Universities in South Africa ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 25 Universities in South Africa

League Tables and University sub-rankings of South African Universities in the following provinces:

Eastern Cape (4)  
Free State (2)  
Gauteng (6)  
KwaZulu-Natal (4)  
Limpopo (2)  
Mpumalanga (1)  
North West (1)  
Northern Cape (1)  
Western Cape (4)  

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Overview of South Africa Universities

South Africa's higher education system comprises 25 accredited universities divided into three categories: traditional academic universities, comprehensive universities (merging academic and vocational institutions) and universities of technology. All universities are nonprofit institutions, with the public sector dominating the landscape. The system emphasizes research-intensive programs alongside vocational training, offering qualifications from undergraduate to doctoral levels. Key characteristics include English as the primary medium of instruction, state funding through the Department of Higher Education and Training and a focus on addressing national socioeconomic challenges through innovation and skills development.

Top 10 South Africa Universities

1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 279
   Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
   Established: 1874
   Public | Research-Intensive | Comprehensive
   Offers 200+ programs in humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences and commerce across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
2. University of Pretoria (UP)
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 342
   Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
   Established: 1908
   Public | Research-Intensive | Comprehensive
   Features 1,800+ programs in law, theology, veterinary science and business through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
3. University of Stellenbosch (SU)
   Original name: Universiteit Stellenbosch
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 463
   Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
   Established: 1918
   Public | Research-Intensive | Comprehensive
   Delivers 150+ disciplines in engineering, arts, medicine and agrisciences at all academic levels.
4. University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 465
   Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
   Established: 1922
   Public | Research-Intensive | Comprehensive
   Specializes in health sciences, mining engineering, architecture and social sciences from bachelor’s to PhD levels.
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 713
   Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
   Established: 2005
   Public | Research-Focused | Comprehensive
   Provides 400+ programs in education, finance, digital technology and applied sciences across undergraduate and postgraduate tiers.
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 762
   Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
   Established: 2004
   Public | Research-Oriented | Comprehensive
   Offers 300+ degrees in agriculture, theology, law and environmental sciences at all academic stages.
7. Rhodes University (RU)
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 1024
   Location: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
   Established: 1904
   Public | Research-Intensive | Comprehensive
   Focuses on journalism, pharmacy, fine arts and humanities through bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral qualifications.
8. North-West University (NWU)
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 1122
   Location: Potchefstroom, North West
   Established: 2004
   Public | Research-Focused | Comprehensive
   Features 350+ programs in education, engineering, theology and health sciences across all degree levels.
9. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 1320
   Location: Bellville, Western Cape
   Established: 1959
   Public | Research-Oriented | Comprehensive
   Specializes in dentistry, law, natural sciences and social development programs from undergraduate to PhD.
10. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 1342
    Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
    Established: 2003
    Public | Applied Research | Technology-Focused
    Delivers vocational programs in engineering, ICT, design and hospitality management at diploma, bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Analysis of University Types

South Africa's university sector is exclusively public, with 100% of its 25 institutions state-funded. No private universities currently operate in the national system. This centralized model ensures standardized quality control and nationwide accessibility to tertiary education.

Global Ranking and Standing

Six South African universities (24% of all institutions) rank within the global top 1000. None currently feature in the world's top 200 universities. The nation's strongest academic performers excel in development studies, geography and mineral engineering, contributing significantly to African research output.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many universities does South Africa have?
South Africa has 25 accredited universities, all publicly funded.

What is South Africa's top-ranked university?
University of Cape Town (UCT) consistently ranks as South Africa's #1 institution (Country Rank 1, World Rank 279).

Are there private universities in South Africa?
No accredited private universities currently operate – all 25 institutions are state-funded public universities.

How many South African universities rank globally?
Six universities (24% of the total) feature in the global top 1,000 rankings.

Which province has the most universities?
Gauteng province hosts four top-10 institutions, followed by Western Cape with three.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about South African universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in South Africa
  Explore the most traditional and long-established South African post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in South Africa
  Search for South African higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• South African Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular South African town or city.
• Top Public Universities in South Africa
  Discover South African public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in South Africa
  Find out about South African private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in South Africa
  Explore South African not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in South Africa
  Look for South African for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top South African Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in South Africa have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top South African Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in South Africa that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top South African Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in South Africa are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top South African Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in South Africa with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.