The University of Venda (Univen), situated in Thohoyandou in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, opened in 1982 to cater for the then Homeland of Venda. Univen is the only University in the Vhembe District, which covers an area of 21000km and is home to approximately two million people. Since its establishment, the University has experienced tremendous growth and change. During its early years, teaching staff were drawn from various backgrounds in South Africa and by 1994 recruitment was expanded to African countries and abroad. The presence on campus of staff from diverse backgrounds created a unique atmosphere and a fertile environment for new ideas and a capacity for change.

To date the university has established itself as a national asset through its niche on problem oriented, project based curriculum with a strength in nurturing under prepared students into nationally competitive graduates. The university has therefore become an important player in the South African higher education landscape, contributing significantly to the human resources and development needs of the country and region.