In 2006, Gretsa University opened its doors to its first students, following the Commission for Higher Education giving them their Letter of Interim Authority. The university kick-started with three higher learning programmes in Business, Computer Science and Hospitality Management. Thereafter, they’ve proudly seen off graduates across their certificate-level, diploma-level and graduate-level programmes. 
The institute is driven to be highly professional and is continuously enhancing and developing its facilities and academic programmes to align with the needs of its students and the society of today. Gretsa University seeks to be a higher learning institution of distinction that ranks alongside the world’s reputable universities. It's administration works to ensure a conducive learning and working environment that inspires academic success and innovation in one and all. 

The institute offers part-time, full-time, weekend-intensive and distance learning. Gretsa University has the following schools of study: Business, Computing and Informatics, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences and, Hospitality & Tourism Management. The institute also has:
- A Student Welfare office: To support students comprehensively with the ideal study and personal development environment ensure success. 
- Counselling services: Be it personal, social, emotional and academic concerns, the free and confidential counselling center caters to it all. 
- Academic Advising: Students get mentors for guidance whenever they need it, from academic or career guidance to counselling. 
- Dynamic recreation activities: Students can pick from an array of recreational activities from volleyball, basketball, tennis, squash, soccer, golf and hockey. The institute has an olympic-size pool and fully equipped gym with indoor games facilities like pool tables that keep students productively engaged. 
- A Student Center for arts, music or theater. 
Gretsa University is pillared on promoting high standards of teaching, learning, research and service that will foster the best in its staff and students.