SKEMA Business School vs International School of Management vs Vaal University of Technology vs University of South Africa - UNISA vs North-West University - NWU

Side-by-side comparison from 1,057 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Tie
SKEMA Business School: wins 0/7 categories
International School of Management: wins 7/7 categories
Vaal University of Technology: wins 0/7 categories
University of South Africa - UNISA: wins 0/7 categories
North-West University - NWU: wins 0/7 categories
STADIO: wins 0/7 categories
MANCOSA - MANCOSA: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Supply Chain Management
Best programme: Bachelor in Management
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
4.30
Read more reviews
26 reviews
×
Best programme: Civil Engineering
Best programme: Law
Potchefstroom, South Africa
4.40
Read more reviews
414 reviews
×
Best programme: Economics
Johannesburg, South Africa
4.20
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11 reviews
×
Best programme: Education
Durban, South Africa
4.60
Read more reviews
11 reviews
×
Best programme: Financial Management
Category ratings
Facilities
4.20
4.64
Win
4.04
4.12
4.27
3.57
4.11
Location
4.24
4.64
Win
4.13
4.32
4.11
4.30
4.30
Professors
4.41
4.82
Win
4.19
4.17
4.21
3.91
4.09
Internationality
4.36
4.82
Win
3.69
4.23
3.96
4.00
4.00
Student life
4.10
4.50
Win
4.04
3.95
4.20
3.20
4.20
Value
4.04
4.73
Win
4.12
4.35
4.38
4.45
4.64
Accommodation
3.56
4.64
Win
3.68
3.21
3.84
2.71
3.17
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +International focus and diverse campus experiences
  • +Practical, industry-relevant curriculum and career support
  • +Strong community with great classmates and alumni network
  • +Expert professors and quality cohorts
  • +Flexible learning and personalized support
  • +Global exposure and networking opportunities
  • +Practical experience and career preparation
  • +Accessible lecturers and good study facilities
  • +Affordable fees and accommodation
  • +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 dedicated lecturers.
  • +Practical learning experiences and diverse showcases.
  • +Smooth and hassle-free administrative processes.
  • +Flexible online programs balancing work and study
  • +Supportive lecturers and practical learning experiences
  • +Efficient registration and accessible study resources
Cons
  • -Administrative and management issues create poor student experience.
  • -Ineffective communication and guidance hinder career development.
  • -Faculty and program organization are disappointing and overly focused on profit.
  • -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.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources hinder learning and comfort.
  • -Lack of effective communication and support from staff is a recurring problem.
  • -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.
  • -Overpriced tuition and fees.
  • -Inadequate resources and support.
  • -Poorly maintained facilities.
  • -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

Across a range of metrics, this institution demonstrates considerable strengths, particularly in its **professors** (4.41) and **internationality** (4.36). Facilities and location also received favorable scores, both above 4.2. Student life and value are rated around 4.0, indicating a generally positive experience. The weakest area is **accommodation**, which stands at 3.56, suggesting room for improvement in this aspect.

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.

A well-rounded academic experience is indicated by these university ratings. Professors received the highest marks at 4.19, closely followed by Location (4.125) and Value (4.115). Student Life and Facilities also scored well, both above 4.0. Conversely, Accomodation at 3.68 and Internationality at 3.69 represent the areas with the lowest scores.

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 institution demonstrates considerable strengths, particularly in its **Value** and **Location**, both receiving excellent scores. The **Internationality** of the student body is also highly rated. Conversely, **Accomodation** is the weakest area, with a significantly lower score compared to other aspects. **Student Life** and **Facilities** also present opportunities for improvement, while **Professors** are well-regarded.

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

The vast majority (~97%) of reviews are positive, praising international opportunities, practical curriculum, and strong alumni networks. A small percentage (~3%) express concerns about management, communication, and organization.

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.

Students express strong satisfaction, with ~74% giving high ratings. Recurring positive themes include preparation for the work environment, accessible lecturers, and a positive campus experience. No negative feedback was recorded.

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 an average rating of 4.18/5, ~74% of reviews are positive, praising lecturer support, practical experience, and a smooth administrative process. There is no negative feedback.

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%
64%
54%
49%
49%
45%
64%
4★
42%
36%
27%
37%
39%
27%
36%
3★
7%
0%
19%
11%
11%
27%
0%
2★
2%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
1★
2%
0%
0%
1%
0%
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.

Finishing my diploma on time with cum laude

It was a good institution but they didn’t take care of their students who were doing well in other institutions students who were doing were given the bursaries.i felt that the university didn’t take good care of their students

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 .

Better than Most

I attended Stadio with hesitance - I had really been hoping to attend a more mainstream university like WITS or UJ - but I got all that and more with Stadio. The lecturers are the best, nothing compares to their intellect and interest in their respective fields. There are, admittedly, certain issues with admin (it may be an uncommon issue) But, like I said - excellent lecturers, great quality content to learn, and simply an overall enjoyable experience to be able to attend Stadio.

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