South Africa is known for its wildlife, natural landscapes, and tourism. It is also a popular study destination because many university programs are taught in English, and tuition and living costs can be relatively affordable compared with many other study-abroad destinations. In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, South Africa’s diverse communities and multilingual environment make it an interesting place for international students to live and study.
Below, we talk about some of South Africa’s best universities for English-taught programs.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in South Africa
1. University of South Africa
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of South Africa’s major public universities and the largest open distance learning institution in Africa. UNISA describes itself as the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world and states that it enrolls nearly one-third of South African students.
The institution has played an important role in expanding access to higher education, especially for students who cannot attend residential universities because of personal, professional, or geographic circumstances. Nelson Mandela is among UNISA’s most notable alumni: he earned a BA through UNISA in 1942, studied through UNISA while imprisoned, and was awarded an LLB by the university in 1989.
As a large open distance e-learning university, UNISA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. Students interested in English can explore English Studies modules and postgraduate options, including English Studies at master’s level.
2. University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of South Africa’s and Africa’s highest-ranked universities. In the latest major global rankings, UCT is ranked 150th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, 164th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, and 275th in the 2025 Center for World University Rankings. UCT is also South Africa’s oldest university, founded in 1829 as the South African College and formally established as a university in 1918.
Located in Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital, UCT offers an international learning community, a culturally diverse campus environment, and active student life. The university welcomes students from more than 100 countries and offers a wide range of degree programs across its faculties. English, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans are UCT’s official languages, and English is widely used as the primary medium of teaching while the university continues to strengthen multilingualism.
UCT focuses on education and research excellence, transformation, sustainability, and innovation in response to modern social challenges.
3. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University (SU) is one of South Africa’s leading research-intensive universities. The university’s Faculty of Engineering developed SUNSAT, the first satellite developed and built in Africa, which was launched in 1999. SU was officially established as a university on April 2, 1918, after evolving from earlier institutions in Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch offers programs across 10 faculties, including arts and social sciences, economic and management sciences, education, science, agri-sciences, medicine and health sciences, military science, law, theology, and engineering. The university has a vibrant student community, including thousands of international students from around 100 countries.
Stellenbosch uses a multilingual model. Afrikaans and English are designated as primary languages of learning and teaching, while isiXhosa receives particular attention for incremental academic development. Depending on the program and module, teaching may be available in English, Afrikaans, or both.
4. University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) is a public research-intensive university in Johannesburg, South Africa. It has five faculties: Commerce, Law and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Science. Wits is also a member of the African Research Universities Alliance, a network created to strengthen research across leading African universities.
Wits traces its origins to the South African School of Mines, which was established in Kimberley in 1896 and later moved to Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela was the first Black law student at Wits, studying part-time for an LLB from 1943 to 1949, although he completed his LLB through the University of South Africa.
The institution offers a diverse and multicultural learning environment. Wits Language School offers English training for students and adult learners who want to improve their language skills. Wits’ language policy identifies English, isiZulu, Sesotho, and South African Sign Language as languages of the Wits community, reflecting its commitment to multilingualism.
5. University of Kwazulu-Natal
- Study Program
- Degree levels with English-taught options: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is another strong option for students interested in English-taught programs in South Africa. UKZN is a diverse, research-led university with multiple campuses in KwaZulu-Natal, including campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
UKZN was formed on January 1, 2004, through the merger of the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. The university builds on more than a century of higher education in the province and continues to focus on African-centered scholarship, research, and transformative learning. Its international partnerships across 46 countries provide opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration.
UKZN’s language policy recognizes English and isiZulu as the university’s languages. English remains the primary academic language, while isiZulu is being developed and used as an additional language of instruction, communication, research, and innovation.
We hope you found this article on the best English-taught universities in South Africa informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out our Scholarships Page for information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
