Central University of Technology, Free State

South Africa

Qualify to meet today’s demands at the Central University of Technology, Free State

The Central University of Technology, Free State (formerly Technikon Free State) is a dynamic institution taking pride in its technological and entrepreneurial orientation with its emphasis on experiential training, quality service, community involvement and research. Today’s working environment demands a different way of thinking, a new way of seeing. It necessitates an education aware of present opportunities to equip students with an applicable qualification.

The former minister of education, Prof. Kader Asmal, announced during 2003 that all technikons are to become “universities of technology”.  This announcement was welcomed by the Technikon Free State (now the Central University of Technology, Free State), as the institutional vision, mission and core values are currently reflecting the true spirit of a university of technology. 

Since 1996 the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has been strategically repositioning itself as a university of technology – a process that commenced under the leadership of Prof. Bertus Koorts, principal and vice-chancellor of the CUT.  As early as 1999, at a press conference following on the conclusion of the national seminar (hosted by the CUT), the question of whether technikons should become universities of technology was posed, in response to which various international speakers from the USA, New Zealand, the UK and the Netherlands unanimously declared that the former Technikon Free State has met the criteria set for universities of technology, as is apparent from the establishment of the Science Park, as well as the increase in partnerships with business and industry, to name a few.  Therefore the former Technikon Free State decided that the new name of the institution should be the Central University of Technology, Free State and was subsequently approved by former Education Minister, Kader Asmal.  The new name had to confirm the values and principles of a true university of technology, of which the expectations of all stakeholders, the demographic composition of the region served by the CUT, and the transformation processes currently underway in higher education in South Africa had to be taken into account. 

Inter- and multi-disciplinary sciences rooted in a technological and entrepreneurial base are the new generation sciences fit to address the immediate and urgent need of our society. Thus, schools and departments functioning within the different faculties, the continuous revision of learning programmes, as well as research with a technological and entrepreneurial focus ensure that the CUT keeps abreast of times. A qualification from the Central University of Technology, Free State gives students the edge in an increasingly competitive working environment and attributes to the high employability rate of its students.

National certificates, diplomas and degrees up to doctorate level are offered in the following three faculties: Engineering, & Information and Communication Technology, Management Sciences, and Health and Environmental Sciences. The Faculty of Management houses the School for Entrepreneurship and Business Development as well as the widely recognized School for Tourism, Hospitality and Sport. In addition to programmes offered in these schools students can enroll for programmes in the School of Government Management and the School of Teacher Education. Considering the need for the successful development of the small business sector, the huge potential of the hospitality and tourism industry, the opportunities the world of sport offers as well as the continuous growth experienced in the field of information technology the relevancy of the Faculty of Management Sciences’ qualifications is evident.

In the Faculty of Engineering & Information and Communication Technology various programmes are offered by the School of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment and the School of \Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mathematics.  The School for Information and Communication Technology, the School for Design Technology and Visual Art as well as the School of Jewellery Design also situated within the Faculty of Engineering & Information and Communication Technology.  

Health and Environmental Sciences has two schools, The School of Health Technology and The School of Environmental Development and Agriculture, offering several related programmes.  As from this year the School of Health Technology is offering a brand new learning programme in Emergency Medical Care.  Students in possession of a national diploma in Emergency Medical Care are employed nationally and internationally by private ambulance services, the government, as well as the army, private clinics, the mines and luxury liners.

At the CUT the Internet is utilised to deliver learning programmes to students wherever they are. Students can follow diploma and degree programmes presented via the Internet at a time and place convenient to them. In this way the Internet encourages life-long learning and self-development. The CUT also has a learning centre in Welkom where students who are not in a position to enroll as a full-time student at the main campus in Bloemfontein can further their studies.

It is the Central University of Technology’s aim to deliver quality education relevant for the new generation students. For more information on the programmes offered by the Central University of Technology, Free State call (051) 507-3021.

To cater in the needs of sport enthusiasts there are excellent sports facilities on campus and a host of formally organised sport codes like athletics, soccer, rugby, cricket, basketball, volleyball and netball.

A variety of cultural and recreational societies ensure that every student enjoys a fulfilling student life and experience the richness of our cultural diversity.  The CUT has a modern Library and Information Centre with an Internet Café.  The new Lapeng Student Centre is the heartbeat of the campus.  It accommodates a counseling service for career and personal guidance, a health service and cafeterias where friends meet.  It also hosts an amphitheatre for performances and all kinds of student activities.