South Africa — university guide
The 78 universities in South Africa in 2026
An informative guide to the 78 higher education institutions in South Africa: international rankings, tuition fees, programs and practical information for your orientation.
78
Universities
26
Public
52
Private
#185
Best ranking
University of Cape Town
35,000 ZAR
Min bachelor fee
49
Programs
Bachelor fee range in South Africa
Based on the 78 universities in South Africa that published their fees.
Min35,000 ZARMax120,000 ZAR
Universities in South Africa: public, private, rankings, fees and programs
26
Public universities
The public institutions in South Africa
26universities
52
Private universities
The private institutions in South Africa
52universities
14
Best universities
Ranked by overall average
14universities
78
The cheapest
Universities with the lowest fees
78universities
78
University fees
Tuition fee analysis
78universities
49
Programs
Fields offered in South Africa
49programs
List of universities in South Africa in 2026
78 universities listedREGENT Business School
Private5 programs· Private South African school specializing in business, management, and entrepreneurship.
Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary
Private1 program· Private South African seminary specializing in Methodist theology.
South African Theological Seminary
Private1 program· Private South African seminary specializing in theology and biblical studies.
STADIO Higher Education
Private5 programs· Private South African institution focused on higher education and professional training.
Central University of Technology
Public4 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and applied sciences.
University of South Africa
#985Public6 programs· Public South African university specializing in distance education.
University of Fort Hare
Public5 programs· Historic public South African university renowned for social sciences and humanities.
University of Johannesburg
#431Public7 programs· Modern public South African university renowned for academic excellence.
University of the Free State
#1002Public6 programs· Public South African university offering a wide range of academic programs.
University of Pretoria
#343Public7 programs· Leading public South African university renowned for research and academic excellence.
Stellenbosch University
#333Public9 programs· Leading public South African university with diverse programs.
Durban University of Technology
#1501Public5 programs· Public South African university focused on technology, engineering, and business.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Public5 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology, engineering, and applied sciences.
Tshwane University of Technology
Public6 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and engineering.
Vaal University of Technology
Public5 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and applied sciences.
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Public4 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and applied sciences.
University of Venda
Public4 programs· Public South African university focused on sciences, agriculture, and humanities.
University of the Witwatersrand
#287Public7 programs· Leading public South African university renowned for research and academic excellence.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
#1202Public4 programs· Public South African university specializing in health sciences and medicine.
University of Cape Town
#185Public7 programs· Public South African university, one of Africa’s and the world’s best.
University of the Western Cape
#802Public9 programs· Public South African university renowned for academic excellence and diversity.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
#518Public6 programs· Public South African university renowned for diverse programs and innovative research.
University of Limpopo
Public4 programs· Public South African university specializing in sciences, agriculture, and rural development.
University of Mpumalanga
Public4 programs· Public South African university focused on sciences, agriculture, and rural development.