Studying computer science can be challenging. It calls for a foundation in current technologies, problem-solving skills, and logical thinking.
Studying abroad can also broaden your academic experience. Universities in South Africa offer computer science study options from undergraduate to doctoral level. Let’s take a look at the best universities to study computer science in South Africa.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in South Africa
1. University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town traces its roots to the South African College, founded in 1829, and is South Africa’s oldest university. Its Department of Computer Science is now part of the School of Information Technology.
Students interested in undergraduate study should use the linked School of Information Technology page to confirm the current bachelor’s-level pathways. UCT’s public departmental admissions material lists BSc honors, master’s, and doctoral options.
The public departmental admissions page lists master’s options by coursework and dissertation and by dissertation. Applicants should confirm the current program structure and admissions requirements on the linked official page before applying.
2. University of Pretoria
- Study Program
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, honors, master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Pretoria’s predecessor in Pretoria began operating in 1908 as the Pretoria branch of the Transvaal University College. Thirty-two students started classes at Kya Rosa, and the institution became a fully fledged university in 1930.
The BSc in Computer Science is a three-year, full-time program taught in English. It develops computing and problem-solving skills, with mathematics and natural science modules supporting software development and further study.
The MSc specializing in Computer Science is dissertation-based and may include prescribed postgraduate coursework. Its minimum duration is one year full-time. The research-based Ph.D. specializing in Computer Science has a minimum duration of two years full-time.
3. Stellenbosch University
Another institution where you can study computer science is Stellenbosch University. It traces its origins to Stellenbosch Gymnasium, founded in 1866. Victoria College later became Stellenbosch University in 1918.
The university’s BSc Computer Science program includes focal areas in General Computer Science, Computer Systems, and Data Science. Its core computer science curriculum covers topics such as introductory computer science, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, concurrency, computer networks, machine learning, software engineering, and databases and web programming.
The master’s degree in Computer Science is a two-year, thesis-based program. Ph.D. study requires independent research and a dissertation. Prospective doctoral students need a thesis-based master’s degree and the agreement of a supervisor.
4. University of Kwazulu-Natal
- Study Program
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, honors, master’s, Ph.D.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville.
UKZN offers Computer Science as a major within the BSc program and also offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology. The latter is a three-year program offered at the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses and carries 384 credits.
At the postgraduate level, UKZN offers an MSc in Computer Science by research and a Ph.D. in Computer Science by research. The master’s degree may be conferred after a minimum of two consecutive semesters, while the doctoral degree requires a minimum of four consecutive semesters. Master’s and doctoral students may register full-time or part-time.
5. Nelson Mandela University
- Study Program
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, honors, master’s, Ph.D.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University opened on January 1, 2005, following the merger of PE Technikon, the University of Port Elizabeth, and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University. One predecessor, PE Technikon, traced its roots to the PE Art School, founded in 1882. The institution was officially renamed Nelson Mandela University in 2017.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is offered full-time at South Campus and carries 368 credits. Students should consult the current prospectus for the approved curriculum and subject combinations.
The Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems is a research degree offered full-time or part-time at South Campus, with a minimum period of one year. The Ph.D. in Computer Science is also research-based, offered full-time or part-time at South Campus, and has a minimum period of two years.
We hope that this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in South Africa was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Computer Science Programs for International Students!
