Welcome to the
University of Fort Hare
Be part of a university with the richest heritage on the African continent.
Study, collaborate and work for the institution that forges changemakers, leaders, and solutions for the future.
Hear our Vice Chancellor’s Message
The University of Fort Hare insists that all its research upholds high ethical and integrity standards. All researchers including staff and students conducting any research that may impact directly or indirectly on people, animals or the environment need to seek ethics clearance before any research is conducted. If one fails to obtain ethical clearance before the research is started, then this may lead to a breach of research integrity, articles not being published and students being barred from graduating.
Professor Sakhela Buhlungu – Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Our Vision and Mission
Advancing Knowledge Through Digital Innovation
Our vision is to be a distinctive African university, advancing excellence and innovation in research, teaching, learning, administration, and social engagement. Guided by this, our mission is to provide quality education and conduct innovative research in niche areas, contributing to socially and contextually relevant knowledge with a strong emphasis on applying digital technologies.
Our History
The University of Fort Hare (UFH) holds a profound place in the chronicles of African history and education, with its rich history and heritage embodying significant cultural, political, and educational narratives. The institution’s legacy extends beyond its physical boundaries, becoming a beacon of hope, resilience, and intellectual advancement in Africa.
UFH as a physical site of colonial contestation, the incubation space for various liberation movements, and its contemporary position as a lodestar for academic excellence reflect a broader struggle and victory over injustice. It stands as a testament to the power of education as a tool for empowerment and societal change.
The history and heritage of the University of Fort Hare are not only essential to understanding the past but are integral to shaping the future. A legacy of pioneering education, fostering leadership, and promoting cultural and intellectual growth underscores UFH’s continuing importance in the broader narrative of Africa’s journey towards equity, development, and renewal.
Leadership & Management
Vice-Chancellor and Principal:
Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu
Registrar
Mr. Njabulo Zuma
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning
Prof. Renuka Vithal
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Partnerships and Innovation
Dr. Nthabi Taole-Mjimba
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Charles Matumba
Dean of Student Affairs
Mr. Lufuno Tshikhudo
Portfolios
Office of the Registrar
The Registrar is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of student registration, managing academic records, and maintaining the integrity of the examination and graduation processes. They work closely with faculty, staff, and students to implement policies related to admissions, enrolment, course offerings, and academic progression. The Registrar also plays a key role in the development and enforcement of academic regulations, ensuring compliance with university governance and national higher education standards. Additionally, the registrar often serves as a liaison between the university and external bodies, such as government agencies and accrediting organizations.
Teaching & Learning
The Teaching and Learning portfolio is the foundation of our university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. As we continue to enhance the quality of education, our focus remains on fostering a dynamic and effective learning environment for both students and academic staff. Through the adoption of best teaching practices, ongoing curriculum renewal, and professional development initiatives, we aim to ensure a holistic and enriching educational experience. The recent organogram review has further strengthened our ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education, bridging our rich traditions with forward-looking strategies. Together, we are shaping a future where teaching and learning remain central to our mission of academic excellence.
Research, Partnerships & Innovation
Research is inculcated in the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) DNA. As an academic institution, UFH highly regards research that contributes to society and delivers ground-breaking progress and development Mentorship, support, partnerships, and initiatives are not just part of UFH’s research initiatives. They are at the heart of them. These elements are crucial to growing FHU’s research capacity and fostering a culture of research excellence.
UFH caters to the many facets of excellence in research, and each of its units and programmes is specifically structured to be a driving force in developing researchers who excel in their fields.
The University adheres to the strictest code of ethics to ensure integrity, sound academic process, dignity and equity in all its research endeavours.
Council
The University of Fort Hare Council governs the institution in accordance with its scope of authority as provided for in the Act, any other applicable legislation and this Statute and monitors compliance therewith.
The Council ensures good management of the University and is inter alia responsible for policymaking and the monitoring of the implementation of policies, including laying down guidelines and policy on staff matters including staff and student disciplinary matters.
The Council further adopts the University’s vision, mission and values, and monitors the realisation thereof, is responsible for sustaining the University’s reputation and financial health, and the well-being of its employees and students.
Executive leadership appointments are made by the Council, and the establishment and disestablishment of faculties and academic departments and the determination of fees also form part of responsibilities of Council.
The UFH Council establishes and maintains high standards of academic conduct and probity in concurrence with the Senate.
In addition, Council is responsible for adopting and monitoring financial and non-financial performance measures related to the University’s strategic objectives.
In consultation with the Vice-Chancellor, the nature and scope of the University’s social responsibilities are determined. Council also protects the institutional autonomy of the University and the academic freedom of its employees while upholding public accountability.
The UCH Council is accountable to the Minister of Higher Education and Training in terms of the provisions of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997), as amended.
Student Affairs
The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at UFH serves as a vital link between students and university administration, advocating for student needs and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment. Under Mr. Tshikhudo’s leadership, the office addresses key aspects of student life, including housing, health services, and counselling. It promotes cultural integration through events and workshops, supports academic and career development, and ensures student well-being, particularly for those with disabilities. By engaging students in decision-making through the SRC, the office empowers them as leaders, enhancing their university experience and personal growth.
Shaping Our Future
Strategic Plan
This new Strategic Plan is a blueprint for the building and reconstruction work that will be undertaken over the next five years. This will see the University of Fort Hare, founded in 1916 and 106 years old, re-established in its rightful place as one of the foremost institutions of higher learning in South Africa and the continent.
Calling this Strategic Plan ‘Towards a Decade of Renewal’ signals that we are not content to bask in the glory of the institution’s proud origins and tradition of trailblazing scholarship and leadership. Instead, we are committing to putting in the significant work required to strengthen the foundations and reimagine the institution where required.
The renewal project will see the University flourishing by the end of the decade. We will be offering new niche programmes and cutting-edge curricula, conducting high quality, high impact research, supporting innovation, embracing innovative pedagogies, utilising hybrid modes of delivery and providing a supportive learning and quality living environment for our students.
Explore the Heart of Learning
Faculties
Social Sciences and Humanities
Standard of quality
Our University Accreditation and Affiliations
200K +
Number of applicants for 2025
13k
Enrolled undergraduate & postgraduate students
85%
Student success rate in undergraduate studies
23
Sports codes offered by UFH Sports Department
91,8%
UFH as first choice study destination