The impact of globalisation, changing work trends, new modes of knowledge production, the impact of the Internet and new access to learning material is having a major influence on the restructuring on higher education institutions in South Africa and worldwide.

In South Africa there are other factors that affect these changes. High unemployment rates, economic indicators that predict low economic growth rates, and youth and literacy profiles that indicate huge demands are made on existing education and training facilities.

The role of technology higher education institutions (formerly Technikons), is more critical than in the past. The country has an urgent need for higher education that focuses on stimulating economic growth and increasing international competitiveness; that create graduates with relevant, specialised knowledge and skills, and who will become essential tools of progress in a South Africa’s workforce.

General universities have a reputation for their wide range of disciplines offered through various programmes. Although technology is often involved in the programme delivery or part of the curricula of a programme - it is not the object, or main focus, of the study.

A university of technology, in addition to the basic responsibilities of a university, places particular emphasis on the search for innovative applications of technology in all fields of human endeavour.

A university of technology is distinguished by the following:

- Career-orientated: educates people for the world of work
- Relevant: industry makes input into its diploma and degree programmes
- Practical: programmes are practical and hands-on (what you need to know and how you need to apply it)
- Work-integrated Learning: experiential learning is part of the qualification and enables graduates to integrate into the workplace with ease
- Applied research: research is practical and applied. It seeks solutions to modern day problems

Source: Vaal University of Technology