In the 44 years of its existence, first as a College of Advanced Technical Education (1966- 1979) then as Vaal Triangle Technikon (1979-2003), Vaal University of Technology has grown in stature as a higher education institution, drawing students from all over the country. It is one of the largest residential Universities of Technology, with about 17 000 students. This position enables it to make a substantial contribution to the development of human resources in the region and country.
The campus boasts excellent facilities conducive to learning, research, recreation and sport, art and culture, and community engagement. Lecture halls, laboratories, a number of auditoriums and offices are situated on 4.6 hectares. Four satellite campuses extend the services of the University, at Secunda, Kempton Park, Klerksdorp and Upington. An extension to the main campus is located in Sebokeng on the old campus of Vista University. Besides the four faculties, various departments serve the students, catering for their various needs.

VISION: To be a dynamic centre of technology leading in quality education for the nation.

MISSION: The Vaal University of Technology is committed to the development of higher education through:

TEACHING AND LEARNING: To achieve excellence in teaching and learning endeavours by developing entrepreneurial, technological and cognitive skills. To create an environment conductive to develop behavioural, attitudinal competencies and social skills through cultural, sporting and personal development activities.
RESEARCH: To generate innovative and relevant research which solves the problems of industry and the community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: To create a culture of Lifelong Learning to empower our communities by sharing knowledge, skills and resources
All these functions will be enhanced by national and international partnerships in order to meet the needs of stakeholders of a democratic society.

The emphasis on career-focused diploma and degree programmes is designed to prepare students for the world of work. Many programmes include practical experience in the work-place, so that students "hit-the-ground running" when they begin their working lives. Because of its practical approach to teaching and research, involvement in the community, transfer of knowledge and technology, and entrepreneurial emphasis, Vaal University of Technology endeavours to educate people for the real world.