The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is a comprehensive University which offers variety of undergraduate and postgraduate studies. At present the University has three Faculties being the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences. 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 78 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 8,045 students since its establishment. Amongst some of the notable achievements during the 10th graduation includes:
- The first PhD student to graduate at the University, Dr Khumbelo Mabadahanye.
- A total of 61 students Master’s students graduated.
- 170 students were awarded/conferred their qualifications with a Cum Laude (distinction).
- A total of 66.2% female and 33.8% male students graduated this year.
- A total number 45 recipients of Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and a total of 11 recipients of Academic Excellence Awards graduated.
- 60 different qualifications were awarded/conferred during this year’s graduation ceremonies. Amongst the 60 qualifications, 10 qualifications were awarded/conferred for the first time.
- Our graduates come from 3 countries namely, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and The Kingdom of Eswatini.
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 expertise and increased our research outputs. We have also established national and international research partnerships.
The University’s current institutional research themes 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 16 in 2025.
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]
