South Africa has three categories of public universities: traditional universities, comprehensive universities, and universities of technology.

Traditional Universities

  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Fort Hare
  • University of the Free State
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • University of Limpopo
  • North-West University
  • University of Pretoria
  • Rhodes University
  • Stellenbosch University
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of the Witwatersrand

Comprehensive Universities

  • University of Johannesburg
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • University of South Africa (UNISA)
  • University of Venda
  • Walter Sisulu University
  • University of Zululand

Universities of Technology

  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
  • Central University of Technology (CUT)
  • Durban University of Technology (DUT)
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
  • University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
  • Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
  • Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
  • Vaal University of Technology (VUT)

Private Higher-Education Institutions in South Africa

Private institutions are accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). While they cannot legally call themselves “universities,” many are degree-granting and offer strong alternatives to public universities.

Theological Seminaries

  • Auckland Park Theological Seminary (ATS)
  • Open Christian University (OCU)
  • Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa
  • George Whitefield College
  • South African Theological Seminary (SATS)
  • St Augustine College of South Africa

Private Degree-Granting Institutions and Colleges

  • Eduvos
  • Varsity College
  • Boston City Campus and Business College
  • Damelin
  • Milpark Education
  • Regent Business School
  • Regenesys Business School
  • Inscape Education Group