University of Venda (Univen)

The University of Venda, known as Univen, is a comprehensive university in Thohoyandou, in the Vhembe district of Limpopo. It was established in 1982 and teaches through four faculties. Applying is free, so it is an accessible option for students in the far north of the country.

About Univen

Univen opened in 1982, and its 2027 prospectus describes 2026 as the 44th year since it opened its doors. Its location in Vhembe places it close to rural communities, conservation areas and farming regions, which shapes much of its teaching and research.

Faculties

The university has four faculties: Science, Engineering and Agriculture; Management, Commerce and Law; Health Sciences; and Humanities, Social Sciences and Education. So you can study anything from agriculture and the sciences to accounting, law, nursing and teaching.

Applying to Univen

Univen's online application is free of charge, and its 2026 fees booklet states that no application fee applies to 2027 applications. The same booklet gives 30 September 2026 as the closing date for enrolment. The university's FAQ notes that closing dates and programme requirements can change between rounds, so check the current notice before you apply.

Apply online through the university's website. Prepare your ID, your latest school results and your contact details before you start, so that you can finish the form in one sitting.

Fees and funding

Tuition depends on your programme, and the university publishes a fees booklet each year. Residence adds to the cost if you live on campus. Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and the Limpopo provincial government and local municipalities also fund students from the area. For fee questions, the university lists studentfinancesupport@univen.ac.za. Browse our bursaries for more options.

Is Univen right for you?

Univen suits students who want to study close to home in Limpopo, particularly in agriculture, health or the environmental sciences. Because applying is free, it is worth including as one of your choices even if you are also applying elsewhere.

Keep in mind that student housing is limited at most universities, including Univen. So apply for residence at the same time as your studies, and plan for private accommodation in Thohoyandou if you do not get a place.

Also look at the entry requirements for your programme early. Some fields, such as nursing and the sciences, set specific subject levels, so check them before you choose your matric subjects.

Before you apply to Univen

Check the minimum requirements for your programme in the 2027 prospectus, and note any subject levels that it sets in Mathematics or Physical Sciences. Then complete the free online application before the closing date, and keep your reference number for tracking.