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Study in South Africa

Officially known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. The country covers 1.2 million square kilometres, making it the 25th largest country in the world. South Africa is home to almost 58 million people, and is referred to as the ‘rainbow nation’ due to the country’s diversity. South Africa is built upon its long and complex history, which has influenced its outlook as a modern country.

Why choose South Africa as an international student

Since a reform, which began in 2004, South African higher education institutions have been improving. Their universities have been consistently keeping up with the increasingly high standards for higher education systems. More than 45,000 international students choose to study in South Africa each academic year. There are 26 public universities, and 42 private universities. Public universities are split into three distinct types.

Traditional universities offer theoretically focused degrees, universities of technology (also known as technikons) offer vocationally focused degrees, and comprehensive universities offer both types of degrees.

International Student Visas

International students need a study visa to study in South Africa, which can be applied for at the nearest South African embassy, consulate, or high commission in your home country.

For more information about visas, see our International Student Visas advice article.

Universities in South Africa

There are over 30 universities in South Africa with degree awarding status. Only publicly funded institutions in South Africa are allowed to use the title university. Private, degree awarding education institutes in South Africa use different naming conventions, such as college or institute.

The public universities of South Africa can be divided in the following categories:

Traditional – There are 14 traditional universities in South Africa, which focus on academic output. Examples include the University of Limpopo and the University of Cape Town.

Technikon (University of technology) – There are 6 universities of technology in South Africa, which focus on the teaching of vocational degrees, with a view to preparing students for specific careers, often in engineering subjects.

Comprehensive – There are 6 comprehensive universities, also known as combined universities in the country. These are the result of mergers between former Technikons and traditional universities, and they offer both types of courses to their students. Examples include the University of South Africa and Nelson Mandela University. Examples include the Durban University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology.

The majority of the private universities in South Africa are non-secular universities, including institutions such as George Whitefield College and South African Theological Seminary.

The top ranked universities in South Africa

University Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024 Best Global Universities QS World University Ranking
University of Cape Town 167 125 173
Stellenbosch University 301-350 304 283
University of the Witwatersrand 301-350 244 264
University of Johannesburg 401-500 421 306
University of KwaZulu-Natal 501-600 370 621-630
University of Pretoria 501-600 452 323
North-West University 601-800 487 801-850
University of the Western Cape 601-800 625 951-1000
University of the Free State 801-1000 875 1001-1200
Durban University of Technology 1001-1200
University of South Africa 1001-1200 821 851-900
University of Venda 1201-1500

Search for courses in South Africa

Highlighted courses in South Africa

Fine Art BA

University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa

Find out more

Bachelor of Commerce BCom

AFDA South Africa

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Higher Certificate in Radio and Podcasting University Certificate

AFDA South Africa

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Bachelor of Computer Technology Bachelor Degree

AFDA South Africa

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View all courses in South Africa

More information about South Africa

Capital City Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein
Currency ZAR, South African Rand
Language(s) English, Zulu, Swazi, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Xitsonga, Xhosa, Tshivenda, Ndebele
Major Student Cities Johannesburg

Language Requirements

South Africa has 11 official languages. It also has 8 other recognised regional languages. You will hear a wide variety of languages spoken across different areas of the country.

The most common languages used for teaching are English and Afrikaans. The majority of universities will allow you to choose to study courses in either language. If your study language is not your native or first spoken language, you will need to provide evidence of your proficiency. The level of proficiency required will depend on where you choose to study, as well as the level at which you are studying. Postgraduate courses and specialist degrees will generally have higher language requirements. If you do not meet the required standards, it is common for institutions to offer language courses to help you improve.

If your native language is not one of the 19 official and recognised languages, you should make the most of your opportunity to learn another language as you study. Communicating with the locals and other students is a great way to practice and improve your skills. Having proficiency in another language is something that will look great on your CV/resume.

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