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Top Universities in South Africa: 15 Ranked Universities in 2026
Studyportals Meta Ranking, combining the world's leading rankings
Choosing the right university in South Africa can be a daunting task for international students. To assist with this decision, we have compiled a ranked list of universities in South Africa using a meta-ranking score. This score takes into account various factors such as academic reputation, research output, and student satisfaction.
One important consideration for international students is the availability of online programmes. In South Africa, 10% of programmes are offered online, providing flexibility for those who may have other commitments or prefer a more flexible learning environment.
Tuition fees are another crucial factor to consider. The lower-end tuition fee for international students in South Africa is €326, making it an affordable option for many. On the other hand, the higher-end tuition fee is €15,861, which may be a consideration for those with higher budgets.
For those looking for a more typical tuition fee, the median tuition fee for international students in South Africa is €2,856. This provides a good benchmark for budgeting and comparing different universities.
We hope this information helps international students make an informed decision when choosing a university in South Africa. Remember to consider factors such as location, campus facilities, and student support services in addition to the meta-ranking score and tuition fees.
London School of Economics and Political Science
Cape Town, South Africa +10•4,476 Reviews
#102
Worldwide 162 Masters On-campus Online
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa •4,2173 Reviews
#146
Worldwide 111 Masters On-campus Online
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa •4,2168 Reviews
#233
Worldwide 192 Masters On-campus
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa +1•4,4126 Reviews
#289
Worldwide 280 Masters On-campus Online
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa •4,3244 Reviews
#357
Worldwide 223 Masters On-campus Online
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa •4,2192 Reviews
#411
Worldwide 302 Masters On-campus Online
University of Kwazulu Natal
Durban, South Africa +1•3,8156 Reviews
#424
Worldwide 99 Masters On-campus Online
North-West University (NWU)
Mankoeng, South Africa •4,3313 Reviews
#627
Worldwide 1 Masters On-campus Online
University of the Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa •4,390 Reviews
#766
Worldwide 81 Masters On-campus
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Johannesburg, South Africa •4,2520 Reviews
#887
Worldwide 136 Masters On-campus Online
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa •4,538 Reviews
#1076
Worldwide 1 Masters On-campus Online
Rhodes University
Grahamstown, South Africa •4,222 Reviews
#1103
Worldwide 45 Masters On-campus
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa +3•4,452 Reviews
#1480
Worldwide 59 Masters
The New School
Cape Town, South Africa +16•4,114 Reviews
#1555
Worldwide 45 Masters On-campus Online
Nelson Mandela University
Port Elizabeth, South Africa •4,496 Reviews
#1576
Worldwide 2 Masters
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition fees in South Africa vary widely depending on the university and programme. Public universities generally have lower fees compared to private institutions. International students can expect to pay between 10,000 to 30,000 USD per year for a master's programme. However, there are affordable options available. For instance, some universities offer programmes under 10,000 USD. It's important to budget for living expenses, which can range from 600 to 1,000 USD per month. To find affordable programmes, visit affordable master's programmes in South Africa.
Yes, online study options are available in South Africa. Many universities offer online master's programmes, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world. These programmes are often flexible and can be completed part-time. To explore online programmes, visit online master's programmes in South Africa.
Yes, part-time study options are available in South Africa. Many universities offer part-time master's programmes, allowing students to balance their studies with work or other commitments. These programmes are ideal for those who cannot commit to full-time study. To find part-time programmes, visit part-time master's programmes in South Africa.
Yes, 1-year master's programmes are available in South Africa. These programmes are intensive and designed for students who want to complete their studies quickly. They are often full-time and require a strong commitment. To find 1-year programmes, visit 1-year master's programmes in South Africa.
Yes, it is possible to study at a top-ranked university in South Africa with a scholarship. Universities like the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University offer various scholarships for international students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. To find scholarship opportunities, visit scholarships for master's programmes in South Africa.
The Studyportals University Meta Ranking is calculated by aggregating multiple ranking sources. This methodology helps compare universities in South Africa with institutions globally. It provides a comprehensive view of university performance across various criteria. To learn more about the methodology, visit Studyportals University Meta Ranking.