About University of South Africa
The University of South Africa was founded in 1873 and was originally known as the University of the Cape of Good Hope. However, in 1918 the university became the University of South Africa.
The University of South Africa provides open, flexible and distance learning opportunities to people who cannot afford to attend residential universities. This has made it possible for students who live in remote parts of South Africa or other African countries to pursue their academic goals without needing to leave their community.
The university has colleges in accounting sciences, agriculture and environmental sciences, economic and management sciences, education, human sciences, law, science, engineering and technology and business leadership.
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Explore rankings data for University of South Africa
All ranked institutions have an overall score and 4 pillar scores. However for each pillar, only institutions ranked in the top 500 overall or the top 500 in this pillar have a publicly visible score
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Key statistics
- 73.7No. of students per staff(1)
- 233,279Number of FTE Students(1)
- 31%Proportion of ISR Publications(1)
- 74 : 26Student Ratio of Females to Males(1)
- 1%Percentage of International Students(1)
Based on data collected for the (1) 2025 World University Rankings
Subjects taught at University of South Africa
Engineering & technology
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Arts & humanities
- Art, Performing Arts & Design
- Languages, Literature & Linguistics
- History, Philosophy & Theology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
Physical sciences
- Geology, Environmental, Earth & Marine Sciences
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Chemistry
- Physics & Astronomy
Clinical, pre-clinical & health
- Other Health
Business & economics
- Accounting & Finance
- Business & Management
- Economics & Econometrics
Life sciences
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Biological Sciences
Social sciences
- Politics & International Studies (incl Development Studies)
- Communication & Media Studies
- Geography
- Sociology
Law
- Law
Computer science
- Computer Science
Psychology
- Psychology
Education
- Education