At the southern tip of Africa, you will find South Africa, a multicultural country with a rich mix of languages, histories, and communities. The nation is popular among international visitors because it offers many tourist destinations, including national parks, cities, coastlines, and cultural sites. South Africa is also a strong option for students interested in the humanities.
South Africa has a very diverse background and population. It now recognizes 12 official languages, reflecting the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. If you study humanities here, you can gain real-life experience in a society shaped by different cultures, histories, and perspectives.
Plus, South Africa has respected universities. If you plan to study humanities here, the top educational institutions in the country offer a range of programs for students interested in the field. In this article, let’s talk about some of the best universities in South Africa for the humanities!
Top Schools Offering Humanities Programs in South Africa
1. University of Cape Town
Established in 1829, the University of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest university and one of the country’s leading higher education institutions. For decades, it has had a major impact on education and research in South Africa.
The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Cape Town offers a broad range of humanities programs. It is the largest faculty at UCT, with close to 7,000 students, 19 academic departments, and three main clusters: the Arts, the Social Sciences, and the Performing and Creative Arts. As a student here, you can explore many learning opportunities that help build your skills and knowledge in the field.
The Faculty of Humanities has produced notable graduates, including authors, composers, actors, singers, filmmakers, and Nobel Prize winners. It is also home to more than 80 National Research Foundation-rated researchers and four South African Research Chairs Initiative chairs, giving students access to a strong academic and research environment.
2. University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand, also known as Wits University, celebrated its centenary in 2022. It is a leading university in Johannesburg and has a strong record in teaching, research, and public engagement. Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s major cities and an important economic and cultural center.
The University of the Witwatersrand has five faculties and 33 schools. One of them, the Faculty of Humanities, is a leading center of study and research in the Arts, Social Sciences, Human and Community Development, Education, Literature, Language, and Media in South Africa and Africa. Its schools include the Wits School of Arts, Wits School of Education, Human and Community Development, Literature, Language and Media, and Social Sciences.
In addition, the undergraduate programs are flexible. For example, the BA degree uses a modular system that allows students to choose courses across different areas. Graduate programs in the Faculty of Humanities offer research-focused training and include master’s and PhD options across several fields.
3. University of Pretoria
Started in 1908 as a small institution with four professors and 32 students, the University of Pretoria is now one of South Africa’s largest research universities. It offers a wide range of academic programs for local and international students and continues to develop programs for undergraduate and graduate study.
The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Humanities is one of the oldest humanities faculties in South Africa and celebrated its centenary in 2019. Today, it has 12 academic departments, two teaching units, and several specialized research centers and institutes. Together, these units offer 18 undergraduate and 144 postgraduate programs and qualifications.
The Faculty of Humanities offers programs across the creative and performing arts, languages and literature, and the social sciences. In current international rankings, the University of Pretoria is ranked in the 301–400 band for Arts and Humanities and in the 301–400 band for Social Sciences in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
4. University of the Western Cape
Home to more than 23,000 students, the University of the Western Cape offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across seven faculties. The university welcomes local and international students and offers a broad range of academic options.
The University of the Western Cape is a recognized university for humanities studies in South Africa. Its Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including bachelor’s, honors, master’s, doctoral, diploma, and certificate options. UWC also offers more than 600 postgraduate programs across its seven faculties.
An undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of the Western Cape can help you build a strong foundation in the field. As you continue your studies, you can gain deeper knowledge in your chosen subject area. At the graduate level, students can pursue advanced study and research, with opportunities to collaborate through the university’s international partnerships.
5. Rhodes University
Rhodes University is located in Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It offers programs across six faculties and provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a range of disciplines.
Rhodes University’s Faculty of Humanities is the largest faculty at the university. It is made up of 11 academic departments, two schools, and several affiliated institutes and entities. The faculty offers a wide range of courses in four broad categories: Arts, Languages, Professional Offering, and Social Studies. As an incoming student, you can choose from many possible degree and course combinations.
Additionally, Rhodes University provides a close-knit academic environment for its students. The Faculty of Humanities emphasizes liberal arts education, critical reasoning, communication, and interdisciplinary learning. It also offers postgraduate options, including master’s and doctoral degrees, for students who want to continue into advanced study and research.
FAQs About Studying Humanities in South Africa
What Topics Do You Learn in Humanities?
If you are looking to pursue a humanities degree, you should know that there are several possible subjects you can study, including religion, law, philosophy, art, sociology, languages, literature, history, and many others. Choosing the right subject depends on your interests and career goals. You can sample some courses, such as law and marketing, on our page to see whether they interest you. Additionally, if you are still unsure, you can check out other available courses listed on our website to explore your options.
We hope that this article on the Best Universities to Study Humanities in South Africa was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more!
