Established in 2004, as the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), VUT originated as a College of Advanced Technical Education (1966-1979) and was later known as Vaal Triangle Technikon (1979-2003).

As part of the transformation of the higher education sector in 2004, institutional restructuring reduced, through mergers and incorporations, the number of institutions of higher education and training in South Africa from 36 to 23. Vaal University of Technology, subsequently, was established under the Higher Education Act (101 of 1997).

Based in Southern Gauteng, Vaal University of Technology draws students from all regions of the country, as well as 25 other countries. It is one of the largest universities of technology in South Africa, with an annual enrolment of about 20 000 students. The university is well positioned to make a substantial contribution to the development of human capital in the Southern Gauteng region, the country and the continent.

VUT consists of the following academic faculties:

• Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences
  
• Faculty of Engineering and Technology
  
• Faculty of Human Sciences
  
• Faculty of Management Sciences

VUT has four campuses. The Vanderbijlpark Campus is situated on 4.6 hectares of land with a state-of-the-art Library & Information Centre and lecture halls, laboratories, auditoriums and offices. Three sites of delivery extend the academic business of the university into Secunda in Mpumalanga, Daveyton in Ekurhuleni (also in Gauteng) and Upington in the Northern Cape. The Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park (VUT SGSTP) which is in Sebokeng, is an extension of the Vanderbijlpark campus. This is the seat of the Southern Gauteng Innovation Hub. VUT is in a highly industrialised area alongside major petroleum-chemical, steel, engineering, telecommunication and manufacturing companies. It is also surrounded by communities with poor economic backgrounds and strive to reach out to these communities through various community engagement initiatives aimed at improving their livelihood.

Vision

An African University that leads in quality teaching and learning, informed by research and driven by innovation and technology.

Mission

To produce employable and entrepreneurial graduates who can make an impact in society.