14 best universities in South Africa in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
University of Cape Town
Average rank: #185
No. 1University of Cape Town
Public South African university, one of Africa’s and the world’s best.
No. 2University of the Witwatersrand
Leading public South African university renowned for research and academic excellence.
No. 3Stellenbosch University
Leading public South African university with diverse programs.
No. 4University of Pretoria
Leading public South African university renowned for research and academic excellence.
No. 5University of Johannesburg
Modern public South African university renowned for academic excellence.
No. 6University of KwaZulu-Natal
Public South African university renowned for diverse programs and innovative research.
No. 7University of the Western Cape
Public South African university renowned for academic excellence and diversity.
No. 8North-West University
Public South African university offering varied programs in multiple fields.
No. 9Rhodes University
Public South African university renowned for academic excellence and student environment.
No. 10University of South Africa
Public South African university specializing in distance education.
No. 11University of the Free State
Public South African university offering a wide range of academic programs.
No. 12Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Public South African university specializing in health sciences and medicine.
No. 13Nelson Mandela University
Public South African university focused on social sciences, education, and development.
No. 14Durban University of Technology
Public South African university focused on technology, engineering, and business.