SKEMA Business School vs International School of Management vs University of South Africa - UNISA vs Cape Peninsula University of Technology - CPUT vs Rhodes University - RU

Side-by-side comparison from 1,098 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 7/7 categories
University of South Africa - UNISA: wins 0/7 categories
Cape Peninsula University of Technology - CPUT: wins 0/7 categories
Rhodes University - RU: wins 0/7 categories
North-West University - NWU: wins 0/7 categories
STADIO: wins 0/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Supply Chain Management
Best programme: Bachelor in Management
Best programme: Law
Best programme: Information and Communication Technology
Grahamstown, South Africa
4.40
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26 reviews
×
Best programme: Arts
Potchefstroom, South Africa
4.40
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414 reviews
×
Best programme: Economics
Johannesburg, South Africa
4.20
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11 reviews
×
Best programme: Education
Category ratings
Facilities
4.21
4.64
Win
4.12
3.63
4.00
4.27
3.57
Location
4.25
4.64
Win
4.32
3.80
3.40
4.11
4.30
Professors
4.42
4.82
Win
4.17
4.08
4.42
4.21
3.91
Internationality
4.37
4.82
Win
4.23
3.43
4.31
3.96
4.00
Student life
4.10
4.50
Win
3.95
3.82
4.12
4.20
3.20
Value
4.04
4.73
Win
4.35
4.08
4.50
4.38
4.45
Accommodation
3.57
4.64
Win
3.21
3.12
3.76
3.84
2.71
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Strong international exposure and campus network
  • +Practical, up-to-date curriculum with business application
  • +Valuable career support and alumni network
  • +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
  • +Supportive and knowledgeable instructors
  • +Practical, career-focused education
  • +Student-centered support and safety
  • +Supportive administration and lecturers
  • +Engaged learning and academic development
  • +Inclusive culture and vibrant campus life
  • +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.
Cons
  • -Administrative and management issues disrupt academic progress.
  • -Poor communication and guidance hinder student career goals.
  • -Concerns exist regarding faculty conduct and focus on profit over education.
  • -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.
  • -- Administrative and communication issues are a significant problem.
  • -- Lack of resources and outdated facilities hinder learning.
  • -- Accommodation and student support services are insufficient.
  • -Administrative and management issues negatively impact student experience.
  • -Some lecturers are disengaged and prioritize their own research.
  • -Outdated infrastructure and limited support services cause significant problems.
  • -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.
Rating summary
What students say

This institution shows impressive strengths in its academic and international components, with Professors receiving a high rating of 4.42 and Internationality scoring 4.37. Location and Facilities are also well-regarded, both above 4.20. However, Accomodation stands out as the weakest area, with a score of 3.57, significantly lower than other categories. Student Life and Value are rated moderately, around 4.10 and 4.04 respectively.

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.

Generally positive feedback emerges from the university's ratings, with professors and value for money receiving the highest scores at 4.08. Student life and location also score well, both at 3.8. Areas for improvement include accommodation, which received the lowest rating at 3.12, and internationality, scoring 3.43. Facilities are rated moderately at 3.63.

Academic offerings and global engagement are clear strengths, with Professors and Internationality receiving high marks. Value also stands out as a significant positive. Conversely, Location is the lowest-rated aspect, suggesting this could be an area for improvement. Facilities and Student Life are generally well-regarded, as is Accomodation.

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.

Reviews summary
Highlights

University reviews are overwhelmingly positive (~90%), highlighting great faculty, strong international opportunities, and practical curriculum beneficial for careers. A small percentage (~3%) reported issues with management, communication, and program 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.

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.

Around ~74% of reviews are positive, highlighting good instructors and practical, career-focused education. Negative feedback (~9.8%) mentions issues with academic records, accommodation shortages, and some safety concerns.

Most students praise Rhodes University's quick administration, supportive lecturers, and vibrant culture. A small percentage noted concerns with specific departments, lecturer focus, or infrastructure like water cuts.

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.

Rating distribution
5★
49%
64%
49%
29%
58%
49%
45%
4★
43%
36%
37%
49%
31%
39%
27%
3★
7%
0%
11%
12%
8%
11%
27%
2★
1%
0%
1%
6%
4%
1%
0%
1★
1%
0%
1%
4%
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.

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.

E-learning open 24/7

The e-learning center being open 24/7 really help me when wi-fi was inaccessible in my residents. This really help me to work in a quiet environment that's filled with like minded students. Highly recommend this institution!

Nothing to show

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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