SKEMA Business School vs International School of Management vs University of South Africa - UNISA vs North-West University - NWU vs Central University of Technology, Free State - CUT

Side-by-side comparison from 1,041 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: International School of Management (4.60)
SKEMA Business School: wins 0/7 categories
International School of Management: wins 4/7 categories
University of South Africa - UNISA: wins 0/7 categories
North-West University - NWU: wins 0/7 categories
Central University of Technology, Free State - CUT: wins 0/7 categories
i_Xperience: wins 3/7 categories
University of Mpumalanga: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Supply Chain Management
Best programme: Bachelor in Management
Best programme: Law
Potchefstroom, South Africa
4.40
Read more reviews
414 reviews
×
Best programme: Economics
Best programme: Information Technology
Cape Town, South Africa
4.00
Read more reviews
1 reviews
×
Best programme: Economics and Computer Science
Siyabuswa, South Africa
4.50
Read more reviews
13 reviews
×
Best programme: Administration
Category ratings
Facilities
4.21
4.64
4.12
4.27
4.39
5.00
Win
4.62
Location
4.24
4.64
Win
4.32
4.11
4.50
4.00
4.15
Professors
4.41
4.82
Win
4.17
4.21
4.20
4.00
4.38
Internationality
4.35
4.82
4.23
3.96
3.95
5.00
Win
3.77
Student life
4.10
4.50
3.95
4.20
4.18
5.00
Win
4.00
Value
4.03
4.73
Win
4.35
4.38
4.10
3.00
4.23
Accommodation
3.56
4.64
Win
3.21
3.84
3.72
4.00
4.08
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Practical, hands-on application of skills in business contexts
  • +Relevant, up-to-date curriculum with industry-experienced professors
  • +International experience and career support
  • +Expert professors and quality cohorts
  • +Flexible learning and personalized support
  • +Global exposure and networking opportunities
  • +Flexible, accessible distance learning
  • +Affordable tuition and resources
  • +Helpful professors and study support
  • +Excellent support services and helpful faculty
  • +Vibrant and organized campus life with social activities
  • +Beautiful campus environment conducive to study
  • +Supportive and approachable lecturers
  • +Practical, hands-on learning and industry connections
  • +Welcoming and engaging campus environment
  • +Welcoming atmosphere and timely graduation
  • +Reliable student services
  • +Calm and positive environment
  • +Excellent, supportive lecturers and comprehensive academic programmes.
  • +Student-focused accommodation and convenient transport services.
  • +Modern infrastructure and a balanced blend of online/physical classes.
Cons
  • -Poor communication and guidance from administration and faculty.
  • -Disorganized program management and overwhelming course loads.
  • -Concerns about faculty behavior and the school's financial focus over student well-being.
  • -Poor communication and administrative issues are common complaints.
  • -Facilities are often described as outdated or in disrepair.
  • -Course content and teaching quality are frequently criticized.
  • -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.
  • -Lack of practical experience and career preparation.
  • -Administrative and management issues, with a focus on targets over academics.
  • -Language barriers making academic engagement difficult.
  • -Persistent accommodation problems and administrative errors with marks.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and lack of modern resources are a common complaint.
  • -The curriculum and teaching methods are often perceived as ineffective.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and lack of resources detract from the learning experience.
  • -Poor communication and unresponsive staff create ongoing problems.
Rating summary
What students say

The university demonstrates notable strengths in its teaching staff, receiving a high rating for professors. Internationality and location also received positive scores, indicating strong performance in these areas. However, accommodation presents a weaker point, with a significantly lower rating compared to other aspects. Overall, student life, facilities, and value for money are rated reasonably well.

This institution garners exceptional praise, particularly for its professors and international student experience, both scoring a near-perfect 4.82. Facilities, location, and accommodation also received strong marks around 4.64. Student life earned a solid 4.5, while value was rated a commendable 4.73. The university's weakest area, though still strong, is student life.

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.

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 university scores exceptionally well in **Location (4.5)** and **Facilities (4.39)**, indicating these are its strongest aspects. Student life, professors, and value also receive solid ratings. The **Accomodation (3.72)** is the lowest-rated area, suggesting room for improvement, while Internationality also falls slightly below the average of other categories.

An excellent student experience is evident, with top marks awarded for Facilities and Student Life, alongside high scores for Internationality. The university also performs well in terms of Professors and Accomodation. Its weakest area, according to these ratings, is Value, which received a moderate score. Location also garnered a good but not outstanding rating.

This university scores exceptionally well in its facilities, earning a high rating. Professors are also highly regarded. Areas needing attention include internationality, which received a lower score compared to other metrics, and student life, which, while solid, also lags slightly behind the top categories. Overall, the institution presents a strong offering with room for enhancement in specific aspects.

Reviews summary
Highlights

With a 4.34 average rating from 132 reviews, ~90% are positive, highlighting practical AI and marketing curricula, and international experiences. A small ~3% of negative feedback mentions poor management and communication.

All 11 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.64/5. Students praise the high quality of professors, impressive and diverse student cohorts, and flexible learning options. The curriculum is described as relevant and contemporary, fostering significant personal and career growth.

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 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.

With a 4.3/5 average rating and ~85% positive feedback, students praise hands-on learning, supportive lecturers, and engaging campus life. A small amount of feedback (~5%) mentioned issues with online registration and accommodation.

The single review indicates a positive experience, with a ~100% positive sentiment. Students highlight a calm and welcoming atmosphere, reliable services, and timely graduation.

With a high average rating of 4.54, student feedback is overwhelmingly positive (~100%). Recurring themes praise well-developed infrastructure and attentive lecturers, with a minor suggestion for enhanced work-readiness preparation.

Rating distribution
5★
49%
64%
49%
49%
55%
0%
54%
4★
42%
36%
37%
39%
30%
100%
46%
3★
7%
0%
11%
11%
10%
0%
0%
2★
2%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1★
2%
0%
1%
0%
5%
0%
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.

Just starting and very happy

I am just starting my PhD journey and I could not be happier with my choice in ISM. Amazing experience with quality professors AND impressive cohorts. Working full-time, this educational focus would not be feasible if I was not able to be flexible as to when and where I take my classes. It is a tough, long, and robust path that requires focus, but the team at ISM is truly the best. They help navigate the way that will work best for you and not put you in a 'one way fits all' situation to accomplish this massive step. I wanted a global education that was through a recognized, accredited, and respected school and ISM has not just been that, but so much more.

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.

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 .

I'm doing Environmental health science currently

It's actually a nice university, it has more opportunities and usually give their students experience that they are gonna need in their professional field. I like almost everything about it ,the events and activities provided to learners 😊. Our lectures are very friendly and real good when it comes to doing their job and they offer more study materials for learners to be able to understand their work.

Nothing to show

Hospitality

One of the greatest features of the University of Mpumalanga is its welcoming nature. The "Tfokomala 4-Star Hotel and Conference Centre" enables hospitality students to thrive in their studies by offering hands-on experience at the campus hotel, allowing them to acquire skills at this esteemed establishment.

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