Our Story
About Glen College
One of the oldest and most respected agricultural training institutions in South Africa.
Vision
To become a centre of excellence in providing relevant agricultural and agro-value chain education, training, research and development.
Mission
To deliver sustainable agricultural education and training through competitive human capital, infrastructure, innovative, dynamic and practical training in collaboration with stakeholders.
Our Background
A Century of Agricultural Training
Glen College of Agriculture is one of the oldest and most respected agricultural training institutions in South Africa, with a distinguished history spanning more than a century. The greater portion of the 4,614-hectare farm was purchased in 1912, and acquired in 1913 for the establishment of a training institution for young farmers.
The College officially opened in 1919, and in January of that year twenty-one young men, many returning from the First World War, enrolled for a two-year Diploma in Agriculture. From the outset, Glen College combined theoretical instruction with practical agricultural training, laying a strong foundation for agricultural development in South Africa.
Today, Glen College continues to offer a Diploma in Agriculture that combines academic excellence with hands-on practical training. Through partnerships with industry stakeholders, students participate in educational excursions, farm visits and major agricultural events such as NAMPO.
Milestones
Our Timeline
1912
Farm land purchased for establishment of the College
1919
College officially opened; first students enrolled
1920
Entomology, Botany and Domestic Science introduced
1922
Annual sheep and wool short courses began
1929
First woman enrolled — Ms E. Boshoff
1932
Diploma reverted to two-year qualification
1993
First black student enrolled — Mr Joseph Moloi
2001
Diploma expanded to three-year qualification
2019
Centenary celebration — 100 years of excellence
2026
Continued commitment to agricultural innovation