Top 20 Universities In South Africa:– Education in South Africa received more attention after 1994. This is after the fall of the segregationist apartheid regime.
The South African government promised to improve its national education system (which has historically been disorganized and unequal).
Top 20 Universities In South Africa
However, talking about Universities education in South Africa, two of South Africa’s universities feature in the top 200 of the worldwide rankings: the University of Cape Town is Africa’s top university, sitting at joint 136th position, while the University of Witwatersrand occupies the joint 194th spot.
Overall, Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria are the three best represented African countries in the world ranking, with 20 and 10 universities each. Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa all have universities in the top 500 of the global ranking.
In our most comprehensive collection of university ranking scores worldwide, we have details of the top 20 universities in South Africa 2020-2021 ranking. We monitor continuously 106 different university and subject rankings so that you can conveniently compare all rankings in one place. see below as we structured from top 10 – to top 20 universities in South Africa.
Top 10 Universities In South Africa 2020-2021:
1. University of Cape Town
Established in 1874, University of Cape Town is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Cape Town (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Western Cape.
Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Cape Town (UCT) have a large ( enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.
University of Cape Town (UCT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 146 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
2. University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witswatersrand or Wits University, as it is commonly known is a public research university based in Johannesburg.
It was founded as a school of mining – the region is the most abundant with gold of any location worldwide. The university grew significantly in the late 20th century, and the campus has been expanding with many new buildings.
That time was also a period of protest against apartheid policies, and the university campus was fairly divided. Nonetheless, many prominent black leaders graduated from the university.
There are five campuses, with two joined by a walkway. The campuses are home to student residences, including female-only dorms, and academic departments.
Academic research and teaching is spread across five faculties: commerce, engineering and the built environment, health sciences, law and management, science and humanities.
Through the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, the medical school trains more specialists than any other university in southern Africa.
The Wits Disability Unit is a flagship centre ensuring that higher education is accessible to disabled students, caregivers and others in need of special provisions.
3. University of Pretoria
Established in 1908, University of Pretoria is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Pretoria (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Gauteng.
Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Pretoria (UP) have a very large (enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution.
University of Pretoria (UP) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 112 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
4. Universiteit Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch University is located in South Africa’s Western Cape, not far from Cape Town. The university town maintains Dutch colonial architecture, and streets host an array of cafes, boutiques and galleries.
Among the university’s many achievements, it designed Africa’s first microsatellite in 1999. Teaching at the university is split between four campuses, with the main one in Stellenbosch and the others nearby.
Students can complete assignments and exams in both English and Afrikaans, even though the main language of instruction is Afrikaans. For postgraduate students, the language in classes is determined by the demographic of the class, and is usually English.
There are about 150 academic departments within 10 faculties, and many other research centres.
In addition to an extensive library system, the university has a conservatory with two concert halls, home of the Stellenbosch University Choir – the oldest South African choir.
5. University of Johannesburg
Founded in 2005, University of Johannesburg is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Johannesburg (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Gauteng.
Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Johannesburg (UJ) have a very large enrollment range: over-45,000 students coeducational higher education institution.
University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
This 15 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
6. North-West University
Founded in 2004, North-West University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Potchefstroom (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), North West.
This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Mafikeng, Vanderbijlpark. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, North-West University (NWU) have a very large enrollment range: over-45,000 students.
North-West University (NWU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. .
This 16 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic record and grades.
The admission rate range is 60-70% making this South African higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
7. University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Durban (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), KwaZulu-Natal.
The institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Westiville, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have a very large enrollment range: 40,000-44,999 students coeducational higher education institution.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Founded in 2004.
8. University of the Western Cape
University of the Western Cape is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Bellville (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Cape.
Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of the Western Cape (UWC) have a large enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students coeducational higher education institution.
University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Founded in 1959.
9. Rhodes University
Established in 1904, Rhodes University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of Grahamstown (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Eastern Cape.
It was officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Rhodes University (RU) have a medium-sized enrollment range: 8,000-8,999 students coeducational higher education institution.
Rhodes University (RU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study
10. University of the Free State
Established in 1904, University of the Free State is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Bloemfontein (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Free State.
This institution has campuses in the following location(s): Qwaqwa. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of the Free State (UFS) have a large enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students coeducational higher education institution.
University of the Free State (UFS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study
Top 20 Universities In South Africa 2020-2021
- Nelson Mandela University
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Fort Hare
- Central University of Technology
- University of Limpopo
- Vaal University of Technology
- University of Venda
- University of Zululand
11. Nelson Mandela University
Nelson Mandela University was founded in 2005 and is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Port Elizabeth (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Eastern Cape.
The institution has campuses in the following location(s): George, Southern Cape. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) have a large enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students, coeducational higher education institution.
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
12. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Established in 2005, Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the metropolis of Cape Town (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Western Cape.
This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Bellville, Mowbray, Wellington, Greenpoint. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) have a very large enrollment range: 30,000-34,999 students.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas.
13. Durban University of Technology
Durban University of Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Durban (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), KwaZulu-Natal.
It has campuses in the following location(s): Pietermaritzburg. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa. Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a large higher education institution. Founded in 2002
14. Tshwane University of Technology
Tshwane University of Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Pretoria (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Gauteng.
This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Witbank, Nelspruit, Polokwane. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is a very large university with range of : over-45,000 students) and was established in 2003,
15. University of Fort Hare
Established in 1916, University of Fort Hare is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Alice (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Eastern Cape. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa.
University of Fort Hare (UFH) have a medium-sized enrollment range: 9,000-9,999 students coeducational higher education institution.
16. Central University of Technology
Founded in 1981, Central University of Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the medium city of Bloemfontein (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Free State. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Welkom.
Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Central University of Technology (CUT) have a large enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students coeducational higher education institution
17. University of Limpopo
University of Limpopo is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Mankweng (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Limpopo.
The institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Medunsa. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Limpopo (UL) have a large enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students coeducational higher education institution.
University of Limpopo (UL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Founded in 1959,
18. Vaal University of Technology
Founded in 1966, This institution has branch campuses in the following location(s): Klerksdrop, Kempton Park, Secunda, Upington, Sebokeng. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa.
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is a large (enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.
Vaal University of Technology is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Vanderbijlpark (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Gauteng.
19. University of Venda
Established in 1982, University of Venda is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Thohoyandou (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Limpopo. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa.
20. University of Zululand
Established in 1960, University of Zululand is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Kwadlangezwa (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), KwaZulu-Natal.
This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Umhlathuze. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is a medium-sized.
They offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study.
