15 Best Universities in South Africa (Latest Ranking)

If you are a student looking for the best universities in South Africa to land on for your higher studies, then you are at the right place. Whether you are a foreigner or a resident of South Africa, the good news is these universities are for everyone.

We will discuss the best universities in South Africa, including their ranking, why they are the best, and other additional information. So stay tuned.

NOTE: The following list is made using the research and ratings from UniAdvisor’s list of top universities.

1. University of Cape Town

While searching for international universities for my higher studies, this university caught my attention first. Out of thousands of universities in South Africa, the University of Cape Town has snatched the first position from all of them. For many years the University of Cape Town has consistently made it to the list of top-ranked universities in South Africa that are recognized globally.

It is not only a rich source of academic excellence but also for learning about different cultures. With a staff of over 5000 faculty and service staff members, this university provides 7200 highly qualified graduates every year to the world.

Major Programs

If you want to know what courses this university offers, read ahead. You can study

• Business
• Humanities
• Law
• Engineering & the Built Environment
• Science

I am not South African, and they offer the same courses to international students was a treat for me. They have over 28,000 international students, and I am one of them.

Additional Information

• Do you know that the University of Cape Town has over 100 societies and 40 sports clubs? You can also volunteer for social causes like illiteracy, inequality, injustice, substance abuse, etc. I am not someone who only focuses on studying 24/7, so to enjoy my time here, I joined two societies and a Kickboxing sports club as I am pretty good at it.
• Moreover, this English medium university has the #1 ranking in Africa, 183rd global ranking according to Times Higher Education, and 109th by U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities.

2. University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand needs no introduction as it is a globally recognized university and is the 2nd best university in South Africa. It is most commonly known as Wits and is located in Johannesburg -one of the largest cities in South Africa. Wits is a hub of research with over 423 NRF-rated researchers whose efforts have made it one of the best universities in South Africa.

Moreover, it is strongly associated with several research centers and institutes, including the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER) and the Wits Institute for Mining Research. The University of the Witwatersrand has over six thousand highly qualified professors teaching approximately 40,000 students.

Major Programs

This university offers five major programs:

• Commerce
• Law and Management
• Health Sciences
• Humanities and
• Science.

When I discovered that the Faculty of Humanities of Wits is #1 in Africa, I was enthusiastic to try my luck at Wits, but unfortunately, I didn’t get admission.

Additional Information

• With 2nd national ranking, 194th, and 192 global rankings according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings and US News, respectively.
• 9% of total students in Wits are from foreign countries
• This university has 400 acres, two campuses with 11 libraries, and 17 residences, including female dorms.
• Moreover, Wits has been famous for raising social awareness against poverty, inequality, and HIV/AIDS.
• The best thing about this is that 93% of graduates get jobs within 6 months of leaving the university.

3. University of Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is one of the oldest universities in South Africa. Thanks to the dedication of highly qualified teachers and professors, this university is among the best universities in South Africa now. Each year students from over 100 countries apply to the University of Stellenbosch.

Currently, over 22,000 students are studying in different programs. I was looking for the best South African universities for my graduation, and I was impressed by how remarkable this university has been in conducting research for many past years.

Major Programs

The University of Stellenbosch has diverse academic programs and courses from which students can choose their major and get a degree from a renowned university at the end of the program. You can study the following disciplines here.

• Health Sciences
• Arts
• Education
• Science
• Military Science
• Law
• Agricultural and Forestry Sciences
• Theology and
• Engineering

Additional Information

• With the third ranking in Africa, the University of Stellenbosch has secured 251st place according to The World University Ranking.
• The university has an HB Thom Theater that accommodates 430 students.
• Students have the full right to attempt their assessment in English or African.
• The university has produced four Nobel prize winners and numerous famous politicians, artists, and business people.

4. University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg is number 4 on the list of best universities in South Africa. It is an international university which is why this university is rich in diversity, culture, ethnicity, etc., offering admission to national and international students. I also submitted an admission application for Health Sciences here but had hard luck.

The best thing about this university is that it welcomes international students just like the residents of South Africa. Each year, 50,000 students enroll in UJ in different courses, of which 3000 are from overseas.

If you applied for an admission at University of Johannesburg, you can check its status on following link

Major Programs

The University of Johannesburg is one of the major universities in South Africa offering the best education to the youngsters. UJ offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following disciplines.

• Education
• Law
• Design and Architecture
• Humanities
• Arts
• Health Sciences
• Science
• Economics
• Business
• Engineering and Built Environment

Additional Information

• The University of Johannesburg is the fourth best university in South Africa and 5th best according to the US News Best Global Universities.
• There are four campuses of the University of Johannesburg in different cities in South Africa.
• For your information, the faculties of Business and Economics are relatively new out of all programs.
• Along with their studies, students can enjoy arts, culture, and various sports on all campuses.
• Surprisingly, they also have a disability unit at their campuses to provide easy residence to the students who have any disability.

5. University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) is a government research university in Pretoria, South Africa. Its academic excellence, innovation, and social engagement programs are the reason why UP is one of the largest and most respected universities in South Africa today.

With a prime focus on research, the university has over 50,000 students worldwide. I love how the University of Pretoria is so diverse in culture. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern lecture halls, research labs, sports facilities, and student accommodation.

Major Programs

UP offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 9 faculties, including

• Law
• Engineering
• Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Veterinary Science
• Education and
• Theology

Additional Information

• I was surprised when I learned that the University of Pretoria is 105 years old and has a record of graduating the most students each year.
• UJ actively addresses the social, economic, and environmental challenges South Africa and the continent face.
• With the #10th in The Worlds University Ranking and 6th according to US News Best Global Universities, UP is among the best universities in South Africa.
• Furthermore, the alumni number of UP has crossed 250000 since its establishment.

6. University of KwaZulu-Natal

University of KwaZulu-Natal is the biggest university in the KwaZulu-Natal province. UKZN is a diverse institution with a huge number of students representing different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.

UKZN has a strong research focus, and all the researchers are involved in breakthrough research projects to address local and global challenges.

Also, the university has research partnerships with local and international institutions and has also published numerous journals. For this reason, UKZN was my priority to get enrolled here for my higher studies but unluckily couldn’t make it for certain reasons.

Major Programs

UKZN is a research-led institution that offers various programs in various fields, including

• Science
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Law
• Health Sciences and
• Management Studies

Additional Information

• It was established in 2004 and is a merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville.
• The university has five campuses.
• According to US News: Global Universities is the 4th best university in the world and 6th best in South Africa.
• Furthermore, the university addresses social and economic issues and promotes sustainable development.

7. North-West University

North-West University is one of the top universities in South Africa that has campuses in two provinces. It is a public university in South Africa with three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. Furthermore, the head office of North-West University is near its Potchefstroom campus.

With a 6th global ranking, North-West University has successfully secured 7th place in the list of best universities in South Africa. The NMU offers several programs that are #1 in the university and country. NWU is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with a student population of over 70,000 and a staff of over 3,000.

If you applied for an admission at NWU, you can check its status below

Major Programs

NWU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study, including

• Agriculture
• Education
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Management
• Natural Sciences
• Theology and
• Social Sciences

Additional Information

• The university was established in 2004 by merging two universities, the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of North-West.
• It is known for its biodiversity, cultural studies, energy, health, and social transformation research.
• Arts Visual & Programming, Natural Science, Engineering, etc., are the best departments with authentic knowledge because many families in Timbuktu preserved the important information of these subjects in the form of manuscripts for later generations

8. Rhodes University

Rhodes University is well-known for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities in South Africa. It is located in Grahamstown, South Africa. Besides studies, students enjoy a vibrant campus life, with many student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities.

Rhodes University accepts admission applications from every corner of the world, so it is diverse in culture, race, and class.

Major Programs

Rhodes University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following fields.

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Law
• Commerce
• Pharmacy and
• Education

Additional Information

• Rhodes University is an advanced research institution focusing on interdisciplinary research in various fields.
• According to US News: Best Global Universities, Rhodes University is no. 7 in the list of QS World University Rankings and the 11th best university in the world.

9. University of the Western Cape

As the name indicates, the University of the Western Cape is in Cape Town, South Africa. It is considered the 9th best university in South Africa. You can see students from different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds here. Moreover, the university has strongly focused on research addressing national and global issues like health, poverty, and climate change.

If you applied for an admission at UWC, you can check its status below

Major Programs

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its seven faculties, which includes

• Arts
• Community and Health Sciences
• Dentistry
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Education
• Law
• Science

Additional Information

• UWC is actively engaged and works with local organizations and stakeholders to highlight numerous social and environmental issues.
• According to a global ranking, UWC is the 7th best university for higher education worldwide.

10. University of South Africa

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a renowned research university in South Africa and one of the best universities for pursuing higher education in South Africa. UNISA introduced distance learning to provide quality education to students who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. As a result, UNISA has a wide reach and attracts students from all over the world.

UNISA provides various student support services, including academic and career counseling, financial aid, and access to online resources. So the students have the support to be successful.

Do check our detailed article on Free Online Courses on UNISA’s Website.

Major Programs

UNISA is known for its academic excellence and reputation for producing well-prepared graduates for the job market. The major programs UNISA offers include the following:

• Accounting Sciences
• Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Education
• Human Sciences
• Law
• Science, Engineering and Technology

Additional Information

• UNISA offers flexible study options, allowing students to complete their studies conveniently. This is particularly beneficial to working professionals and students who have other commitments.
• The university has several research institutes and centers which provide a great platform for forefront research and innovation.

11. University of the Free State

How can I skip the University of the Free State while talking about the best universities in South Africa? It is one of the universities I considered for higher education admission. It is known for its academic excellence, social responsibility, and commitment to diversity.

Moreover, UFS positively impacts the wider community by conducting community engagement programs. These include initiatives that support local schools, businesses, and communities and programs that promote social and environmental sustainability.

Moreover, the university offers a range of programs to expose students to international study opportunities and research collaborations.

Major Programs

UFS has a strong reputation for academic excellence, offering a wide range of programs in fields such as:

• Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Education
• Law and
• Health Sciences

Additional Information

• UFS has committed significantly to creating an inclusive and diverse campus community with initiatives supporting and celebrating diversity.
• The university strongly promotes social justice, equality, and human rights and ensures that all students feel safe and supported.
• The university has several research centers and institutes focusing on sustainable development, health, and social justice.
• According to the US News Best Global Universities, it is at #10.
• The university has a high student success rate, with many graduates achieving successful careers in their respective fields.

12. Tshwane University of Technology

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is one of the largest universities of technology in South Africa and is renowned for its focus on innovative, practical, and career-oriented education.

TUT is a research-based university focusing on applied research that addresses real-world problems. The university has several research centers and institutes doing breakthrough research in nanotechnology, renewable energy, and health sciences.

Major Programs

TUT is one of the top universities in South Africa for the quality of its academic programs. The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in

• Engineering
• Science
• Business
• Humanities and
• Arts

Additional Information

• TUT has strong partnerships with industry and the public sector, allowing students to gain practical experience and exposure to the latest field developments.
• The university also strongly focuses on social justice and human rights and is involved in several initiatives promoting equality and social incorporation.
• According to The Young University Rankings, TUT is in the 5th place in their list.

13. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is one of the top 15 universities in South Africa. It has campuses in Port Elizabeth and George. NMMU has world-class campus facilities that provide students with an excellent learning environment. The university has modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories, and extensive sports and recreational facilities.

NMMU is the name of modernization. You can study using various resources like printed, digital, online, and offline sources to expand your knowledge.

Moreover, you can take a virtual tour and look at multimedia galleries at their official site. NMMU strongly focuses on internationalization, with a diverse student population and partnerships with universities worldwide. The university offers a range of international programs, including study-abroad opportunities and international research collaborations.

Major Programs

NMMU is one of the top universities in South Africa for the quality of its academic programs. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in

• Business
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law and
• Science Programs

Additional Information

• The university has several research centers and institutes involved in cutting-edge marine science, health sciences, and renewable energy research.
• CWUR Center for World University Rankings has ranked NMMU as the 12th best university globally.

14. Durban University of Technology

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology located in Durban, South Africa. It is one of the best universities you can find in South Africa for your higher education. DUT is a diverse and inclusive university that welcomes students from all backgrounds.

It has a multicultural student body and faculty to provide an innovative and inclusive learning environment for all students.

DUT is committed to producing academically successful, experienced, and entrepreneurial graduates. It offers various programs and initiatives that prepare students for work, including internships, work-related learning opportunities, and entrepreneurship development programs.

Major Programs

DUT is known for its academic excellence and commitment to producing highly skilled graduates. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following seven faculties.

• Faculty of Accounting and Informatics
• Faculty of Applied Sciences
• Faculty of Arts and Design
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Management Sciences
• DUT Business School

Additional Information

• It has partnerships with ruling universities and institutions worldwide, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers in South Africa and internationally.
• It is also on the list of the top 100 universities in the world.

15. University of Fort Hare

The University of Fort Hare is a public university in Alice, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It was established in 1916 as the South African Native College and was the first university in South Africa to offer higher education to the nationals. Moreover, the University of Fort Hare is rich in history and legacy.

Some of its most famous alumni include former South African President Nelson Mandela, former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, and many other prominent African leaders. Furthermore, its modern infrastructure, teaching, research, and learning facilities are enough to impress anyone. Its libraries, laboratories, and other facilities are well-equipped and maintained to provide students with all sources under the same roof.

If you applied for an admission at UFH, you can check its status on following link

Major Programs

Today, the University of Fort Hare offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following disciplines

• Education
• Law
• Management & Commerce
• Science & Agriculture and
• Social Sciences & Humanities

Additional Information

• The University of Fort Hare has a long and proud history of producing leaders in many fields, including politics, law, education, and the arts.
• The University of Fort Hare is at no.15 in a survey by URAP World Ranking – University Ranking by Academic Performance survey.

South Africa has numerous globally recognized renowned universities offering students high-quality education and research opportunities worldwide. Many factors make a university the “best” among all other universities. Considering them all, here are the top three universities in South Africa:

• University of Cape Town
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of Stellenbosch

Each of these universities has strengths and areas of expertise and is recognized for its academic excellence, research contributions, and raising voices for social causes. Ultimately, personal interests, goals, and needs will help you decide what university is best for you.