7 Best Universities In Cape Town For International Students 2025

Cape Town is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in South Africa. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 7 universities in Cape Town, University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology are the top-performing schools in Cape Town. This list covers both public and private institutions in Cape Town.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Cape Town. 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 Cape Town.

Rank University Country Type
1 University of Cape Town South Africa Public
2 Cape Peninsula University of Technology South Africa Public
3 IIE Varsity College South Africa Private
4 Red and Yellow Creative School of Business South Africa Private
5 Cornerstone Institute South Africa Private
6 South African College of Applied Psychology South Africa Private
7 STADIO Higher Education South Africa Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in Cape Town?

Applying to the universities in Cape Town 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 Cape Town to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Cape Town?

Tuition fees at Cape Town’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 9,340 Rand to 95,500 Rand , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 10,500 Rand to 262,300 Rand. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Cape Town!

As we cover the best universities in Cape Town 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 Cape Town for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#1 in South Africa
#1 in Africa
#192 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 28,233

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#14 in South Africa
#49 in Africa
#2488 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 33,569

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#39 in South Africa
#461 in Africa
#8391 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

IIE Varsity College is one of the private schools of the Independent Insitute of Education, an academic brand in South Africa. It has 8 campuses in the country, including Cape Town, Pretoria, Sandton, and Port Elizabeth. The college offers various degree and diploma programs, as well as short courses and higher certificates. As for the study fields, the college’s academic expertise covers Business Management, Education, Law, Engineering, and Computer and Information Technology.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#38 in South Africa
#460 in Africa
#8518 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#34 in South Africa
#454 in Africa
#8470 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#32 in South Africa
#452 in Africa
#8460 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 3,000

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#29 in South Africa
#449 in Africa
#8430 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 30,000

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.

We know that choosing your dream school in Cape Town not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Cape Town, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Cape Town! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!