5 Best Universities In Johannesburg For International Students 2025

Johannesburg 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 5 universities in Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg are the top-performing schools in Johannesburg. This list covers both public and private institutions in Johannesburg.

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

Rank University Country Type
1 University of the Witwatersrand South Africa Public
2 University of Johannesburg South Africa Public
3 St. Augustine College of South Africa South Africa Private
4 IIE Monash South Africa South Africa Private
5 Regenesys Business School South Africa Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in Johannesburg?

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

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Johannesburg?

Tuition fees at Johannesburg’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 157,700 Rand , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 20,200 Rand to 300,000 Rand. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Johannesburg!

As we cover the best universities in Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#3 in South Africa
#3 in Africa
#384 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 39,953

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#5 in South Africa
#5 in Africa
#619 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 51,313
International Number of students - 3,000

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#37 in South Africa
#458 in Africa
#8502 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 2,999

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#36 in South Africa
#456 in Africa
#8486 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 4,000

IIE Monash South Africa 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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#30 in South Africa
#450 in Africa
#8448 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 180,000

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.

We know that choosing your dream school in Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Johannesburg! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!