Africa’s top universities have shown to be academically competent over the years, with several learning breakthroughs to fight current global concerns. These universities are widely recognised.
The list below includes universities that excel at showcasing African education.Specific factors are used to generate university rankings. There are specific features and approaches for determining the finest universities. This article is based on the “EduRank” ranking for 2024.
Unlike traditional academic rankings, they consider educational institutions’ digital performance, as well as their academic and non-academic effect. Audience growth, web traffic, engagement, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) are all factors considered.
1. University of Cape Town
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and the second-largest after Johannesburg. The University of Cape Town started as a South African College in 1829. It was granted a university status in 1918 — it is now a renowned public research university widely known beyond Africa.
The institution has received many accolades for its commitment to social change and academic excellence. Researchers in this institution have been a tool of change in solving problems such as climate change, security, education, health, urbanization and so on.
If you study here, you’ll get to learn the latest developments in your chosen field — scholarly works are always up to date. Tuition fees are paid per year; whether you reside in South Africa or not, it is the same price for both locals and foreigners. The fees start from 3,000 to 4,000 US dollars without accommodation and study materials fees. The student life on campus is quite intriguing because it is filled with intercultural activities and networking.
2. University of Witwatersrand
The Witwatersrand is a north-facing scarp in South Africa. It consists of metamorphic rock and several flowing rivers form waterfalls. It means “white water ridge” in Afrikaans.
The University of Witwatersrand started at the African School of Mines in 1896 but was later transferred to Johannesburg as “Transvaal Technical Institute” in 1904; then “Transvaal University College in 1906. It was later renamed the South African School of Mines and Technology in 1910. It formally became the University of Witwatersrand in 1922.
This institution is internationally ranked as an intensive research university committed to academic excellence and social justice. If your area of interest is these fields — health sciences, accountancy, governance, law and humanities; Wits is a place for you to study because of the depth of the research works. Being able to provide adequate facilities for learning with academic balance earns Witwatersrand one of the top universities in Africa.
It is a public institution controlled by the South African government. You can enrol on their scholarship programmes; which cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. Visit the school website for further details or contact their financial aid office. To get an actual figure of the school fees; you have to reach out.
3. University of Stellenbosch
The University of Stellenbosch, established in 1918, is a public research institution located in Western Cape province, South Africa. Stellenbosch is reputable and constantly ranks among the best universities in the world and Africa for being an excellent research-intensive institute.
This institution can expose you to critical thinking in the aspect of climate studies, and computational and data science because they are the latest areas at the forefront of research. They also partner with other institutions to engage students critically in providing solutions to local problems. This university is a place that would expose you to collaborative learning; place you as a knowledge creator and to also sharpen your intellect.
The school fees for Stellenbosch are unstable; they change every time. Based on records, it ranges between 2,000 to 4,000 US dollars for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
4. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is in South Africa, established in 1908 as a campus of the Johannesburg based Transvaal University College. It has remained at the top of universities with impactful research output — this has positioned it as one of the top universities in Africa.
The university has the ability to generate knowledge and skills that would help you navigate real-life situations. Despite the challenges that emanate within and outside the institution in South Africa, it is still proudly African and ready to develop the current and future potential of its students.
The school authorities introduce different activities like arts, sports and culture to enable students to have a fusion of different experiences other than books. The University of Pretoria has conditions peculiar to them before accepting foreign students.The tuition fee is around 1,500 US dollars.
5. Cairo University
Cairo University is in Egypt; it’s the first public university in the country. It was established in 1908 and funded by a committee of private citizens. A first of its kind, Cairo serves as a model for other later universities.
The aim of this institution over the years has been to become a model green university and has been taking every necessary step to attain this. In line with this, the university focuses on implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its teaching and research plans. This is also reflected in the courses the school offers; nearly two-thirds are dedicated to the environment and sustainability.
Cairo is a university that tries to connect class lessons with practical issues — the strategy has been to transform and encourage scientific research with the aim of combating the effects of climate change including environmental preservation.
The narration thus far, explicates how keen the institution is in research by adding to the growth of knowledge. This is an institution where you can use practical guidelines or tips you’re taught in addressing realistic issues in your chosen field. The tuition fee is around 7,500 per year; there are scholarship programmes you can apply for within the guidelines of the school — check out the university website.
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal
The University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was formed on January 1 2024 after merging the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. The institution has four colleges made up of several schools and has grown into the most transformed university in South Africa and beyond.
The school is committed to diversity and inclusiveness — reflected in the lives of the students. UKZN acts to the needs of students not just academically but on issues affecting their lives. They help students from underprivileged backgrounds to prominent roles in both public and private sectors. In addition, financial aid, and psychological and social assistance help the students excel in their studies.
Getting yourself associated with this institution, you’ll be trained and enlightened on how to research groundbreaking work that can add to development. The university researchers are breaking boundaries in knowledge — these are some of the attributes of KwaZulu-Natal that have made it one of the top universities in Africa.
For both local and foreign students, tuition fees start from 1,807 US dollars. You can get help from the university — they help through financial support programmes. There are other costs you have to take into account like transportation, feeding and accommodation.
7. Makerere University
Makerere University is the oldest and largest higher institution in Uganda. It started as a technical school in 1922; and became an independent national university in 1970.
Research in Makerere is a focal aspect of learning and teaching. It has contributed to about three per cent of research in Africa and seventy per cent in Uganda. The public and private sectors have been impacted by their research programmes with notable achievements in climate change, crop improvement, technology and health.
Another fascinating thing about Makerere is that their research work has led to industrial development which includes irrigation innovations, medical equipment, vaccines, electric vehicles and medical interventions. The vision of the university is to transform the society which is clearly stated in their mantra; “to be a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.”
If you’re keen about this higher institution you can know more about them on their official website. School fees go for 955 US dollars but change from time to time.
8. University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi is a research-based educational institution in Nairobi, Kenya. It is the oldest and largest in the country; it dates back to 1956. The university went through some transformations and became an independent university in 1970. For years, it was the only institution in Kenya where Nairobi’s workforce was trained to meet their needs.
However, it grew and started developing specialized programmes in social sciences, technology, applied sciences, and humanities. Professional excellence, research, teaching and development earned the University of Nairobi its current status as one of the best universities in Africa.
The tuition fee for both local and foreign students starts from 1,105 US dollars per year. You can enrol for their scholarship and grants programmes. It is open for both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
9. University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of the largest cities in Africa. It is regarded as the economic and cultural centre of South Africa. You’ll be able to explore different outdoor activities because of its location.
The University of Johannesburg is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 after merging it with Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR), and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University.
The university is very much interested in a curriculum that prepares students for development and work outside school – it is internationally recognized. There are different programmes for international students like extracurricular activities, clubs and student societies.
The University of Johannesburg has a programme for an aspiring student like you to allow you to learn and volunteer in community work in and out of Johannesburg. Internships are also available for students on campus both for the short and long term. For school fees, prepare your mind for around 7,000 US dollars.
10. University of South Africa
The University of South Africa was founded in 1873 as the University of the “Cape of Good Hope.” This university started as an examining agency for Cambridge and Oxford universities.
It is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment — it has over four hundred thousand students and international students from one hundred and thirty countries. The University of South Africa is one of the mega universities in the world and the only one in Africa.
If you have no interest in attending physical classes you can enrol into this institution. They provide flexible and distance learning opportunities for both South Africans and other African countries. There are education grants — you have to inquire more to know full details. The tuition fee for every student starts from 930 US dollars.
