Key Strategic Documents
Access the foundational documents that guide the Central University of Technology's strategic direction, operational planning, and long-term vision.
Research Strategic Plan 2026–2030
This plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide the development, growth, and impact of research at CUT. It outlines our institutional vision for research excellence, innovation, and societal impact, while strengthening postgraduate education and knowledge production to support socio-economic development.
4 Core Research Focus Areas
- Innovation and technologies for sustainable futures
- Health, well-being, and quality of life
- Inclusive socio-economic and entrepreneurship development
- Human-centred transformation and societal impact
6 Strategic Objectives
- Capacity Building
- Funding & Resource Mobilisation
- Strengthening Research Structure & Infrastructure
- Collaboration & Partnerships
- Increasing Research Outputs
- Enhancing Postgraduate Quality
Advancing CUT's Strategic Direction: 2026–2030
The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Strategy 2026–2030 places students at the heart of everything we do. Grounded in our institutional values, this plan charts a clear course toward our shared vision, shifting from expansion to intentional integration to strengthen student success and reinforce our identity as a future-focused University of Technology.
Our Vision
"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 Three Strategic Goals
Progress will be driven through three interconnected strategic goals, each with clear outcomes and measurable outputs to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Goal 1: Integrated Student-Centred Ecosystem
To promote an integrated student-centred ecosystem that enhances academic success, support, and experiences throughout the student journey.
Outcome: Enhanced student academic success in terms of retention and graduation.
Key Outputs:
- Student Information System (SIS) flagship digital transformation project implemented.
- Student administrative processes optimised and automated.
- Effective student recruitment, registration, assessment, and graduation support processes established.
- Proactive, integrated data-informed academic advising system established.
- Formal qualification in higher education teaching institutionalised for all Instructional and Research staff without a teaching qualification.
- Formal training of Instructional and Research staff in supervisory capacity.
Goal 2: Innovative and Industry-Relevant Programmes
To deliver innovative, industry-relevant academic programmes that produce work-ready graduates, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Outcome: Work-ready graduates, innovators, and entrepreneurs produced.
Key Outputs:
- Institutionalised STEP in all faculties.
- Distinctive academic programme for Welkom Campus finalised and implemented.
- Annual programme of awareness-building and ideation events hosted to stimulate an entrepreneurial mindset among students and staff.
- Skills-building and experiential learning events (e.g., hackathons, bootcamps, innovation challenges) conducted annually across faculties.
- Large-scale multiyear, multidisciplinary research programmes launched (flagship projects).
- Research productivity improved.
- e-WIL assessment and monitoring system introduced.
Goal 3: Future-Focused University of Technology
To position CUT as a future-focused university of technology distinguished by a culture of innovation, industry-relevant partnerships, and impactful research.
Outcome: Recognised as a university of technology of choice for quality education and impactful research and innovation.
Key Outputs:
- Comprehensive brand-building and communication strategy and implementation plan developed and implemented.
- Institutional advancement strengthened.
- Participatory budget model institutionalised.
- Revenue from diversified sources increased.
- Digital administrative systems modernised (HR, Finance, Procurement, Planning, Reporting, etc.).
- Culture of performance excellence and innovation established.
- 10-Year Campus Development Plans for Bloemfontein and Welkom approved and implemented.
- Campus Safety Strategy developed and implemented.
Our Core Values
The values that guide behaviour and action at CUT are the foundation of our institutional culture. We challenge ourselves daily to live these values through the following guiding questions.
Ubuntu
A person is a person through other people, expressed through the qualities of humanity, compassion, mutual respect, and tolerance. Ubuntu in the 21st century means fostering global citizenship and recognising our interconnected responsibilities across digital and physical communities.
Guiding questions:
- Do I place the people I serve first?
- Do I demonstrate empathy and consider diverse perspectives?
- Am I contributing to collective well-being beyond my immediate community?
Integrity
We behave ethically and professionally in both physical and digital environments. We conduct our activities in an accountable and transparent manner, with particular attention to data ethics and information stewardship.
Guiding questions:
- Do I practice what I preach?
- Am I ethical and professional in all contexts?
- Do I uphold conduct informed by respect, honesty, and dignity?
- Do I consider the ethical implications of technological decisions?
Diversity
We embrace social, intellectual, and cognitive diversity. We value critical scholarship and the expression of multiple opinions and ways of knowing across all societal characteristics.
Guiding questions:
- Do I understand the evolving definition of diversity in my context?
- Have I created an environment that actively supports and leverages diverse perspectives?
- Am I challenging my own biases?
Innovation
Finding new, sustainable ways of practice and design to contribute to advancements in technology and life, with careful consideration of long-term impacts on society and the environment.
Guiding questions:
- Is this the best way, method, process, or product for today and tomorrow?
- Have I thought about doing it differently and more sustainably?
- Do I always think of new ideas and approaches that challenge conventional thinking?
Excellence
We strive to offer outstanding and relevant academic programmes that foster intellectual inquiry, exploration, and discovery that transcend traditional boundaries and apply knowledge with creativity.
Guiding questions:
- Do I continuously strive to improve on previous efforts? Was this my best effort?
- Do I pursue excellence while remaining adaptable to new knowledge and approaches?
- Do I measure success not just by traditional metrics but by meaningful impact?
Sustainability
We commit to environmental, social, and economic sustainability in all university operations, research, and teaching. We strive to develop solutions that meet present needs without compromising future generations.
Guiding questions:
- Are our practices environmentally responsible?
- Do our decisions promote social equity and economic viability?
- Are we preparing students to address complex sustainability challenges?
Digital Citizenship
We promote responsible, ethical, and effective engagement with digital technologies. We develop critical digital literacy, respect for privacy, cybersecurity awareness, and the ability to evaluate information.
Guiding questions:
- Are we using technology ethically and responsibly?
- Are we teaching students to navigate digital environments critically?
- Are we addressing digital divides and ensuring equitable access?
Our Motto
"Thinking beyond"
