Officially known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. The country covers 1.2 million square kilometres, making it the 25th largest country in the world. South Africa is home to almost 58 million people, and is referred to as the ‘rainbow nation’ due to the country’s diversity. South Africa is built upon its long and complex history, which has influenced its outlook as a modern country.
Since a reform, which began in 2004, South African higher education institutions have been improving. Their universities have been consistently keeping up with the increasingly high standards for higher education systems. More than 45,000 international students choose to study in South Africa each academic year. There are 26 public universities, and 42 private universities. Public universities are split into three distinct types.
Traditional universities offer theoretically focused degrees, universities of technology (also known as technikons) offer vocationally focused degrees, and comprehensive universities offer both types of degrees.
International students need a study visa to study in South Africa, which can be applied for at the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or high commission in your home country.
For more information about visas, see our International Student Visas advice article.
There are over 30 universities in South Africa with degree awarding status. Only publicly funded institutions in South Africa are allowed to use the title university. Private, degree awarding education institutes in South Africa use different naming conventions, such as college or institute.
The public universities of South Africa can be divided in the following categories:
Traditional – There are 14 traditional universities in South Africa, which focus on academic output. Examples include the University of Limpopo and the University of Cape Town.
Technikon (University of technology) – There are 6 universities of technology in South Africa, which focus on the teaching of vocational degrees, with a view to preparing students for specific careers, often in engineering subjects.
Comprehensive – There are 6 comprehensive universities, also known as combined universities in the country. These are the result of mergers between former Technikons and traditional universities, and they offer both types of courses to their students. Examples include the University of South Africa and Nelson Mandela University. Examples include the Durban University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology.
The majority of the private universities in South Africa are non-secular universities, including institutions such as George Whitefield College and South African Theological Seminary.
| University | Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024 | Best Global Universities | QS World University Ranking |
| University of Cape Town | 167 | 125 | 173 |
| Stellenbosch University | 301-350 | 304 | 283 |
| University of the Witwatersrand | 301-350 | 244 | 264 |
| University of Johannesburg | 401-500 | 421 | 306 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 501-600 | 370 | 621-630 |
| University of Pretoria | 501-600 | 452 | 323 |
| North-West University | 601-800 | 487 | 801-850 |
| University of the Western Cape | 601-800 | 625 | 951-1000 |
| University of the Free State | 801-1000 | 875 | 1001-1200 |
| Durban University of Technology | 1001-1200 | ||
| University of South Africa | 1001-1200 | 821 | 851-900 |
| University of Venda | 1201-1500 |
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AFDA South Africa
Find out more| Capital City | Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein |
|---|---|
| Currency | ZAR, South African Rand |
| Language(s) | English, Zulu, Swazi, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga, Xhosa, Tshivenda, Ndebele |
| Major Student Cities | Johannesburg |
South Africa has 11 official languages. It also has 8 other recognised regional languages. You will hear a wide variety of languages spoken across different areas of the country.
The most common languages used for teaching are English and Afrikaans. The majority of universities will allow you to choose to study courses in either language. If your study language is not your native or first spoken language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency. The level of proficiency required will depend on where you choose to study, as well as the level at which you are studying. Postgraduate courses and specialist degrees will generally have higher language requirements. If you do not meet the required standards, it is common for institutions to offer language courses to help you improve.
If your native language is not one of the 19 official and recognised languages, you should make the most of your opportunity to learn another language as you study. Communicating with the locals and other students is a great way to practice and improve your skills. Having proficiency in another language is something that will look great on your CV/resume.
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