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A ranking of the best universities in Africa is incomplete without mentioning South Africa, as most of the country’s higher institutions are world-class. Many South African universities also make the list of the 100 best institutions in the world. However, our focus in this article is highlighting the top-ranked institutes of learning in the Southern African nation that may be of interest to International students.
Why Study In South Africa
Some may wonder what makes studying in South Africa so special. Booklab24 will provide answers by explaining key reasons why many students apply for different courses in South African universities. We have also outlined qualities to help interested persons understand why South Africa has the highest number of globally renowned universities.
Stellar academic programs and cultural diversity
Not only can the university programs open doors of opportunities for its recipients anywhere in the world, but as an international student in South Africa, you get to be immersed in the country’s cultural diversity and rich history. South Africa is home to 11 official languages, including English.
Topnotch educational standard in Africa
Rated as the best on the African continent in terms of educational standards, South African universities set the pace for academic excellence and opportunity. Candidates interested in a study abroad experience in South Africa are guaranteed a quality learning experience if they enroll in several public and private universities.
Most Bachelor’s degree programs require three years of study, although an extra year to complete a research thesis is also available. Many international students desire a full academic year in South Africa to immerse themselves in the culture and learn a new language.
Affordable tuition and living cost
South Africa’s programs are comparatively very affordable compared to other globally renowned countries’ study programs. This is due to the cost of living, which is significantly lower than most places in Europe or the US. Another benefit is affordable healthcare, especially as SA’s private healthcare is on par with any of the best in Europe and the United States.
Easy transition into the workforce
If you plan to seek employment after studying at a university in South Africa, there are many opportunities to transition easily into the workforce. The country is reported to have the second-largest economy in Africa.
It is one of the continent’s most industrialized nations, whose industries encompass manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, and banking. A helpful tip for those looking to transition into the workshop is to apply to universities in the most populous cities, such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, where there is the most opportunity.
Here are the top Universities in South Africa
Booklab24 has curated the top 5 universities in South Africa based on their positions in the overall Best Global Universities ranking published by US News. They are outlined below in ascending order.
1. University of Cape Town
The prestigious University of Cape Town is at the top of the list of South African universities and sits at 116th in Best Global Universities. It boasts of an enrollment rate of 21,961 students.
UCT, a public research university in Cape Town, was founded in 1829 as the South African College. The institution was granted full university status in 1918, making it the oldest university in South Africa and the oldest in Sub-Saharan Africa in continuous operation.
2. University of Witwatersrand
Second on the list is the University of Witwatersrand, which is ranked 264 in Best Global Universities. This institution, commonly known as Wits University or Wits, boasts an enrollment of 27,765 students. It is a multi-campus public research university situated in the northern part of central Johannesburg, South Africa. Note that Witwatersrand has its roots firmly in the mining industry.
3. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is the 311th institution in the Best Global Universities ranking, 3rd in South Africa, and the 4th best in Africa. The higher institution, also known as Universiteit Stellenbosch, has an enrollment of 25,140 students.
Stellenbosch University was Founded in 1918. Its campus is located in the Western Cape, but it also has branch campuses in Tygerberg, Bellville, and Saldanha. International applicants are highly welcomed to this 105-year-old South African institution.
4. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg is ranked fourth in South Africa, with an enrollment of 31,721 students. This esteemed learning institute, colloquially known as UJ, is ranked 357th in the Best Global Universities ranking.
The University of Johannesburg was established on January 1, 2005, as the result of a merger between the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR), and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. Located in Johannesburg, UJ is one of the 26 public universities that make up the higher education system in South Africa. It has more than 3000 international students from 80 countries.
5. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria has been ranked 6th among the best universities in South Africa while being 439th among the best global universities. It boasts of an enrollment of 37,315 students. It was established as a multi-campus public research university in Pretoria, the administrative and de facto capital of South Africa. The university is organized into nine faculties and a business school. Since its establishment with the original 32 students in a single late Victorian house, the University of Pretoria grew to have approximately thousands.
