The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is a comprehensive University which offers variety of undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the field of Agriculture, Nature Conservation, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Communication Technology, Development Studies, Early Childhood Education, Arts, Administration and Economics. UMP offers qualifications from Higher Certificates to Doctoral Degrees.
UMP was established in 2013 and enrolled the first cohort of 169 students in February 2014 in three programmes: Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase Teaching), Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Development and Diploma in ICT.
The University has experienced rapid and gratifying growth since its establishment with 11,754 enrolled students in 2025 and offering 84 Programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education. The University celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023 under the theme: A Decade of Excellence and Creating Opportunities. Outstanding attributions of the University include inter alia its iconic infrastructure, the highly regarded Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubation, its prominent suite of national and international partnerships in support of both undergraduate education and postgraduate and research, and a unique and recognised approach to Engagement.
Vision
To be an African University leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.
Mission
To offer high quality educational and training opportunities that foster the holistic development of students through teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and engagement, in collaboration with strategic partners.
Teaching and Learning – takes centre stage to advance the academic project.
Teaching and Learning at UMP focusses on the development of our students as independent and critical thinkers with a passion for knowledge and its application. Our approach to teaching is theoretically informed, pedagogically appropriate, and sensitive to diversity in all its forms in the educational environment. Therefore, continuously develop qualifications and curricula are context responsive.
UMP has been able to attract and retain established academics in various disciplines. Currently 52% of UMP academic staff have Doctoral Degrees. As part of student support, First Time Entering students (FTEN) are supported in the transition from school to university by a well-developed Orientation Week and a First Year Experience (FYE). Ongoing support is provided by peer mentors and tutors. As a result of these interventions, student success is generally high with a pass rate ranging from 80 – 85 % over the years.
The University seeks to produce quality graduates who are (a) resourceful, responsive, and responsible, (b) innovative and entrepreneurial, (c) confident and effective communicators, (d) ethically and socially aware change agents, (e) adaptable, and (f) have sound discipline knowledge. UMP has graduated 6,010 students since its establishment. The University will further graduate A total of 2,035 during its 10th graduation to be held on 08, 09 and 10 May 2025.
Research and Innovation – generating new knowledge in support of social and economic development.
UMP conducts research that contributes to local, regional, national, and global sustainability. Focussing on research has placed UMP in an advanced position among the institutions of higher learning despite it being one of the two new universities established in post-apartheid South Africa. We have developed rapidly in terms of research capacity development, research disciplines, national and international research partnerships, and research outputs.
The University’s current research areas of interest include agriculture, biological and environmental sciences, information and communication technology, developmental studies, hospitality management and tourism and Education. Amongst some of the key research highlights since our establishment includes being awarded the National Research Foundation (NRF) Excelleration Award in 2022 which acknowledges South African research institutions for achieving the most improved research performance. In 2023 UMP was awarded the National Research Foundation (NRF) CEO’s Special Recognition Award, which recognizes a South African research institution that has previously won the Excelleration Award and has continued its progress and commitment to excellence in research performance. Our NRF Rated Researchers have increased from 1 in 2014 to 13 in 2023.
State-of-the-art library with socially interactive space
UMP has a state-of-the-art library with socially interactive space that strikes a balance between quiet, collaborative, virtual, research and communal spaces. The library ensures its relevance and responsiveness to the university’s objectives of teaching, learning, research and community engagement, all in the midst of rapid changes in technology in higher education. It has grown its collection and service offering progressively over the last few years, an evolution that has been relative to the increased number of students and staff within the university.
Connect with us
- Instagram: @unimpumalanga
- Twitter: @unimpumalanga
- Facebook: @UniMpumalanga
- LinkedIn: @University of Mpumalanga
- Website: ump.ac.za
Find us
Mbombela Campus: Cnr R40 and D725 Roads, Mbombela 1200
Siyabuswa Campus: Bheki Mfundo Drive, Siyabuswa, South Africa
Switchboard: 013 002 0049/50 Email: [email protected]
