University in South Africa
Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
University profile
Union Bible Institute (UBI) is an interdenominational theological college at 45 Dennis Shepstone Drive, Hilton, outside Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. It has trained Christian leaders since 1942 and describes its purpose as developing Christlike servant-leaders committed to Christ and His Great Commission. It is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (registration certificate 2010/HE08/011), and its programmes are accredited by the Council on Higher Education.
UBI teaches in both English and isiZulu, which is unusual among accredited theological colleges. It offers a Higher Certificate in Theology (NQF Level 5, 120 credits; one year full-time or two years or more part-time), a Diploma in Theology (NQF Level 6, 360 credits, three years full-time) and a Bachelor of Theology (NQF Level 7, 360 credits, three years full-time, English only, with Biblical Greek and Hebrew). Each programme includes a fieldwork component giving practical ministry experience. Graduates of the BTh qualify for admission to a Bachelor Honours programme.
Teaching is by contact education. Full-time classes run daily from 7:10am to 1pm on campus; part-time evening classes run Monday to Thursday, 6 to 8pm in term time; the Higher Certificate in Theology is also available by distance, with coursework and audio-visual material sent on a flash drive by courier and a WhatsApp component. Subjects span Biblical Studies, Old and New Testament, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, general studies (computer skills, English) and fieldwork.
Community life is part of the formation: the community meets twice a week for multilingual chapel, on-campus students join Khuthazanani (encouragement) groups meeting every two weeks, each student has a staff mentor, there is a student choir, and the Sisebenza Kanyekanye ministry supports student wives. On-campus accommodation is available for single students and families. The institute also runs UBI Publishing, which publishes nearly 60 Bible commentaries and devotional books in isiZulu and sells about 15,000 books a year.
Browse the scholarships listed for Union Bible Institute NPC and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Union Bible Institute NPC →National Senior Certificate or equivalent; ten percent of the intake may be admitted on recognition of prior learning. 120 credits (15 modules of 8 credits), one year full-time or two or three years part-time, in English or isiZulu.
National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 40% in four subjects from the designated subject list, or equivalent; ten percent via recognition of prior learning. 360 credits: 37 compulsory 8-credit modules (296 credits), fieldwork modules (24 credits) and five electives (40 credits). Three years full-time, or five to six years part-time; English or isiZulu.
National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 50% in four subjects from the designated subject list, or equivalent; ten percent via recognition of prior learning. 360 credits: 38 compulsory modules (304 credits), fieldwork (24 credits) and four electives (32 credits). English only; emphasis on research and original Biblical languages.
Choose English or isiZulu, full-time or part-time, and a programme, then download the application pack and fee structure from the Apply page; the pack lists the supporting documents and the application fee. Contact: [email protected], 033 343 4547 or WhatsApp +27 82 4477 877.
Orientation 22-23 January; Term 1 26 January to 27 March; Term 2 13 April to 12 June; Term 3 6 July to 4 September; Term 4 21 September to 23 November; graduation 28 November. Distance study: application deadline 30 January 2026, semester 1 from 9 February to 29 May and semester 2 from 20 July to 14 November.
UBI has one campus at 45 Dennis Shepstone Drive, Hilton, outside Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Facilities:
Experiences shared by students of Union Bible Institute NPC.
Studied here? Share your experience to help other applicants.
Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.
Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.
Enter your credentials to continue.
Join us and start your study abroad journey.
