In January 2004, as part of South Africa's national restructuring of higher education, the Technikon Free State and the Welkom campus of Vista University merged to form the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). Read more about the two institutions.
This merger created a unified institution positioned as a University of Technology, dedicated to serving the central region of South Africa and contributing to national socio-economic development.
Our Vision, Mission and Core Values
Vision 2030
"A leading University of Technology – changing lives, transforming society and shaping the future."
Our Mission
CUT delivers quality academic programmes and applied research, promotes access with success, engages meaningfully with communities, and leverages strategic partnerships to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, social impact, and inclusive development.
Our Core Values
Ubuntu | Integrity | Diversity | Innovation | Excellence | Sustainability | Digital Citizenship
Strategic Direction: Vision 2030
Progress toward our vision is driven through three strategic goals, supported by five flagship themes that serve as the foundation for all university initiatives. The Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets a clear course for focused execution.
Three Strategic Goals
1. Integrated Student-Centred Ecosystem: Enhancing academic success, support, and experiences throughout the student journey.
2. Institutional Sustainability: Expanding streams of income and enhancing the CUT brand.
3. Good Governance: Promoting human rights and social justice across the institution.
Five Flagship Themes
Environmental Sustainability
Reducing our environmental footprint through recycling, renewable energy adoption, and enhancing green spaces.
Human Capital and Social Impact
Improving skills and well-being through professional development, diversity, health programmes, and community engagement.
Institutional Effectiveness
Optimising operations through process automation, performance improvement, cost reduction, and better decision-making.
Transformation
Integrating advanced technologies into academic and administrative functions, including online learning and data analytics.
Academic Excellence
Fostering outstanding performance, critical thinking, and innovation to empower individuals for lifelong success.
CUT by the Numbers (2026)
22 380
Total Registered Students
(Including 4 768 first-time entrants)
4
Academic Faculties
~2 000
On-Campus Residence Beds
49
International Collaborations
Academic Structure
CUT's qualifications reside in four faculties, offering certificates and diplomas at the undergraduate level, as well as advanced diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, and master's and doctoral degrees through our faculties. View all programmes offered.
Research and Innovation Excellence
CUT hosts several specialised research centres and units that drive innovation, industry partnerships, and societal impact. We are also proud to grow our cohort of NRF Rated Researchers, including a B-rated researcher and recent C3 ratings. In April 2025, CUT's NRF Research Chair Status was upgraded to Tier 1.
Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM)
A pioneer in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) in Africa. The CRPM achieved a significant milestone by receiving ISO 13485 certification for 3D printing of medical devices, the first of its kind in South Africa and Africa.
Centre for Quality of Health and Living (CQHL)
Advances knowledge and innovation in basic medical sciences and clinical research, partnering with CRISMO to develop clinical research opportunities in the Free State.
Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB)
A national authority in food security and biotechnology, offering high-quality research outputs and postgraduate opportunities focused on food sustainability.
Other Notable Research Entities:
CUT by the Numbers (2026)
22 380
Total Registered Students
(Including 4 768 first-time entrants)
4
Academic Faculties
~2 000
On-Campus Residence Beds
81
International Collaborations
Figures reflect the 2026 academic year and are reviewed annually.
Defining Moments of Innovation
From scientific breakthroughs and global firsts to national triumphs in social entrepreneurship, these are the verified milestones that define CUT’s pioneering culture.
2004
First in SACRPM installs the first Metal Laser Melting system in South Africa, laying the foundation for the country’s advanced additive manufacturing industry.
2007
First in AfricaCRPM introduces the continent’s first titanium Metal Laser Melting machine — one of only six EOS titanium beta-test machines in the world at the time.
2008
World FirstThe first titanium implant produced on an EOS machine is manufactured by CRPM with Loughborough University and PDR (UK), and successfully implanted at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales.
2012
First in SASouth Africa’s first 3D-printed titanium mandible is successfully implanted, opening the national door to patient-specific maxillofacial care.
2016
First in AfricaCRPM becomes the first academic institution in Africa to receive ISO 13485 certification for manufacturing medical devices through Additive Manufacturing.
2022
First in AfricaCRPM installs the first Lithography-based Ceramic (LCM) manufacturing technology on the continent, extending its pioneering reach beyond metals and polymers.
2022 & 2023
National ChampionsCUT’s Enactus team wins the South African National Championship in consecutive years, representing the country at the Enactus World Cup — national validation of CUT’s deep institutional commitment to social entrepreneurship and Work-Integrated Learning.
Coverage: 2022 title · 2023 title
Global Engagement and Institutional Governance
International Partnerships
CUT has received prestigious accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), recognising our commitment to entrepreneurial education and community engagement on a global scale.
The Centre for Global Engagement (CGE) manages 49 dynamic international collaborations across four continents, partnering with institutions in the SADC region, Germany, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, and China.
Recent partnerships include: A strategic alliance with the French South African Institute of Technology (F'SATI) network, and reaffirmed commitments with institutions like Mittweida University of Applied Science, Germany.
Institutional Governance
CUT has made significant strides in institutional governance. A new Governance Framework provides clearer decision-making matrices, enhanced role clarity, and improved processes across all levels. The university has also received recognition from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for significant advances in university capacity development.
Estates, Infrastructure and Mega Projects
CUT's Estates and Infrastructure section maintains and develops state-of-the-art academic buildings, research laboratories, student residences, and sports facilities across both the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses.
Welkom Campus Developments
Recent mega projects include the Teacher Education Building (completed end of 2025), a new student residence adding 221 beds (completed October 2024), and a landmark multi-purpose hall (completed December 2024).
Bloemfontein Campus Developments
World-class facilities completed include the Jewellery and Sculpting Studios in the Faculty of Humanities (completed end of 2025) and a new student residence adding 126 beds, bringing total on-campus accommodation to approximately 1 500 beds.
Multipurpose Hall
Sporting Excellence
CUT offers a vibrant student life experience where sports play a central role in campus culture and student development. Our student-athletes have achieved remarkable success at national and international levels, including gold medals in athletics, international podium finishes in boccia, and national league triumphs in cheerleading and volleyball.
Sports Offered
Athletics, Rugby, Soccer, Netball, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Boccia, and E-sports, catering to both competitive athletes and recreational participants.
Sporting Legends
CUT honours its Sporting Legends, including national and international heroes such as Trevor Nyakane, Os Durant, and Olympians Zola Budd and Thuso Mpuang.
Competitive Participation: CUT teams actively compete in national competitions, including the FNB Varsity Cup, where our rugby, football, and netball teams represent the university against other top institutions.
Celebrating Our Journey and Looking Forward
Looking Forward to 2030
As CUT begins the 2026 academic year guided by its approved Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the institution is setting a clear course for focused execution and transformative growth. Our achievements reflect our significant contribution to socio-economic development and our position as a preferred partner for regional and national economic growth.
What is a University of Technology?
The story behind the design: Our Symbol
A brief history of two institutions
