- South Africa boasts top universities, housing seven of Africa's ten best academic institutions.
- NWU offers a welcoming community and focuses on multilingualism and global collaboration.
- UCT is ranked among the top 200 globally, known for its research and multicultural environment.
- UJ features a modern approach and strong global links, enhancing career opportunities for students.
South Africa is something of a hidden gem student destination. The country is home to an incredibly diverse population, meaning you’ll encounter a vast range of perspectives in the classroom. Some of the region’s top universities, including seven of the ten best universities in Africa, are also located in South Africa. If you’re thinking of heading to the land of sun, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, for your studies, which of the best international universities in South Africa should you consider?
In recent years, South African universities have seen an uptick in international reputation. Ratings for South African universities have also increased among EDUopinions student reviewers, reaching an average of 4.42 out of 5 so far in 2025.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Johannesburg or the rural charm of smaller towns, South Africa offers a wide range of academic and lifestyle options. These are our picks of the best international universities in South Africa.
The Best International Universities in South Africa: Top 5
North-West University – NWU
North-West University is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. It fosters a close-knit student community on its campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark, offering students the charm of a small town with the benefits of a larger institution. Plus, the university has a growing international profile, with a focus on multilingualism (students come from 50 countries), cross-cultural learning, and global collaboration.
In particular, NWU has a reputation for its academic partnerships, especially in the fields of education and health. Campus life is much more affordable than elsewhere in South Africa, and there are also scholarship opportunities for students to take advantage of. NWU might fly under the radar, but for students who value balance, diversity, and meaningful academic experiences, it’s a hidden gem.
Student Review
I think as far as now I think most of the classes that I’ve attended they were really productive to me and I’ve learned so much . Also the lectures are good even the environment in the classroom is good . We are able to interact with each other as students and that’s also makes things easier for me.
Student Review
Great university, currently doing a 4year Bpharm program and its going amazing
Very inclusive and supportive.
Nice people .
Accommodation is affordable and convinient.
A place where we can meet many people from different ethnicity and background, so every one is welcome
University of Cape Town – UCT
Perched on the slopes of Table Mountain (so close that there are views right across campus), the University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university. It also consistently ranks as the best in Africa – QS ranks it among the top 200 in the world – and welcomes students from over 100 countries each year. As a result, students join a vibrant, multicultural community, with plenty of opportunities to mix through clubs and societies.
In some fields, UCT outranks other well-known universities; for example, in Development Studies, it ranks 15th globally. With its mix of world-class research, social impact, and a strong international network, UCT is a top choice for students looking to study in Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.
Student Review
UCT has many positives: dedicated lecturers and staff, extensive resources available, diverse student body, etc. BUT its biggest problem is the large price tag on everything. From the expensive textbooks, residency, tuition, even the damn food
Student Review
This is the best university in my opinion. I managed to achieve excellent student support which enabled me to perform at my optimal capacity as a Science student. Campus life is amazing and its quite unique with various cultures and a great diversity.
Nelson Mandela University
Located in the city of Gqeberha on South Africa’s east coast, Nelson Mandela University is named after the country’s most iconic modern leader. It seeks to embody the icon’s qualities of equality, social justice, wellbeing and international collaboration, and is known for its welcoming campus environment.
The university has a reputation, particularly in fields such as environmental sciences, engineering, and business, and has recently opened South Africa’s first dedicated Ocean Sciences campus. This new facility offers environmental sciences students great opportunities to participate in critical ocean research. Overall, NMU provides a welcoming and purpose-driven experience, perfect for students who want to make a difference while enjoying life on the coast.
Student Review
Nelson Mandela University is one of the top Universities for Education in South Africa and it shows in every aspect of the department. You leave NMU having the potential to be an amazing student because those tools have been given to you to become an excelling professional.
Student Review
It is a very good university,with very good values and everyone is so welcoming and it’s very easy to seek for help when you are struggling with something.i would really recommend the university because it is were you can have a very good varsity experience,learn more and gain skills and knowledge.
University of the Witwatersrand – WITS
The University of the Witwatersrand – commonly known as Wits – is located in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse. It’s one of South Africa’s top research institutions and is ranked among the top 20 institutions in the world for mineral and mining engineering studies.
The university is also closely connected to Johannesburg’s buzzing cultural and economic scene, offering students real-world experience and exciting networking opportunities. Students here are part of a dynamic urban campus that reflects the energy and diversity of Joburg itself.
Student Review
As a Computer Science student at Wits, my experience has been a mix of great opportunities and serious challenges. The course is well-structured, covering key areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and software development. The lecturers are highly knowledgeable, and their passion for the subject makes some of the content really engaging.
However, the workload is intense, and it’s easy to fall behind if you don’t stay disciplined. A lot of the learning is self-driven, meaning you have to put in extra effort outside of lectures to really understand the material. Some students feel that while the course is strong academically, it doesn’t always prepare you for real-world industry demands unless you actively seek internships or side projects.
Overall, Wits provides a solid foundation in Computer Science, but success depends on how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you’re serious about tech and ready to work hard, it’s a great place to study
Student Review
I absolutely loved the university environment that made it possible for creative thinkers. My program was an absolute blast because my professors were very progressive. I was in the Anthropology department and my professors taught for growth and not just for marks. I was sculpted into the best version of myself as a creative and critical thinker.
The university atmosphere was amazing. There are a lot of spaces for connecting with otehr students. It is really a world class university and has the best scholarship options because I studied for free and left with 2 degrees and no student loan or debt at all.
University of Johannesburg – UJ
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is one of South Africa’s younger institutions and is known for its modern approach and commitment to inclusivity. Spread across four campuses, this university offers a mix of urban energy and academic focus. It’s also increased its international standing in recent years and is ranked as one of the top universities in South Africa for business, engineering, and computer science studies.
The university’s diverse student population and strong links with global institutions make it an excellent launchpad for international careers. If you’re after a forward-thinking university with a pulse on the future, UJ could be your perfect fit.
Student Review
As a student at UJ, my experience has been mostly positive, but like any university, it has its ups and downs. Most lecturers are knowledgeable and willing to help, but the quality of teaching varies. Some go above and beyond, while others just read off slides. Certain courses are well-structured, but in others, you’ll need to do a lot of self-study.UJ has a decent mix of international students, especially from other African countries. However, it’s not as globally recognized as Wits or Stellenbosch, so international exposure is limited. UJ has a vibrant campus life with plenty of clubs, events, and social activities. There’s always something happening, and the diverse student body makes for a lively atmosphere. Most buildings, libraries, and sports facilities are well-maintained. However, some older buildings need upgrades. WiFi can be unreliable at times, but overall, the facilities are decent. Most buildings, libraries, and sports facilities are well-maintained. However, some older buildings need upgrades. WiFi can be unreliable at times, but overall, the facilities are decent.
Student Review
I completed my undergraduate studies at UJ, and it was generally a positive experience. What really stood out to me was the campus environment.
it’s dynamic and inclusive, with a strong sense of community. There’s always something going on, from student activities to sports and cultural events, making it a lively place to be.
Conclusion
There are over 41,000 international students in South Africa today, and with international universities rising in the ranks, there’s a chance this number will grow. If you’re looking for an alternative destination for your studies, where you can still attend a top-ranked global university and enjoy a lifestyle unmatched in many countries, South Africa could be the perfect choice.
Related Posts :
Recent Posts
We created the EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide to highlight students' opinions of universities. All of the rankings we produce as part of the Guide ...
The University of Pécs in Hungary ranks among the top 1,000 universities in the world, and in the top 300 in Europe. Located in one of Hungary’s best ...
Want to boost your skills with an MBA, but don’t want to take time out from your job to study – or move abroad? An Online MBA means you can study the ...
North-West University is globally recognised for its strong teaching and research; it is ranked seventh in Africa and among the top 1,000 ...