Midlands State University (MSU)
Basic Overview

Type: Public university

Established: 2000

Motto: “Our Hands, Our Minds, Our Destiny”

Location / Campuses: Main campus in Gweru, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, with additional campuses in Zvishavane, Harare, and other towns.

Student Body: Around 31,000 students (about 28,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates).

Leadership:

Vice Chancellor: Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa

Chancellor: The President of Zimbabwe (ex-officio)

Faculties & Academic Structure

MSU is structured into faculties and research institutes. Main faculties include:

Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources Management

Arts & Humanities

Business Sciences

Education

Engineering & Geosciences

Law

Medicine & Health Sciences

Science & Technology

Social Sciences

Specialized institutes and centers include:

Gender Institute

National Language Institute

Tugwi-Mukosi Multidisciplinary Research Institute

Centre for Public Policy and Devolution

Academic System:

Semesterised and modularised

Two intakes per year (March and August)

Programs usually last 4–5 years

Strong emphasis on Work Related Learning (industrial attachment during the third year in many programmes)

Admission & Programs

Undergraduate Requirements: At least five “O” Level passes including English Language; specific “A” Level requirements for some courses.

Postgraduate Programs: Offers master’s and PhD degrees across disciplines.

Additional Programs: Visiting School programmes, diplomas, and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.

Student Life & Facilities

Residences: On-campus hostels for male and female students, though many students live in nearby suburbs like Senga and Gweru East due to limited space.

Facilities: Libraries, laboratories, classrooms, sports and recreation infrastructure, plus digital resources and e-learning platforms.

Activities: Students engage in sports, clubs, societies, cultural events, and community outreach initiatives.

Reputation & Accreditation

Accredited under Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.

Considered one of the leading state universities in Zimbabwe.

Contact Information

Postal Address: P Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe

Telephone: +263 8677 000234

Fax: +263 54 2260233

Website: ww5.msu.ac.zw