As South Africa’s prime universities begin to gear up for the tutorial yr, we check out how a lot they value. Among South Africa’s prime universities, 14 of them rank favourably on this planet’s prime tertiary establishments for 2024, in line with the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
South Africa’s prime universities are ranked globally primarily based on 18 particular person efficiency indicators: Teaching, analysis setting, analysis high quality, trade and worldwide outlook. The full listing includes greater than 2 100 universities across 108 countries. And, for reference, Oxford took the highest spot for a record-breaking ninth consecutive yr. This beat Harvard’s earlier report of eight consecutive years at primary (2004 to 2011).
SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP UNIVERSITIES
So, how do South Africa’s prime universities evaluate globally? University of Cape Town (UCT) is once-again the top-rated college within the nation at 180. Institutions outdoors the highest 300 should not ranked individually however reasonably in ranges. The University of Pretoria (UP) ranks within the 601-800 vary. And North West University (NWU) from 801-1000 vary. Moreover, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) (1500-2100 vary) entered the rating for the primary time.
As far as charges at South Africa’s prime universities, BusinessTech compiled a wonderful deep dive. Using a cross-section of frequent undergraduate programmes, right here’s what charges in 2025 are more likely to be. Note, that the under excludes textbooks, journey, residing bills, residency, private lodging, and many others …
University | BA | BCom | BSc | LLB | BEng |
UCT | R75 500 | R76 430 | R80 240 | R76 810 | R79 460 |
WITS | R51 950 | R57 800 | R47 770 | R43 970 | R65 755 |
Stellenbosch | R55 385 | R57 130 | R69 652 | R58 601 | R78 200 |
UKZN | R51 911 | R55 531 | R47 831 | R52 723 | R62 324 |
UP | R48 000 | R52 000 | R54 000 | R52 000 | R55 000 |
Rhodes | R60 662 | R66 368 | R63 110 | R68 049 | N/A |
UJ | R47 812 | R51 586 | R50 060 | R48 367 | R56 525 |
UFS | R47 700 | R58 160 | R61 210 | R47 290 | N/A |
Note that these are 2025 charge estimates out there on respective college web sites. Also, some universities calculate charges per module so general prices could differ.
HOW TO GET A BURSARY

Most of South Africa’s prime universities begin programs in late March, early April. According to Careers Portal, all the above are public establishments, in order that they qualify for NSFAS funding. Full bursaries can be found for college students from households with an annual income of less than R350 000 per annum. Students from households with an revenue of R350 001 to R600 000 per annum additionally qualify for a pupil mortgage from NSFAS. Be certain to use for the college you have an interest in first. And then attempt get approval by the NSFAS, in any other case it’s possible you’ll miss out on a spot at your most well-liked college.
DO YOU THINK SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY FEES ARE TOO HIGH?

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