South Africa is home to 26 public Universities and Universities of Technology spread across all nine provinces. These institutions offer a wide range of qualifications, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, honours, master’s degrees, and doctorates. They form the backbone of the country’s higher education system and are important in shaping future professionals, researchers, and innovators.

Each year, thousands of students enrol in these institutions, with many relying on bursaries, NSFAS funding, or learnership programmes to make their academic journey possible. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), over one million students are enrolled in public universities across South Africa, with applications for each academic year opening as early as April in some institutions.

If you are planning to apply for university in 2026, make sure you know the key dates and have the correct contact details. You can also explore the top bursaries available for 2025 and read our step-by-step guide on how to apply for bursaries.

What Is the Difference Between a University and a University of Technology?

Universities in South Africa offer traditional academic qualifications such as BA, BCom, and BSc degrees, while Universities of Technology focus more on practical and technical training, offering diplomas and technology-oriented degrees like BTech and NDip. Both types of institutions are accredited and respected, and choosing one depends on your career path and preferred learning style.

List of Public Universities & Universities of Technology by Province

Eastern Cape

Free State

  • Central University of Technology – www.cut.ac.za | Tel: 051 507 3911
  • University of the Free State – www.ufs.ac.za | Tel: 051 401 2114

Gauteng

  • University of Johannesburg – www.uj.ac.za | Tel: 011 559 4555
  • University of Pretoria – www.up.ac.za | Tel: 012 420 4111
  • Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University – www.smu.ac.za | Tel: 012 521 4111
  • Tshwane University of Technology – www.tut.ac.za | Tel: 012 318 5911
  • Vaal University of Technology – www.vut.ac.za | Tel: 016 950 9000
  • University of the Witwatersrand – www.wits.ac.za | Tel: 011 717 1102

KwaZulu-Natal

  • University of KwaZulu-Natal – www.ukzn.ac.za | Tel: 031 260 2227
  • Durban University of Technology – www.dut.ac.za | Tel: 031 204 2111
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology – www.mut.ac.za | Tel: 031 907 7111
  • University of Zululand – www.uzulu.ac.za | Tel: 035 902 6624

Limpopo

Mpumalanga

Northern Cape

North West

Western Cape

  • University of the Western Cape – www.uwc.ac.za | Tel: 021 959 2911
  • University of Cape Town – www.uct.ac.za | Tel: 021 650 2105
  • Stellenbosch University – www.sun.ac.za | Tel: 021 808 9111
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology – www.cput.ac.za | Tel: 021 460 3911

National Distance Learning University

  • University of South Africa (UNISA) – www.unisa.ac.za | Tel: 012 429 3111

South Africa’s universities and universities of technology are playing a critical role in developing skilled professionals and researchers to meet the needs of our economy. Whether you are applying for a traditional university or a more technical institution, it is important to research your options, know your deadlines, and plan your funding ahead of time.

Use this page to connect with your preferred university and remember to explore available bursaries and accommodation options to support your studies. Start early and prepare well