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 listedSTADIO Higher Education
Private5 5 programs· Private South African institution focused on higher education and professional training.
Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
Private3 3 programs· Private South African academy specializing in design and photography.
The Animation School
Private3 3 programs· Private South African school specializing in animation and visual effects.
The Independent Institute of Education
Private5 5 programs· Private South African institution offering a wide range of educational programs.
Central University of Technology
Public4 4 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and applied sciences.
University of South Africa
#985Public6 6 programs· Public South African university specializing in distance education.
University of Fort Hare
Public5 5 programs· Historic public South African university renowned for social sciences and humanities.
University of Johannesburg
#431Public7 7 programs· Modern public South African university renowned for academic excellence.
University of the Free State
#1002Public6 6 programs· Public South African university offering a wide range of academic programs.
University of Pretoria
#343Public7 7 programs· Leading public South African university renowned for research and academic excellence.
Stellenbosch University
#333Public9 9 programs· Leading public South African university with diverse programs.
Durban University of Technology
#1501Public5 5 programs· Public South African university focused on technology, engineering, and business.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Public5 5 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology, engineering, and applied sciences.
Tshwane University of Technology
Public6 6 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and engineering.
Vaal University of Technology
Public5 5 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and applied sciences.
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Public4 4 programs· Public South African university specializing in technology and applied sciences.
University of Venda
Public4 4 programs· Public South African university focused on sciences, agriculture, and humanities.
University of the Witwatersrand
#287Public7 7 programs· Leading public South African university renowned for research and academic excellence.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
#1202Public4 4 programs· Public South African university specializing in health sciences and medicine.
University of Cape Town
#185Public7 7 programs· Public South African university, one of Africa’s and the world’s best.
University of the Western Cape
#802Public9 9 programs· Public South African university renowned for academic excellence and diversity.
University of KwaZulu-Natal
#518Public6 6 programs· Public South African university renowned for diverse programs and innovative research.
University of Limpopo
Public4 4 programs· Public South African university specializing in sciences, agriculture, and rural development.
University of Mpumalanga
Public4 4 programs· Public South African university focused on sciences, agriculture, and rural development.