25 Best Universities In South Africa For International Students 2025

If you are looking to study in South Africa, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 39 universities and colleges in South Africa, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 39 universities in South Africa, University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University are the top-performing schools in South Africa. This list covers both public and private institutions in South Africa.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in South Africa. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in South Africa.

How do I get admission to the best universities in South Africa?

Applying to the universities in South Africa involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in South Africa to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in South Africa?

Tuition fees at South Africa’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 9,000 Rand to 291,200 Rand , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Rand to 300,000 Rand. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in South Africa!

As we cover the best universities in South Africa for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in South Africa for International Students

The University of Cape Town offers a community filled with exceptionally talented instructors, students, and researchers committed to making the world a better place through education. The university envisions itself as an inclusive and research-intensive institution that addresses the challenges and concerns of society. At present, the university is proud of being one of the top-rated educational institutions in the country, with a massive number of renowned scientists and researchers.

Stellenbosch University is among the leading tertiary educational institutions in South Africa, known for its research activities and top-rated scientists. The university is also popular internationally because of its excellent practical-based programs, which give students a higher success rate after graduating. As a preferred research partner by numerous institutions around the globe, the university is an active participant in various international academic networks that involve science and technology studies.

The University of the Witwatersrand aims to create an impact on society by imparting global knowledge and allowing its students to graduate with the values of integrity and professionalism. The university strives to be socially responsive and adaptive to the ever-changing standards of various industries. For 100 years, it has already built a good reputation regarding research excellence and innovative solutions to the world’s pressing problems.

As one of the best and largest educational institutions in South Africa, the University of Pretoria (UP) has built its reputation for providing high-quality research and academic programs at all levels. This top-performing university aims to deliver academic research in various fields to address global issues. They have more than 1,000 academic programs that are delivered in the classroom, online, or in a hybrid setting. With its goals and vision, UP aims to produce globally competent graduates.

The University of Johannesburg, founded in 2005, is a public university in South Africa. The university was built after merging three major universities in the country. As a result, it became one of the largest and most prestigious institutions for higher learning in South Africa. The university is home to more than 50,000 students, over 3,000 of which have international backgrounds.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is an educational institution that seeks to engage society through innovative research and breakthrough discoveries. It has established a value-driven organizational structure that focuses on the growth and development of the students. As a center of excellence, the university is firm in promoting mutual respect and inclusivity within the academe.

The University of the Western Cape offers a dynamic and productive academic community that promotes innovative learning. The university’s primary mission is to serve the public, which is why it actively participates in numerous outreach programs and activities. As an educational institution, the university aims to boost the confidence of its students and allow them to achieve their dreams through academic excellence.

Since 1904, Rhodes University has carefully maintained its well-established reputation when it comes to academic excellence. Despite being considered a small university, it continuously strives to offer its students distinct and outstanding academic training. It hopes to produce leaders and professionals that are critical, compassionate, and wise and who can contribute to the social and economic development of South Africa.

North-West University is a united and multi-faceted university that maintains a globally competitive teaching style across its three campuses all over South Africa. The university ensures that students get to have a balance between the theoretical and practical foundation, enabling them to satisfy their potential and prepare for their future careers.

The University of Free State takes pride in providing high-quality programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. They are a student-centered institution that aims to build a community of learners that are ready to create research and solutions for society. Since its establishment in 1904, they aim to develop its student’s well-being as they move forward in one of the country’s top-performing institutions.

Nelson Mandela University operates by bringing into action the principles and values of a prominent historical figure–Nelson Mandela. The university hopes to change the world through education and help individuals achieve their dreams and passion. The educational institution has been the destination of various students worldwide and has maintained a diverse and inclusive academic community.

The Durban University of Technology is a place of excellence and innovation. Its academic staff is filled with adequate experience and qualifications to train students in their respective fields. The university is a member of the International Association of Universities, offering a lot of opportunities for its students to prevail in globally-recognized industries.

The Tshwane University of Technology or TUT is a public university in South Africa, with eight campuses in several cities. It has over 60,000 total enrollment, 2,000 of which are international students. The university offers a wide range of programs, from certificate programs to national diplomas to Doctoral degrees, across different study fields, such as Arts and Design, Science, Humanities, and Information and Technology.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a world-renowned university that offers transformative education, allowing its students to excel even on the international scene. It integrates technology into its curriculum while still retaining its country’s rich culture and tradition. The university demonstrates enthusiasm and devotion to public service by delivering high-quality and relevant training to its constituents.

The University of Limpopo is interested in responding to the needs of its students through five foundational values: greatness, honesty, accountability, honor, and freedom. This university was founded after the merger of other higher education institutions, one of which was a medical university, making the University of Limpopo widely known for its high-quality healthcare programs. Nevertheless, it also offers programs in other areas like agriculture, law, humanities, and management.

The University of Fort Hare seeks to boost the confidence of the students in South Africa by giving them the resources and means to experience quality tertiary education. It follows practical-based education, allowing students to face current challenges in the actual industry gracefully. The university also has international alliances and linkages all over the world, which is why it participates in academic exchanges and conferences.

Celebrating its 40th year in the field, the University of Venda is highly recognized for its undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. For the past decades, they have produced quality graduates that greatly contributed to the country. Moreover, as they continue to deliver exceptional teaching and research, they also aim to mold an active student community that fosters excellence in the field.

Since its foundation, the University of Zululand has focused on providing an education that meets the needs of South Africa’s job market. This is why the university has strategic partnerships with businesses and companies and gives students the necessary practical skills to be successful in their careers. However, it also promotes wellness, which is why it has multiple extracurricular activities and facilities for different sports like boxing, cricket, chess, softball, aerobics, and much more!

The Central University of Technology is one of the most important institutions in South Africa’s Central region. It strives for providing high-quality education through different activities and initiatives, like engaging with the local community, focusing on problem-solving education, and having entrepreneur programs. It has two campuses in order to cater to a bigger student population. Besides its academic programs, this university is known for its large network of research centers that dedicate to developing studies in areas such as food security, sustainability, and manufacturing.

The Vaal University of Technology is one of the best options to get a technological or engineering degree in South Africa. It has up-to-date programs and state-of-the-art facilities that have been adapted in order to meet the requirements of the technological industry. For example, it has three campuses and specialized satellite centers that offer degrees and research opportunities relevant to the local job market. This university is also famous for having a science and technology park that specializes in manufacturing and constantly collaborates with national and international companies.

Named after the important activist that actively fought against racial segregation, Walter Sisulu University has been known for being an innovative institution that promotes the development of its students since its foundation. It’s divided into four campuses that specialize in different areas of knowledge, like healthcare, science, engineering, economics, or technology. Additionally, the university has different research units and hands-on initiatives that have the intention of contributing to rural communities. It also has different entrepreneurship programs within its business school.

The Mangosuthu University of Technology aims to transform communities through academic excellence and sustainable learning. It is committed to providing a fair and inclusive educational institution that allows individuals to grow in harmony with others. As a technological and career-oriented university, it offers innovative solutions to societal problems and engages with various businesses and industries.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is an advanced educational institution aiming to develop the country’s healthcare industry. Because of the university’s focus on science and technology courses, it is equipped with the tools and equipment to support the research activities of its students. Following its vision of becoming a center of excellence when it comes to teaching and learning, the university is responsive in meeting the demands and standards of the current industry.

Sol Plaatje University is named after Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, who was a prominent linguist, journalist, and politician in South Africa. His excellence and wisdom translate into the way the university is being operated at present. As one of the first educational institutions in the country, the university has been the symbol of democracy, inclusiveness, and growth for its students.

The University of Mpumalanga had its humble beginnings way back its establishment in 2013. Today, the university can already compete with other big names in the education sector of the country that produce quality graduates that are resourceful, disciplined, and globally competitive. It creates a supportive and stimulating environment where its staff and students realize their potential in teaching, learning, and research engagement.