Public Universities in South Africa
- List of Public Universities in South Africa (Quick Look)
- Universities in the Eastern Cape
- Universities in the Free State
- Universities in Gauteng
- Universities in KwaZulu-Natal
- Universities in Limpopo
- Universities in the North West
- Universities in the Northern Cape
- Universities in Mpumalanga
- Universities in the Western Cape
- Distance Learning Universities
- University FAQ's
South Africa’s 26 public universities offer a wide range of qualifications, from higher certificates to doctoral degrees. This guide provides an overview of every public university, together with contact information and a short, unique description to help prospective students compare institutions.
List of Public Universities in South Africa (Quick Look)
| University | Province | Type | Main Campus | Website |
| University of Cape Town | Western Cape | Traditional | Cape Town | www.uct.ac.za |
| Stellenbosch University | Western Cape | Traditional | Stellenbosch | www.sun.ac.za |
| University of the Western Cape | Western Cape | Traditional | Bellville | www.uwc.ac.za |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | Western Cape | University of Technology | Cape Town | www.cput.ac.za |
| University of Fort Hare | Eastern Cape | Traditional | Alice | www.ufh.ac.za |
| Nelson Mandela University | Eastern Cape | Comprehensive | Gqeberha | www.mandela.ac.za |
| Rhodes University | Eastern Cape | Traditional | Makhanda | www.ru.ac.za |
| Walter Sisulu University | Eastern Cape | Comprehensive | Mthatha | www.wsu.ac.za |
| University of the Free State | Free State | Traditional | Bloemfontein | www.ufs.ac.za |
| Central University of Technology | Free State | University of Technology | Bloemfontein | www.cut.ac.za |
| University of Johannesburg | Gauteng | Comprehensive | Johannesburg | www.uj.ac.za |
| University of Pretoria | Gauteng | Traditional | Pretoria | www.up.ac.za |
| University of the Witwatersrand | Gauteng | Traditional | Johannesburg | www.wits.ac.za |
| Tshwane University of Technology | Gauteng | University of Technology | Pretoria | www.tut.ac.za |
| Vaal University of Technology | Gauteng | University of Technology | Vanderbijlpark | www.vut.ac.za |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | Gauteng | Health Sciences | Pretoria | www.smu.ac.za |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | KwaZulu-Natal | Traditional | Durban/Pietermaritzburg | www.ukzn.ac.za |
| Durban University of Technology | KwaZulu-Natal | University of Technology | Durban | www.dut.ac.za |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology | KwaZulu-Natal | University of Technology | Durban | www.mut.ac.za |
| University of Zululand | KwaZulu-Natal | Traditional | KwaDlangezwa | www.unizulu.ac.za |
| University of Limpopo | Limpopo | Traditional | Polokwane | www.ul.ac.za |
| University of Venda | Limpopo | Traditional | Thohoyandou | www.univen.ac.za |
| North-West University | North West | Comprehensive | Potchefstroom | www.nwu.ac.za |
| Sol Plaatje University | Northern Cape | Traditional | Kimberley | www.spu.ac.za |
| University of Mpumalanga | Mpumalanga | Traditional | Mbombela | www.ump.ac.za |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | National | Distance Learning | Pretoria | www.unisa.ac.za |
Universities in the Eastern Cape
University of Fort Hare
- Type: Traditional
- Main Campus: Alice
- Website: www.ufh.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Fort Hare is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Nelson Mandela University
- Main Campus: Gqeberha
- Type: Comprehensive
- Website: www.mandela.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Nelson Mandela University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Rhodes University
- Main Campus: Makhanda
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.ru.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Rhodes University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Walter Sisulu University
- Main Campus: Mthatha
- Type: Comprehensive
- Website: www.wsu.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Walter Sisulu University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in the Free State
University of the Free State
- Main Campus: Bloemfontein
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.ufs.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of the Free State is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Central University of Technology
- Main Campus: Bloemfontein
- Type: University of Technology
- Website: www.cut.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Central University of Technology is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in Gauteng
University of Johannesburg
- Main Campus: Johannesburg
- Type: Comprehensive
- Website: www.uj.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
University of Pretoria
- Main Campus: Pretoria
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.up.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Main Campus: Johannesburg
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.wits.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of the Witwatersrand is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Tshwane University of Technology
- Main Campus: Pretoria
- Type: University of Technology
- Website: www.tut.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Tshwane University of Technology is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Vaal University of Technology
- Main Campus: Vanderbijlpark
- Type: University of Technology
- Website: www.vut.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Vaal University of Technology is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Main Campus: Pretoria
- Type: Health Sciences
- Website: www.smu.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in KwaZulu-Natal
University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Main Campus: Durban/Pietermaritzburg
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Durban University of Technology
- Main Campus: Durban
- Type: University of Technology
- Website: www.dut.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Durban University of Technology is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Main Campus: Durban
- Type: University of Technology
- Website: www.mut.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Mangosuthu University of Technology is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
University of Zululand
- Main Campus: KwaDlangezwa
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.unizulu.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Zululand is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in Limpopo
University of Limpopo
- Main Campus: Polokwane
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.ul.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Limpopo is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
University of Venda
- Main Campus: Thohoyandou
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.univen.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Venda is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in the North West
North-West University
- Main Campus: Potchefstroom
- Type: Comprehensive
- Website: www.nwu.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
North-West University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in the Northern Cape
Sol Plaatje University
- Main Campus: Kimberley
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.spu.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Sol Plaatje University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in Mpumalanga
University of Mpumalanga
- Main Campus: Mbombela
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.ump.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Universities in the Western Cape
University of Cape Town
- Main Campus: Cape Town
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.uct.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Stellenbosch University
- Main Campus: Stellenbosch
- Type: Traditional
- Website: www.sun.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
University of the Western Cape
- Type: Traditional
- Main Campus: Bellville
- Website: www.uwc.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of the Western Cape is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Main Campus: Cape Town
- Type: University of Technology
- Website: www.cput.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
Distance Learning Universities
University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Main Campus: Pretoria
- Province: National
- Type: Distance Learning
- Website: www.unisa.ac.za
- General Contact: See the official website for the latest telephone numbers and admissions contacts.
University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of South Africa’s public universities and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students can study across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, information technology, law, science and the social sciences, depending on the institution’s faculties. The university focuses on developing graduates with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and research experience while maintaining strong links with industry and the wider community. Prospective students should review admission requirements, APS scores, application dates, accommodation options and available bursaries before applying.
University FAQ’s
How many public universities are there in South Africa?
There are 26 public universities recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
What types of public universities are there?
South Africa has traditional universities, comprehensive universities and universities of technology.
Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes. Many learners apply to several institutions to improve their chances of admission.
Do public universities offer bursaries?
Many students receive funding through NSFAS or private bursaries, depending on eligibility.