Top Universities in South Africa

South Africa has played host to thousands of students across the continent and beyond, seeking quality higher education from top-class Universities.

The Times Higher Education - internationally recognized magazine - finally gave us the annual university ranking for 2020. The rankings over 1400 Universities from as many as 92 countries, giving as a diverse and credible metric of classifying the top contenders.

The University of Cape Town

Also known as UCT, the University of Cape Town takes the top spot in South Africa, as well as in Africa as a whole. UCT began way back in 1829 and led the continent for several consecutive years. The institution is home to tens of thousands of students from all across the world.

UCT has 6 campuses in total and works with lead researchers, administrators and faculty members, all of whom are exceptionally qualified. Themed around the vision of inclusion and intensive research in the solving of today’s challenges, UCT offers expert teaching, unrivaled facilities, and research opportunities. Cape Town is internationally renowned for its beautiful coastline and priceless positioning right next to one of the seven wonders of the world - the Table mountains. Compared to major cities in the US and Europe, the cost of living in Cape Town is much lower.

University of Witwatersrand

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa the University of Witwatersrand is the 2nd best University in the country. Commonly referred to by its nickname, Wits University, what started out as a mining school in 1896 at Kimberley, is now an international center of higher education. It has over 30,000 students, it has a long list of accolades and awards that set it above many universities around the world.

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University is a fine example of what the Western Cape has to offer. As the name depicts, it is located in Stellenbosch. Its university status dates back to 1918. Studying in Stellenbosch is a fine experience. Picture what SA has to offer, the braai culture, waking through expansive wine farms, hiking and occasional scuba dives on the beautiful Atlantic waters of Western Cape.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal

Featuring among the top 500 Universities in the world, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has a lot to offer. The university offers exclusive courses, particularly in the field of Food Science. Scattered throughout its five campuses are brilliant students that represent the diversity of the place it is situated. Most of the campuses are located close to the Durban beachfront.

Alongside the intellectually stimulating and innovative multi-disciplinary coursework, the university excels in sports, culture and extramural activities. The wide networks and partnerships in 46 countries provide a great opportunity for students to tap into global academic excellence.

University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria boasts multiple faculties and remains distinguished for its research output and impact. The campuses are strategically stationed close to the government agencies, diplomatic missions, and research entities. Having opened in 1908 as the Pretoria campus of Transvaal University College, as was the fourth institution currently running to gain university status.

Today it has nine faculties and a business school UP has 50,000 contact students, who will soon add to its 250,000 alumni. Of the 4500 international students, close to 70 percent are from regional countries within the SADC bloc of nations.

North West University

The NorthWest University is spread out in 3 locations where its campuses are situated, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark, and Potchefstroom (headquarters). With over 60,000 students (both full-time and distant learning) it stands out as one of the largest universities in the country. Established in 2004, it was formed when two universities merged to create a multi-racial higher learning powerhouse.