SKEMA Business School vs Stellenbosch University - SU vs University of South Africa - UNISA vs Nelson Mandela University vs North-West University - NWU

Side-by-side comparison from 1,174 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Tie
SKEMA Business School: wins 1/7 categories
Stellenbosch University - SU: wins 4/7 categories
University of South Africa - UNISA: wins 0/7 categories
Nelson Mandela University: wins 1/7 categories
North-West University - NWU: wins 0/7 categories
Milpark Education: wins 0/7 categories
MANCOSA - MANCOSA: wins 1/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Supply Chain Management
Stellenbosch, South Africa
4.60
Read more reviews
57 reviews
×
Best programme: Education
Best programme: Law
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
4.40
Read more reviews
105 reviews
×
Best programme: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Potchefstroom, South Africa
4.40
Read more reviews
414 reviews
×
Best programme: Economics
Cape Town, South Africa
2.80
Read more reviews
4 reviews
×
Best programme: Accounting
Durban, South Africa
4.60
Read more reviews
11 reviews
×
Best programme: Financial Management
Category ratings
Facilities
4.21
4.53
Win
4.12
4.12
4.27
1.25
4.11
Location
4.25
4.50
4.32
4.55
Win
4.11
3.00
4.30
Professors
4.42
4.54
Win
4.17
4.22
4.21
3.00
4.09
Internationality
4.36
Win
4.05
4.23
3.83
3.96
3.00
4.00
Student life
4.11
4.46
Win
3.95
4.19
4.20
1.25
4.20
Value
4.03
4.51
4.35
4.38
4.38
3.00
4.64
Win
Accommodation
3.57
4.15
Win
3.21
3.80
3.84
1.00
3.17
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +strong international exposure & opportunities
  • +practical and relevant program curriculum & skills
  • +valuable alumni network & career support
  • +Supportive and knowledgeable lecturers
  • +Positive and enriching academic environment
  • +Strong sense of community and campus culture
  • +Flexible, accessible distance learning
  • +Affordable tuition and resources
  • +Helpful professors and study support
  • +Welcoming and inclusive environment
  • +Excellent academic support and faculty
  • +Strong sense of community and campus life
  • +Excellent support services and helpful faculty
  • +Vibrant and organized campus life with social activities
  • +Beautiful campus environment conducive to study
  • +Exceptional flexibility for working professionals.
  • +Strong lecturer availability and support systems.
  • +Well-structured and engaging course content.
  • +Flexible online programs balancing work and study
  • +Supportive lecturers and practical learning experiences
  • +Efficient registration and accessible study resources
Cons
  • -Administrative and management issues, including poor communication and disorganization.
  • -Perceived focus on profit over student welfare, with concerns about teaching quality and discrimination.
  • -Ineffective career guidance and support for students.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance detract from the learning environment.
  • -Lack of support and unclear communication lead to student dissatisfaction.
  • -Technical glitches and poor website functionality hinder access to information.
  • -Difficulty navigating academic structure and module selection adds to confusion.
  • -Unhelpful and disrespectful administrative and student support services are a major concern.
  • -Administrative and management issues caused significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of resources negatively impacted learning.
  • -The quality of teaching and course content was inconsistent and disappointing.
  • -Lack of practical experience and career preparation.
  • -Administrative and management issues, with a focus on targets over academics.
  • -Language barriers making academic engagement difficult.
  • -Administrative and communication issues create confusion and unnecessary costs.
  • -The institution prioritizes financial gain over genuine student support and well-being.
  • -Exam content and assessment procedures are misleading and unfair.
  • -Excessive administrative burdens and lack of support.
  • -Outdated and poorly maintained facilities and equipment.
  • -Limited access to essential resources and learning materials.
Rating summary
What students say

A comprehensive assessment reveals a university with distinct strengths and areas for improvement. Professors and internationality stand out as particularly strong aspects, receiving high marks. Student life and facilities are also rated positively. However, accommodation emerges as the weakest area, with a noticeably lower score compared to other metrics. Value for money is also a solid, though not exceptional, performer in this rating overview.

This university garners consistently high marks, particularly excelling in its **Professors** and **Facilities**, both rated above 4.5. Its **Location** and **Value** also score very well. The areas receiving the lowest scores, though still positive, are **Accomodation** and **Internationality**. Overall, student feedback indicates a positive experience with notable strengths in academic and campus resources.

This institution scores remarkably well across most metrics, with its strongest areas being **Value** (4.35) and **Location** (4.32). **Internationality** also receives high marks. The ratings indicate that **Accomodation** is the primary area requiring improvement, registering the lowest score at 3.21. Other aspects like Professors and Facilities are rated favorably, while Student Life sits slightly below average.

Overall, this university garners positive feedback, with location standing out as its strongest attribute. Student life and value also received high marks. Conversely, accommodation and internationality represent the areas with the lowest ratings, suggesting potential for improvement in these aspects. The university performs well in facilities and professors, contributing to a generally favorable assessment.

This institution demonstrates strong performance in several key areas. Value for money stands out with the highest rating, closely followed by excellent Facilities. Student Life and Professors also receive commendably high scores. Conversely, Accomodation presents the lowest rating among the surveyed categories, with Internationality also scoring moderately lower than the top-performing metrics.

This institution exhibits a notable disparity in its evaluated aspects. Its weakest areas, with scores of 1.25 and 1 respectively, are Facilities and Accomodation, suggesting significant room for improvement in these domains. Conversely, Location, Internationality, and Value are its strongest points, all receiving a solid rating of 3. Professors also perform moderately well at 3.

This institution receives high marks in several key areas, notably excelling in **Value (4.64)** and **Location (4.3)**. **Student Life (4.2)** and **Facilities (4.11)** are also rated positively. However, **Accomodation (3.17)** stands out as the weakest area, indicating potential room for improvement in student living arrangements. Other categories like Professors and Internationality also received solid, above average scores.

Reviews summary
Highlights

Around 97% of reviews are positive, praising international opportunities, practical curriculum, and helpful alumni networks. A small percentage (around 3%) cite issues with management, communication, and organization.

With a 4.56 average rating from 57 reviews, ~98% are positive. Students praise supportive and knowledgeable lecturers, a strong academic environment, and vibrant campus culture. Minimal negative feedback exists.

Around 97.6% of reviews are positive, praising flexible online and distance learning options. A small minority (~2.4%) experienced technical issues or found navigation difficult.

With an average rating of 4.4/5 from 105 reviews, ~94% of feedback is positive, highlighting good location, faculty, and inclusive vibes. A single negative review (~1%) cited frustrating administration and slow prize money distribution.

With a 4.37/5 average rating from 414 reviews, nearly all feedback is positive, highlighting beautiful campuses, vibrant student life, and helpful support services. Very minimal negative feedback exists.

Half of the university's reviews are negative, citing communication and application issues, as well as concerns about finances and perceived unfair grading. Positive feedback highlights flexibility and lecturer support, despite the high cost.

All 11 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.64/5. Students praised flexible online programs, responsiveness, and practical course content preparation for the workforce.

Rating distribution
5★
49%
61%
49%
51%
49%
25%
64%
4★
42%
35%
37%
39%
39%
25%
36%
3★
7%
2%
11%
9%
11%
0%
0%
2★
2%
2%
1%
0%
1%
0%
0%
1★
2%
0%
1%
1%
0%
50%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
Experience in School

My experience in SKEMA Business School is very much enriching. It definitely help me to shape my career aspirations which align with my personal value and even worldview. The management system in my university quite efficient and systematic. Every year, we, students are required to give personal feedback on our learning and courses for each semesters. It is very helpful as it could assist my university to improve its lacking in every aspects.

The Curriculum Is Meticulously Crafted

Embarking on my academic journey at Stellenbosch University, specifically pursuing a BScHons in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, has been an exhilarating and intellectually rewarding experience. As a student set to graduate in 2025, I find myself immersed in a dynamic and innovative learning environment that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Stellenbosch University has positioned itself as a hub for cutting-edge research and academic excellence, and the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program exemplifies this commitment. The curriculum is meticulously crafted, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in utilizing computational tools to analyze biological data. The faculty members, comprised of experts in the field, bring a wealth of research experience into the classroom, creating an inspiring learning atmosphere. The program's emphasis on research and practical applications has been a standout feature. Engaging in projects that involve real-world biological data, coding, and computational analyses has provided invaluable exposure to the challenges and opportunities in the realm of bioinformatics. The university's dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that students have access to state-of-the-art tools and methodologies. The campus of Stellenbosch University is a lively community that encourages networking and collaboration in addition to being a location for academic endeavors. My perspective has been widened and a network of support for academic and professional advancement has been established through interacting with other students, researchers, and industry experts. The state-of-the-art research centers and well-equipped labs on campus provide a vibrant academic environment. The support system at Stellenbosch University has been exceptional. Faculty members are approachable, offering guidance and mentorship to navigate the challenges of a specialized program like Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The university's commitment to student success is evident through various support services, creating a nurturing environment for academic and personal development. As I approach graduation in 2025, I am confident that the education and experiences gained at Stellenbosch University will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to the rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics. The university's commitment to research, innovation, and academic excellence has not only shaped my academic journey but has also instilled in me a passion for lifelong learning and scientific exploration. Stellenbosch University stands as a beacon for academic rigor and research prowess, and I am proud to be part of an institution that values pushing the boundaries of knowledge. As I anticipate the culmination of my undergraduate studies, I look forward to the continued growth and contributions that will shape my future endeavors in the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

A practical option for self-motivated students.

My experience at the University of South Africa has been challenging but rewarding. As a distance-learning institution, UNISA requires that it's student be strong, self-discipline and good in time management, which helped me develop independence and resilience. The flexibility of online learning has been a major strength, especially for working students as I started my journey as a working student, and the study materials are generally accessible through the online platform as well as being couriered. However, limited interaction with lecturers and occasional administrative delays can be frustrating and require students to be proactive. Overall, UNISA is well suited to motivated, self-directed learners who value flexibility and are willing to take ownership of their studies.

I liked it's location and how they handled the education system, good engineering faculty, the inclusive vibes, and less protest drama what I disliked is the slow administration, weak job placements,

Amazing

NWU helps unlock students potentials. I came here as a shy person, in less than 2 years I'm a completely different person . More confidence, I am more focused , more motivated and so much more .it's a worthwhile experience being here .

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