Top Universities in South Africa: An Updated List

South Africa’s education system is diverse, with numerous universities offering high-quality education. This article provides an updated list of the top universities in South Africa based on academic reputation, faculty expertise, research output, student-to-faculty ratio, international diversity, and employer reputation.

Overview Of South Africa’s University System

South Africa’s university system has undergone significant transformation since the end of apartheid, aiming to create a more equitable, accessible, and innovative system for social and economic development.

There are three main types of public universities: traditional universities, which offer research-intensive programs, universities of technology, which focus on vocational education and training, and comprehensive universities, which combine the characteristics of traditional and technology universities, offering both academic and vocational programs.

How much does it cost to study at a university in South Africa?

The cost of studying at a South African university varies based on factors like the type of university, specific program, and student residency status. Below is a general breakdown of the costs:

• Average tuition fees: According to data from Old Mutual, the average cost of sending a graduate to university in South Africa was around R55,900 (around $3,800) in 2023. This is expected to rise in the coming years.
• Other expenses: On top of tuition fees, you’ll also need to factor in additional costs such as accommodation, meals, textbooks, transportation, and living expenses. These can easily add another R50,000 (around $3,400) or more to your annual expenses.

List Of Top Universities in South Africa

University of Cape Town – Cape Town

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

University of Pretoria

University of Johannesburg

University of KwaZulu-Natal

North-West University – Potchefstroom

University of the Western Cape – Bellville

University of the Free State – Bloemfontein

Stellenbosch University – Stellenbosch

University of South Africa – Pretoria

Rhodes University – Makhanda

Durban University of Technology – Durban

University of Venda – Thohoyandou

Tshwane University of Technology – Pretoria

University of Fort Hare – Alice

University of Zululand – Richards bay campus

Vaal University of Technology (VUT) – Vanderbijlpark

University of Limpopo – Sovenga

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Nelson Mandela University

Central University of Technology, Free State

Mangosuthu University of Technology

University of Mpumalanga

Walter Sisulu University

Sol Plaatje University – North Campus: Luka Jantjie House

Eduvos Head Office

The University of Zambia

University of Johannesburg

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)

University of Eswatini – Kwaluseni Campus

What is number 1 university in South Africa?

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has been ranked as the top university in South Africa in the US News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2024.

Which university is internationally Recognized in South Africa?

South African universities, including the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), Stellenbosch University, and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), are among the top universities in Africa, with memberships in prestigious associations like the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Russell Group.

Further Reading >>International Scholarships For Undergraduates In Africa

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