Great Zimbabwe University

About

Great Zimbabwe University, established in 2007, is a public institution renowned for its unique focus on heritage, culture, and tourism, drawing inspiration from its namesake, the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. Academically, it is best known for its strong programs in Heritage Studies, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Tourism & Hospitality Management, alongside robust faculties in Education, Arts, and Social Sciences. While primarily serving local students, GZU welcomes international students into its English-taught programs, offering support through its International Relations Office for admissions, visa processes, and integration into university life. Its distinctive characteristic is its deep integration of Zimbabwean heritage into its academic mission and research, making it a unique place to study African history and culture. International students benefit from a supportive environment and the opportunity to engage with a rich cultural landscape.

Background

Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is an institution of higher learning in the city of Masvingo, Zimbabwe. It is currently situated on the Masvingo Teachers’ College campus seven kilometres east of Masvingo CBD. Currently the institution has a number of campuses in and around the city, including some in the high density suburb of Mucheke, most notably the school of tourism and hospitality situated on a hill on what used to be a hotel. The Herbert Chitepo law school and the library are among the campuses in the center of town. There are also newly built campuses to the west in the industrial zone of the city, whose buildings stand out along the Bulawayo highway. There is another campus in the mining town of Mashava 40km west of Masvingo. A larger campus is soon to be built near the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the namesake of the university. One of a number of universities the government opened after independence in 1980, Great Zimbabwe University began life as the Masvingo State University (MASU). which was established through the recommendations of the 1995 Chetsanga Report. The report had proposed the devolution of teachers’ and technical...

Location

Quick facts

Nearby universities