If you’ve started looking at universities, you’ve probably noticed the same few names coming up again and again, whether it’s from parents, teachers, or that one friend who’s ‘really done their research.’ It can start to feel like those are your only real options.
But here’s the thing: the “best” university in South Africa isn’t the same for every degree. A uni that’s great for law might not be the best fit for engineering or business. Choosing based on name alone is a bit like picking a restaurant because it’s popular… without checking the menu.
This guide digs deeper than just ‘which university is best?’ It helps you figure out which university is best for your degree. Whether you're looking for a BCom or BA, undergrad or postgrad, university or technical college, this guide takes you through it all.
How to choose the right university for your degree
While rankings are useful, you can’t simply look at the top-ranked universities in South Africa and assume it will be right for you and your degree. There are a few other factors to consider:
- Focus on the faculty: Research the courses, professors, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary work for your specific faculty.
- Consider location and access to industry: Where you study can affect your opportunities, e.g., Joburg is typically better for business while Cape Town for creative fields.
- Look at teaching style and class size: Larger universities often mean bigger lectures and more independence; smaller ones tend to offer more support and interaction.
- Be realistic about admission requirements: Look at the minimum grades you will need for each university and choose ones that align with your own; otherwise, you can risk wasting money on application fees.
- Factor in total cost, not just tuition: Accommodation, transport, and living costs vary widely between cities and can have a major impact on your university experience.
- Set up future opportunities: Think about what you might do after your degree, whether it’s postgrad, internship opportunities, graduate employment, or industry connections, and find a university that supports your ambitions.
Choosing your university isn’t only about the academics. Check out our complete guide to South Africa’s top university towns to understand what student life there is really like.
Top universities for each undergraduate degree
Best South African universities for Medicine and Health Sciences (MBChB)
- University of Cape Town: Consistently ranked the top medical school in Africa, with direct access to Groote Schuur Hospital (home of the first heart transplant).
- University of Witwatersrand: Linked to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the world, with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training, known for producing excellent work-ready doctors.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal: Strong clinical training across major public hospitals and a well-regarded programme with a focus on community and public health.
Best South African universities for Engineering (BEng)
- University of Pretoria: One of the largest engineering faculties in the country, offering strong industry partnerships across construction, energy, and infrastructure.
- Stellenbosch University: Known for its high academic standards, excellent facilities, and clear pipeline to both local and international engineering careers, with stand-out specialisations like Mechatronics.
- University of Cape Town: Has a special focus on research-led engineering, particularly in areas like water systems, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure, and offers students smaller cohort sizes compared to other universities.
Best South African universities for Sciences (BSc)
- University of Cape Town: Leading research university with strong programmes in physics, biology and environmental science, with access to advanced labs and research facilities.
- University of Witwatersrand: Particularly strong in health sciences-linked research and biological sciences, with excellent lab facilities and research opportunities.
- University of the Free State: One of the best universities for natural and agricultural sciences, set up with smaller classes and strong academic support structures.
Best South African universities for Business, Finance and Economics (BCom)
- University of Johannesburg: In the heart of South Africa’s economic centre, UJ offers strong, career-focused commerce programmes with good industry links and practical exposure.
- University of Cape Town: Home to one of the top commerce faculties in Africa, with strong pathways into investment banking, consulting, and global careers that come with its international recognition.
- Stellenbosch University: One of the top universities for accounting and CA, providing structured academic programmes with strong student support.
Best South African universities for Law (LLB)
- University of Cape Town: Widely regarded as the country’s top law faculty, with a particular focus on constitutional, human rights, and commercial law and an excellent track record of graduates entering top law firms.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal: Home to one of the leading programmes in human rights and constitutional law, using African and international legal frameworks; plus, it also offers students practical experience through law clinics and community legal work.
- University of Witwatersrand: A top choice for students going into corporate and commercial law, with access to major law firms and courts in Joburg.
Best South African universities for Education (BEd)
- UNISA: Not only does it offer comprehensive programmes, but it’s also SA’s largest distance learning university, providing opportunities for working students or those unable to relocate and supplying a large portion of the country’s qualified teachers, particularly in underserved areas.
- University of Pretoria: One of the most established education faculties in SA, known for strong teacher training and practical classroom readiness.
- North-West University: Well-regarded for teacher training across multiple campuses, offering a forward-thinking approach that focuses on technology in education and innovative teaching methods.
Best South African universities for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (BA)
- University of Cape Town: Globally recognised programmes in politics, sociology, and international relations with access to some of Africa’s leading academics in African studies, development, and social justice.
- Rhodes University: As Rhodes' largest faculty, its Humanities is known for excellent for writing-intensive disciplines, especially journalism and media, with strong academic support.
- University of the Western Cape: Known for its historical role in social justice and transformation, shaping its teaching and research methods and offering a more accessible and diverse learning environment.
Best South African universities for Music, Fine Arts, and Theatre (BMus, BFA, BDram)
- University of Cape Town: Its acclaimed College of Music and School of Dance take top spots, offering excellent facilities, including performance venues and recording spaces and easy access to Cape Town’s booming creative industry.
- Rhodes University: Known for its hands-on theatre and performance training, particularly in drama and stage production, this small town uni is overflowing with creative juices, especially around the annual National Arts Festival.
- Nelson Mandela University: Comprehensive programmes in music, performing arts, and visual arts, with dedicated performance venues and arts facilities and close links to the Eastern Cape arts scenes.
Top universities for specific postgraduate degrees in South Africa
Stellenbosch’s Department of Journalism is widely regarded as one of the best in the country, with a focus on multimedia storytelling, investigative journalism, and newsroom-ready skills.
Though it is an intense programme, students are rewarded with close ties to media houses that bring employment post-degree. It ends with an internship that helps to get your foot in the door.
UCT is a leader in data science, AI, and machine learning research in Africa, supported by institutes like the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences partnerships and dedicated data science programmes.
With the increasing popularity of research in AI, this programme offers unique access to high-performance computing resources and research groups working on machine learning, AI, and big data problems relevant to Africa.
Wits is globally recognised for mining engineering and extractive industries research, with deep ties to South Africa’s mining sector.
Located in the heart of South Africa’s mining industry, Wits offers major access to mining companies and research funding, with specialised research units focused in rock engineering, mine design, and safety.
UP’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort is South Africa’s only veterinary school, making it the national centre for veterinary training and research.
But once you get in, you have unique access to specialised teaching hospitals, labs, and animal research facilities not available elsewhere in the country.
Rhodes has a long-standing reputation for media, journalism, and communications, with strong theoretical and practical grounding.
It’s known for producing some of the top journalists and media professionals in South Africa.
Best South African colleges for technical degrees
Moving to your dream university
Once you’ve found the perfect university that matches your chosen degree path and have received your acceptance letter, all you need to do is get yourself and your belongings to your chosen university in time for orientation!
That’s where a trusty moving service provider like Wise Move comes in handy. You can take away the stress and complications, and book an affordable student moving team that suits both your needs and your budget – in just a few clicks.
Once you’ve found the perfect university that matches your chosen degree path and have received your acceptance letter, all you need to do is get yourself and your belongings to your chosen university in time for orientation!
