25 Best Public Universities in South Africa for International Students
In South Africa, international students have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education at various levels, depending on their target careers. Its education system uses a qualification system that effectively matches programs to professional aspirations. Thus, the country ensures that students are getting the education they need inside the classrooms. And if you want to explore extra-curricular activities, South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, you'll never run out of new things to learn.
There are 38 universities you can find in South Africa, and 25 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes South Africa a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in South Africa, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
Apply for 2026 Intake!
Applications for 2026 Intake are open. Search through the degrees around the world!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stellenbosch University | Stellenbosch, South Africa |
| 2 | University of Cape Town | Cape Town, South Africa |
| 3 | University of Pretoria | Pretoria, South Africa |
| 4 | University of the Witwatersrand | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| 5 | University of KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, South Africa |
| 6 | University of Johannesburg | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| 7 | University of the Western Cape | Bellville, South Africa |
| 8 | North-West University | Potchefstroom, South Africa |
| 9 | Rhodes University | Makhanda, South Africa |
| 10 | University of the Free State | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| 11 | Nelson Mandela University | Gqeberha, South Africa |
| 12 | Tshwane University of Technology | Pretoria, South Africa |
| 13 | Durban University of Technology | Durban, South Africa |
| 14 | Cape Peninsula University of Technology | Cape Town, South Africa |
| 15 | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | Tshwane, South Africa |
| 16 | University of Limpopo | Polokwane, South Africa |
| 17 | University of Fort Hare | Alice, South Africa |
| 18 | University of Zululand | Empangeni, South Africa |
| 19 | Central University of Technology | Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| 20 | Walter Sisulu University | Mthatha, South Africa |
| 21 | Vaal University of Technology | Vanderbijlpark, South Africa |
| 22 | University of Venda | Thohoyandou, South Africa |
| 23 | Mangosuthu University of Technology | Durban, South Africa |
| 24 | University of Mpumalanga | Mbombela, South Africa |
| 25 | Sol Plaatje University | Kimberley, South Africa |
Find Open Programs for International Students!
Browse through currently open programs around the world for international students!