on campus, though more facilities are still being developed. RCU encourages student participation in clubs and outreach projects, especially those linked to its values of inclusion and ethics.

Rankings

See where RCU 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)