Union Bible Institute (UBI) is an interdenominational, private higher education institution offering theological and ministry training, located at 45 Dennis Shepstone Drive, Sweetwaters, Hilton, in the hills above Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Founded in 1942 with an initial cohort of 21 students drawn from fourteen different denominations, the institute grew from the merger of the original men's training school with a Women's Division established in Swaziland in 1947 (relocated to the main campus in 1964), unifying into a single co-educational institution. UBI's stated mission is to develop Christlike servant-leaders committed to Christ and the Great Commission, partnering with local churches to train individuals for ministry. It is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997, holding Registration Certificate No. 2010/HE08/011, with its programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Instruction is offered in both English and isiZulu, with full-time (morning) and part-time (evening) study options available. UBI has been operating for over 80 years, providing what it describes as affordable, personal, accredited theological education, and its graduates go on to serve in local churches, parachurch organisations, and their communities.
Qualifications & Programmes
- Higher Certificate in Theology – NQF Level 5, 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (in-person and distance part-time options); available in English and isiZulu
- Diploma in Theology – NQF Level 6, 3 years full-time (some modules available part-time/evening); available in English and isiZulu
- Bachelor of Theology – NQF Level 7, 3 years full-time; available in English and isiZulu