Top 10 Best Universities in South Africa 2025 (Ranking)

South Africa which is located at the southern part of the continent, is one of the best countries in Africa has in so many years produced some of the best universities in Africa. This post is centered more on the top 10 globally ranked best schools that you can find in south Africa and their school fees and location.

It is no longer news that South Africa is a great country that have many highly-ranked universities in the world that offers students good academic facilities, good range of social activities and clubs, and good support systems for international students.

Factors to Consider before Studying in South Africa

Here are things to keep in mind if you want to study in south Africa as an international sudent or a Soth African:

1. You will have to make necessary researches on the particular university you want to enroll in. Choosing a specific university is good start to study in South Africa.
2. Of course you are not going to study every course. You will have to choose a specific course to study. It may be Computer Science, Engineering, Law and Medicine, or any other course of your interest.
3. Location is also a big factor to consider when choosing a school to enrol in. Choosing a school close to you might be more of advantage than disadvantage to you for a student.
4. Prices of items are skyrocketing as times goes on, so you should consider your pockets before choosing a university to study in South Africa.
5. For international students, it is advisable to know the necessary visa requirements for your nationality and study program before coming to South africa.
6. Yes, English is the major spoken language in South Africa, but is also worthy to let you know that South Africans speak other languages like; Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sepedi (Northern Sotho), Tswana, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, Ndebele, and others which might encounter while studying there.
7. Note that Rugby is the best enjoyed sport played in South Africa and their biggest rival is New Zealand. So you will have to watch your tongue during stay there.
8. “Lekker” is a common South African slang which means “good,” “great,” “nice,” or “awesome”. You should get accustomed to it while undergoing your study program.
9. You should take safety measures because inecurity is also one of the challenges facing the country.
10. South African students do not receive an overall grade for their bachelor’s degree with a level of honors (such as 2:1 or 1^st). Instead, after their third year of study, students have the option to either graduate with a bachelor’s degree certificate or take a further one year honors course in order to get their honors certification.
11. South Africa has an urge for outdoor exploration which students may enjoy by visiting the picturesque coastline of the Garden Route, trekking in the Drakensberg Mountains, taking a safari in the Kruger National Park, or exploring the wetlands and marine reserves of the eastern coast, and lot more of other recreational centres.
12. For international students, it is advisable to make good South African friends who could help you to get familiar with the culture and nature of your study environment.

CHECK OUT: The Top 10 Countries to Study Medicine Abroad

Which Universities are the Best in South Africa?

Here, are the List of top 10 best higher institutions to enroll in South Africa:

1. University of Cape Town

It is not only the best university in South Africa, but also the best university in Africa as a continent. The university stands by it’s mission, which is unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society. Since it’s establishment in 1829, the school has been able to churn out honoured graduates who are locally and internationally recognised in South Africa and beyond.

• School Fee: 8,000 USD per year
• Contact: +27 21 650-9111
• Global Ranking: 171
• Address: Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa

2. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

The school being founded in 1896, is the second best school in South Africa on our list. Because, within and internationlly, the university has been singled out for it’s outstanding qualities like; research, high academic standards and commitment to social justice in South Africa and beyond Africa. Over recent years, the school has produced 4 Nobel Laureates, 91 Rhodes Scholars, 4 National Planning Commissioners, 32 Mandela Rhodes Scholars, and 2 Chief Justices.

• School Fee: Approximately 4,880.84 USD
• Contact: +27 11 717 1000
• Global Ranking: 267
• Address: 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa

3. Stellenbosch University

It is the 3rd in our list and worth to say that it is one of the best schools in Africa since 1918. The university serve it’s students with classroom-based face-to-face teaching and learning, engaging them as co-creators of knowledge. Stellenbosch university is among South Africa’s most research-intensive universities, both per capita and in terms of total research output.

• School Fee: 2,422.41 USD
• Global Ranking: 296
• Contact:+27 21 808 9111
• Address: Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, South Africa

4. University of Johannesburg

It is among the newly created universities in the country. Despite being established in 2005, the aura of the university can never be denied. The university which have modern facilities, offers conducive environment that facilitates academic excellence, cultural diversity, and personal growth of students. Also, the school provides top, and recognised academic programmes based on curricula informed by cutting-edge developments in both undergraduate and postgraduate education, which helps students for the world of work and for global citizenship. Given the short period the school was founded, it is worthy to note that the university has grown vehemntly and risen to one of the best in Africa.

• School Fee: Approximately 499.02 USD
• Global Ranking: 312
• Contact:+27 (0) 11 559-4555
• Address: PO Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006 · Cnr Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

5. University of Pretoria

The school was founded in 1908, and today, it is being recognized as one of the best schools, and the largest contact university in South Africa. The university offers a high quality of teaching, learning and research expertise across all nine faculties,etc. Note, university of Pretoria is the only university in South Africa that offers Faculty of Veterinary Science, and Africa’s top Faculty of Law and business school. Again, it is one of the largest research universities in South Africa, with nine esteemed faculties that span the knowledge spectrum from classic academic fields to rapidly evolving new fields of study.

• School Fee: 2,368.58-3,283.71 USD
• Global Ranking: 354
• Contact:+27 12 420 4111
• Address: Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

SEE:  Documents Needed to Study Abroad

6.University of Kwazulu Natal

The university was reportedly established in 2004, but now, it is one of the leading tertiary institution of higher learning in South Africa and beyond. Though a newly created university, the school have over time become a proud and rich heritage of academic excellence in the country. Thus, it is a highly ranked university in Africa and the world at large.

• School Fee: Approximately 511.4 USD
• Global Ranking: 483
• Contact: 238 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Glenwood, Durban, 4041, South Africa
• Address: +27 31 260 1111

7. North-West University (NWU)

It is also one of the newly created schools that came up in 2004. Just like their anthem says “where the willow trees grow and the thorn tree spreads its shade, there you will grow in knowledge…”, the university offers students a good academic environment that benefits them great choice and flexibility, enabling them to fulfill their potential and start preparing for their future careers. The school offers not just education but a vibrant and adequate student life.

8. University of South Africa (UNISA)

The university is one of the oldest universities in South Africa, and the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment. The university has more than 370,000 students which is much more than every other university in the country and in African continent. Being the only tertiary institution to carry it’s country name, there is no hiding the fact that the  university is the people’s university. The school offers internationally accredited qualifications and have world-class resources.

• School Fee: 1,815-406.43 USD
• Global Ranking: 898
• Contact: +27 12 429 3111
• Address: Preller St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

ALSO SEE: Study Visa Requirements for Canada 

9. University of the Western Cape

This public research university came into life in 1959. It is a research-led university, which is committed to excellence in learning, teaching, research and innovation in a globally competitive environment whilst remaining true to the values and nature that have shaped what the university stands for. It is worthy to mention that the school has spearheaded South Africa’s historic transformation, playing a significant and unique academic role in helping to build a good society for the country.

• School Fee: 2,138-2,975USD
• Global Ranking: 955
• Contact: +27 21 959 2911
• Address: Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa

10. Rhodes University

Though a small university created in 1904, now is a centre for higher education Research, teaching and learning. The school is committed to individual and social transformation, sustainable community development, student civic responsibility and scholarship of engagement. One of the university’s strong point is that they offer Division of Infrastructure and Operations which helps to provide important and required services to support the university’s community in its teaching and learning, research and administrative functions, and other academic structures offered by the school.

Conclusion

South Africa is a really blessed country, and it is no longer unpopular that Education in South Africa has transformed substantially. Also, as according to the South African Schools Act 1996, compulsory Education in South Africa starts at the age of 6 years and continues until 15 years of age. These details all shows that education though lacking a bit, has seen growth in South Africa. So, if you are a citizen or not, and wishes to study in any university in SA, this post has already reduced workload of looking for the best universities to study in SA.