2026 - 2027 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In South Africa For International Students

38 Best Value Institutions in South Africa for International Students

Here are the 38 best-value institutions in South Africa for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

St. Augustine College of South Africa is a private Catholic institution that dedicates itself to offering quality teaching and learning to African communities. It promotes a diverse and loving academic environment that uplifts the lives of others and allows them to act rightly in order to serve humanity better. With its wide range of degree offerings, the institution is confident in its pursuit of academic excellence.

Management College of South Africa offers accessible and affordable tertiary education in South Africa. It maintains a productive workplace that enables students to combine theoretical understanding and practical application, giving them bigger chances of securing employment after graduation. The institute is also flexible regarding its students’ financial situation, offering numerous scholarships and aids.

From the name itself, the Red and Yellow Creative School of Business is the place for artists and talented people who thrive in this digital world. The institute offers opportunities for individuals to pursue their passions and make a career out of them. As a business school, it boosts its students’ creative thinking and brilliant ideas, allowing them to become future innovators and changemakers in society.

Damelin College has 17 campuses scattered around South Africa, which is why in 2012, over one million students had already graduated from the institute. The bond Damelin College offers to its students is evident in the way it supports research activities, allowing them to collaborate with various external organizations. For decades, the college has been one of the most reliable and trusted education services providers in the country.

NewBridge Graduate Institute, formerly Centurion Academy, is a reputable institution that offers various academic programs that are practical based. It has a responsive and innovative educational model that allows students to utilize research to adapt to the ever-changing world. In the coming years, the institute aims to continue creating a dynamic learning environment where students can engage and motivate one another in pursuit of their passions.

CTU Training Solutions is a remarkable institution that has been developing the skills and knowledge of aspiring professionals since 1987. It has become the haven for individuals who want to upskill or excel in their careers through further education. The training center puts equal importance on the relevance of a competent workforce, which is why it ensures a competitive training program that can increase the efficiency and productivity of professionals.

Helderberg College of Higher Education has been providing quality education for over 128 years. As one of the oldest institutions in South Africa, it has already experienced various reforms and changes in order to adapt to industry standards. It also connects with other universities and international organizations, preparing students to become intellectual, wise, and practical professionals in the future.

South African College of Applied Psychology is a comprehensive educational institution that aims to transform lives through education. It offers various academic and vocational programs that enhance the critical thinking and skills of the students. Through its internationalization, students from the institute are able to connect with various universities around the globe.

STADIO Higher Education is an accredited tertiary education that aims to train students in their future career endeavors. It has experienced faculty and staff that continue to hone the learning and skills of the students through advanced resources and teaching techniques. Over the years, the institute has been responsive to the changes in industry standards and only produces graduates that are competent and well-knowledgeable in their profession.

Cornerstone Institute was founded with the goal of helping students gain confidence in entering the professional field. The institute offers various programs ranging from humanities to economics, allowing students to do well after graduation. With its practical-based education, the institute is hopeful of creating an academic environment that is productive and student-centered.

Emeris was formed from a merger of three universities. It is the place for academic excellence, providing exceptional training that enhances the critical thinking of its students. It offers programs that are filled with innovative learning techniques, allowing students to achieve optimal learning experiences. It also connects with numerous international linkages to heighten its students’ research activities.

Stenden South Africa is a leading private institution in South Africa that aims to offer transparent education that leads to long-term success and growth. It provides programs that are aligned with the current needs of the industries and is composed of lecturers that have deep experience in their respective fields.

Regenesys Business School is one of the leading business schools in South Africa. It is equipped with the necessary resources and tools to heighten the professional undertaking of its students. The school also connects with various corporations and enterprises in order to give students the best internship opportunities. In recent years, the school has been eyeing to expand its academic offerings and continue to welcome more international students.