Matric 2026: Your complete guide to South Africa’s 26 universities

Choosing the right university after matric can be one of the most important decisions a young person will make.

With dozens of options across the country, matriculants often weigh factors such as academic reputation, specialised programmes, campus culture, and location when deciding where to continue their studies.

Many students also consider cost, proximity to home, and future career prospects, making the choice both exciting and overwhelming.

With 26 public universities spread across South Africa, each offering unique programmes and strengths, understanding where each institution is located and what it is known for can help matriculants make informed choices about the next stage of their education.

• University of Cape Town (UCT) – Western Cape

Renowned for research, law, and health sciences. Often ranked as the country’s top university.

• Stellenbosch University – Western Cape

Famous for engineering, agriculture, and business studies.

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Gauteng

Known for medicine, mining engineering, and social sciences.

• University of Pretoria (UP) – Gauteng

Specialises in veterinary science, law, and economics.

• University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Gauteng

Strong in technology, business, and applied sciences.

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – KwaZulu-Natal

Recognised for medicine, life sciences, and humanities.

• Durban University of Technology (DUT) – KwaZulu-Natal

Focuses on applied sciences, engineering, and technology programmes.

• University of Fort Hare – Eastern Cape

Historically significant; known for social sciences and law.

• Nelson Mandela University – Eastern Cape

Excels in engineering, business, and environmental sciences.

• North-West University (NWU) – Potchefstroom, Mafikeng, Vanderbijlpark

Noted for law, education, and health sciences.

• University of the Free State (UFS) – Free State

Known for genetics research, law, and education programmes.

• University of Limpopo – Limpopo

Focuses on agriculture, health, and education.

• University of South Africa (UNISA) – Pretoria

The largest distance-learning university; offers law, business, and social sciences.

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – Western Cape

Emphasises applied research, engineering, and vocational skills.

• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Gauteng

Specialises in technology, engineering, and industry-focused programmes.

• Vaal University of Technology (VUT) – Gauteng

Known for engineering, technology, and applied sciences.

• Central University of Technology (CUT) – Free State

Focuses on technology, engineering, and business-related applied research.

• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) – KwaZulu-Natal

Concentrates on engineering, science, and technology disciplines.

• Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – Eastern Cape

Specialises in education, health sciences, and public management.

• University of Venda (UNIVEN) – Limpopo

Focuses on health sciences, agriculture, and education.

• University of Zululand (UNIZULU) – KwaZulu-Natal

Known for education, arts, and social sciences.

• Sol Plaatje University – Northern Cape

Emerging institution; emphasis on education, ICT, and heritage studies.

• University of Mpumalanga (UMP) – Mpumalanga

Specialises in education, agriculture, and science.

• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Gauteng

Focused exclusively on medicine and health sciences.

• University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Western Cape

Known for humanities, law, and social justice research.

• Rhodes University – Eastern Cape

Specialises in journalism, social sciences, and humanities.