Study options
Explore all 26 public universities recognised in South Africa’s higher-education system. Read a practical overview, then use the official university application link for current programmes, requirements, fees and dates.
26 public universities shown
CPUT
Western CapeCape Town · University of technology
A public university of technology with campuses in Cape Town and Bellville.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Technology · Engineering · Applied sciences · Business
CUT
Free StateBloemfontein · University of technology
A public university of technology serving students in Bloemfontein and Welkom.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Technology · Engineering · Management sciences · Health sciences
DUT
KwaZulu-NatalDurban · University of technology
A public university of technology with Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Technology · Engineering · Health sciences · Management sciences
MUT
KwaZulu-NatalUmlazi · University of technology
A public university of technology based in Umlazi, Durban.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Engineering · Natural sciences · Management sciences · Built environment
TUT
GautengPretoria · University of technology
A public university of technology with campuses across Gauteng and other provinces.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Engineering · ICT · Management sciences · Arts
VUT
GautengVanderbijlpark · University of technology
A public university of technology in the Vaal region.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Engineering · Technology · Human sciences · Management sciences
UCT
Western CapeCape Town · Traditional university
A public research university in Cape Town.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Commerce · Engineering · Health sciences · Humanities
UFH
Eastern CapeAlice · Traditional university
A public university with Alice, Bhisho and East London campuses.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Education · Law · Management · Social sciences
UFS
Free StateBloemfontein · Traditional university
A public university with Bloemfontein, South and Qwaqwa campuses.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Health sciences · Natural sciences · Humanities · Business
UJ
GautengJohannesburg · Traditional university
A public university with campuses in Johannesburg and Soweto.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Engineering · Business · Education · Health sciences
UKZN
KwaZulu-NatalDurban · Traditional university
A public university with campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Health sciences · Law · Engineering · Humanities
UL
LimpopoPolokwane · Traditional university
A public university near Polokwane with a broad undergraduate offering.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Health sciences · Agriculture · Humanities · Management
UP
GautengPretoria · Traditional university
A public research university in Pretoria.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Engineering · Veterinary science · Law · Natural sciences
RU
Eastern CapeMakhanda · Traditional university
A public university in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Humanities · Journalism · Science · Commerce
SU
Western CapeStellenbosch · Traditional university
A public university in Stellenbosch with multiple academic faculties.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Agrisciences · Engineering · Science · Medicine
UWC
Western CapeCape Town · Traditional university
A public university in Bellville, Cape Town.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Law · Health sciences · Natural sciences · Education
Wits
GautengJohannesburg · Traditional university
A public research university in Johannesburg.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Health sciences · Engineering · Commerce · Humanities
Unisa
GautengPretoria · Comprehensive university
A public distance-learning university serving students across South Africa.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Distance learning · Business · Education · Law
NWU
North WestMahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark · Comprehensive university
A public university with campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Education · Business · Engineering · Health sciences
NMU
Eastern CapeGqeberha · Comprehensive university
A public university with campuses in Gqeberha and George.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Engineering · Business · Health sciences · Environmental sciences
Univen
LimpopoThohoyandou · Comprehensive university
A public university in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Agriculture · Health sciences · Science · Management
UNIZULU
KwaZulu-NatalKwaDlangezwa · Comprehensive university
A public university in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Arts · Education · Science · Commerce
WSU
Eastern CapeMthatha · Comprehensive university
A public university with campuses across the Eastern Cape.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Health sciences · Education · Commerce · Science
SPU
Northern CapeKimberley · Comprehensive university
A public university in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Data science · Education · Humanities · Natural sciences
UMP
MpumalangaMbombela · Comprehensive university
A public university with Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Agriculture · Education · Hospitality · Nature conservation
SMU
GautengPretoria · Comprehensive university
A public university focused on health-sciences education.
Study areas often associated with this institution
Medicine · Pharmacy · Nursing · Oral health
Directory source: Department of Higher Education and Training. University information and application links should be checked against the official institution site before use.