Full List of Universities in South Africa (Public & Private)

South Africa is home to a diverse higher education landscape, ranging from world‑class research universities to specialised universities of technology. Unlike Tanzania (where the Tanzania Commission for Universities – TCU – manages admissions), South Africa does not have a centralised application system. Every university manages its own admissions process, deadlines, and requirements.

Public Universities in South Africa – The Official 26

South Africa has 26 public universities, divided into three categories:

• Traditional universities – offer theoretical, academic programmes.

• Universities of technology – focus on vocational and technical education.

• Comprehensive universities – offer both academic and vocational qualifications.

Traditional Universities (13)

1. University of Cape Town (UCT) – Cape Town

2. University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Alice, Eastern Cape

3. University of the Free State (UFS) – Bloemfontein

4. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Durban, Pietermaritzburg

5. University of Limpopo (UL) – Polokwane

6. North-West University (NWU) – Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark

7. University of Pretoria (UP) – Pretoria

8. Rhodes University (RU) – Makhanda (Grahamstown)

9. Stellenbosch University (SU) – Stellenbosch

10. University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Bellville, Cape Town

11. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Johannesburg

12. University of Mpumalanga (UMP) – Mbombela

13. Sol Plaatje University (SPU) – Kimberley

Universities of Technology (7)

14. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Cape Town

15. Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State – Bloemfontein

16. Durban University of Technology (DUT) – Durban

17. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) – Umlazi, Durban

18. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Pretoria

19. Vaal University of Technology (VUT) – Vanderbijlpark

Comprehensive Universities (6)

20. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – campuses in Auckland Park, Bunting Road, Doornfontein, Soweto, and the SWC

21. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

22. University of South Africa (UNISA) – distance learning, headquartered in Pretoria

23. University of Venda (UNIVEN) – Thohoyandou

24. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Queenstown

25. University of Zululand (UNIZULU) – Richards Bay, KwaDlangezwa

26. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria

Note: The University of Johannesburg is a single university with multiple campuses. It is not four separate universities, though applications are made via its central portal.

Private Higher Education Institutions

South Africa also has several registered private institutions that offer degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Some well‑known ones include:

• Pearson Institute of Higher Education (now operating under the Eduvos brand in many locations) – campuses in Bedfordview, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Midrand, Port Elizabeth, Potchefstroom, Pretoria, Vanderbijlpark, and Bloemfontein.

• Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) – distance and contact learning, mainly in business.

• Regenesys Business School

• Milpark Education

• STADIO Higher Education

Private institutions are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

How to Apply to a University in South Africa

Because there is no centralised admissions system (unlike TCU in Tanzania), you must apply directly to each university of your choice. Here is a step‑by‑step approach:

Step 1: Choose Your Universities and Programmes

• Visit the official website of each university.

• Check entry requirements (National Senior Certificate – NSC – results, specific subject requirements, and minimum APS scores).

Step 2: Apply Online

• Most universities have an online application portal (e.g., UCT’s PeopleSoft, Wits’ Self‑Service, UJ’s UJLink).

• Pay the non‑refundable application fee (usually R100 – R500).

Step 3: Use the CAO for KwaZulu‑Natal Universities

If you are applying to:

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

You must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO processes applications for these three institutions only. All other universities require direct applications.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

• Certified copy of your ID or passport

• Final Grade 11 results and/or Grade 12 mid‑year results (if applying before final exams)

• Statement of results after final exams

Step 5: Meet Deadlines

The main intake is January/February. Applications generally open March/April of the year before you intend to start.

Application Deadlines – What You Need to Know

Your earlier research mentioned “September intake” and “June/July intake”. In South Africa, there is no widespread “September intake” for undergraduate degrees at public universities (except for some postgraduate programmes or UNISA’s semester modules). Instead, deadlines refer to when you must apply for the following year’s January/February start.

Early Deadlines (May – July)

High‑demand universities often close applications early:

• University of Cape Town (UCT) – typically end of June / early July

• University of Pretoria (UP) – usually end of June

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – often 30 June

• Stellenbosch University (SU) – usually end of June / early July

Late Deadlines (August – October)

Other universities allow applications until later in the year:

• University of Johannesburg (UJ) – often September / October

• University of the Western Cape (UWC) – usually September

• North-West University (NWU) – often end of August / September

• Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – generally September

Important: Specific programmes (e.g., Medicine, Engineering, Law) often have earlier deadlines than the general university deadline. Always check the faculty‑specific dates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a centralised application system like TCU in South Africa?

No. Every university handles its own applications. The only exception is the CAO for UKZN, DUT, and MUT in KwaZulu‑Natal.

2. Can I apply to more than one university?

Yes, you can apply to as many universities as you like. Each application is separate.

3. When should I start applying?

Start researching in March/April of your Grade 12 year. Most applications open in April and close between June and October.

4. What is the “January intake”?

The academic year in South Africa starts in late January or early February. This is the main intake for undergraduate studies.

5. Are private institutions recognised?

Yes, as long as they are registered with the DHET and accredited by the CHE. Degrees from accredited private institutions are valid for employment and further study.

South Africa offers a rich and varied higher education environment with 26 public universities and numerous private providers. Because each institution manages its own admissions, success lies in planning ahead: know your deadlines, understand the CAO if you’re applying to KwaZulu‑Natal universities, and always verify entry requirements directly on the official university websites.