Over the past several decades, South Africa has become a strong option for pursuing higher education. Students are drawn to the country because of its universities, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. South Africa can also be a relatively affordable place to obtain a higher degree compared with many other study-abroad destinations. This article takes a closer look at some of the best universities for biology in South Africa.
Top Schools Offering Biology in South Africa
1. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is a public research institution in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. Its roots go back to the Stellenbosch Gymnasium, established in 1866; it later became Victoria College and then Stellenbosch University in 1918. Today, the university is internationally recognized and offers students a vibrant academic and social setting in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town.
Biology-related study at Stellenbosch is closely connected to the Department of Genetics. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate training, including opportunities in classical and molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and genomics. Its research and teaching cover human, animal, and plant genetics, with applications in agriculture, health, conservation, and biodiversity.
2. University of Cape Town
Another university situated in the Western Cape Province, the University of Cape Town is among the most prominent universities in South Africa. Founded in 1829 as the South African College, it is South Africa’s oldest university. UCT remains one of Africa’s highest-ranked universities and has several Nobel laureates among its former students and staff. One of its main goals is to educate leaders and scholars who will work for the benefit of society and justice.
Although the University of Cape Town has many acclaimed programs, the Department of Biological Sciences is especially relevant for students interested in biology. Current biological sciences study and research areas include marine biology, conservation biology, biodiversity, ecology, evolutionary biology, ornithology, paleobiology, physiology, and systematics. The department also supports postgraduate research, including Ph.D.-level work in biological sciences.
3. University of Pretoria
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Pretoria is a highly regarded public research university located in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. UP is a seven-campus university, with its largest campus in Hatfield, and describes itself as the largest contact university in South Africa. The university focuses on teaching, learning, and socially impactful research that addresses pressing local and global issues.
The University of Pretoria offers biology-related study through the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, one of the largest faculties of its kind in Africa. The BSc Biological Sciences program is a three-year, 142-credit program designed as a generic first-year pathway for students who are still deciding which biological sciences specialization to pursue. Students can then move toward more focused areas in the life sciences and related postgraduate study.
4. University of the Witwatersrand
Originally founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, the University of the Witwatersrand gained full university status in 1922 and is now based in Johannesburg. Wits is known for academic and research excellence and for its role in public life in South Africa.
The study of molecular and cell biology at the University of the Witwatersrand is centered in the School of Molecular and Cell Biology. The school offers BSc study with a foundation in Molecular Life Sciences and Biotechnology, as well as postgraduate options in areas such as Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, and Microbiology and Biotechnology. The school emphasizes a strong theoretical and practical foundation, helping students build toward advanced study and research in the molecular life sciences.
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s, Ph.D.
Situated in KwaZulu-Natal, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a multi-campus public university formed on January 1, 2004, through the merger of the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. The institution brings together the histories of both former universities and offers teaching and research across several campuses.
UKZN’s Biological Sciences discipline offers a three-year BSc in Biological Sciences on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses, as well as Honours, Master’s, and Ph.D. pathways. Its biology-related fields include cellular biology, ecology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, and industrial and applied biotechnology. Graduates may pursue work in research, education, government departments, conservation organizations, museums, and related sectors.
We hope this article on the best biology universities in South Africa is helpful. Make sure to also check out Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.
