University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is located within the Umhlathuze Municipality, the fastest growing industrial hub and employer in northern KwaZulu-Nata

University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is located within the Umhlathuze Municipality, the fastest growing industrial hub and employer in northern KwaZulu-Natal. UNIZULU is the only university north of the Uthukela River and can be easily found 1.4km south east of the R102 when travelling from Durban or by using the Global Positioning Satellite co-ordinates -28.858208, 31.840889.

Academia

UNIZULU is a comprehensive University offering approximately 252 accredited degree, diploma and certificate courses across its Faculties of Arts; Education; Science and Agriculture; and Commerce, Administration and Law at the KwaDlangezwa and Richards Bay campuses. Popular courses include Law, Education, Nursing Science, Agronomy, Hydrology, Social Work, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Sport Science. UNIZULU students have the opportunity to specialise their degrees according to their areas of interest, within their respective fields. In addition, the University believes in promoting a culture of learning in an environment that is conducive to personal growth and academic development. To further academic development, assistance is provided through the provision of augmented and foundation courses to unleash students’ potential.

Campuses

Developed in 1960, the KwaDlangezwa Campus is the main campus and is home to the University’s four faculties and academic support departments.  The urban Richards Bay Campus was completed in 2009 and is intended to further the University’s entrepreneurial and vocational agenda in conjunction with local industry partnerships and the maritime sector. Courses currently being delivered at the campus include Public Relations, Transport Management and Hospitality Management.

UNIZULU Science Centre

UNIZULU’s internationally acclaimed Science Centre celebrated its 25 Anniversary in 2011 along with the launch of its early childhood development museum, a first for Africa. Located within the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation (ZCBF) Community Park in Richards Bay,  the Centre has received numerous accolades for promoting interest in Science, Engineering and Technology and is home to more than 130 innovative exhibits produced locally and abroad. The Centre forms part of the University’s community outreach initiative that is focused on developing inquiring minds.

International Linkages Office

As part of UNIZULU’s drive to broaden its reach and strengthen its academic and research focus, the International Linkages Office (ILO) has established partnerships with institutions of higher learning across continents, thus globally connecting with experts in various fields.  ILO initiatives are based on increasing research capacity, sport and recreation, academic exchanges, scholarly visits and developing new projects that are of benefit to the University community. In addition it offers mentorship and support programmes for staff and postgraduate students applying for scholarly exchange programmes and visits.

Current partners include Manchester University, the Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education (NUFFIC), Philipps-Marburg University, Appalachian State University, University of Michigan, Jackson State University, Oxford University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Benedict College, Elizabeth Minority Health International Research Training (E-MHIRT), Italian Laboratorio Dei Materiali TASC and ELETTRA, American Councils for International Education and Moi University.

Growth and Development 

UNIZULU is firmly embedded in the local context and dedicated to developing local talents. In ensuring the young minds of surrounding communities are developed, several learnerships, scholarships, bursaries and financial aid opportunities are annually made available with academic incentives.

University Students Population – 2013 Figures to replace current figures

The University student population is 16 118 inclusive of 14 819 undergraduates and 1 299 postgraduate students. The University has 101 international students majority of which come from Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and other neighbouring African counties with the remainder from countries in Asia, South America, Australasia and Oceania. UNIZULU female student population is 10 426, with a total of 5 676 male students and 16 students unspecified.

For more information on this university, please visit their website for more information.