Public Universities in South Africa

When you think about public universities, government-funded higher education institutions in South Africa that offer affordable degrees and are open to all qualifying students. Also known as state universities, they’re the backbone of tertiary education in the country, serving over 90% of students. These schools aren’t just classrooms—they’re where futures get built, especially for families who can’t afford private tuition.

Most public universities, government-funded higher education institutions in South Africa that offer affordable degrees and are open to all qualifying students. Also known as state universities, they’re the backbone of tertiary education in the country, serving over 90% of students. are funded by the government and receive support through NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme that provides grants and loans to qualifying South African students attending public universities. That means if you’re from a low-income household, you might pay nothing at all. But it’s not just about money—it’s about access. These universities offer degrees in engineering, health sciences, education, law, and more, with campuses spread across every province. You don’t need to be in Johannesburg or Cape Town to get a quality degree. Universities like Fort Hare, Manguang, and the University of Limpopo serve rural communities just as much as the big city schools.

Getting in isn’t always easy. Each public university, government-funded higher education institutions in South Africa that offer affordable degrees and are open to all qualifying students. Also known as state universities, they’re the backbone of tertiary education in the country, serving over 90% of students. has its own cut-off points, especially for competitive courses like medicine or engineering. Some require you to write entrance exams. Others look at your final matric results, community service hours, or even interviews. And while NSFAS covers tuition, you still need to plan for books, housing, and transport. Many students work part-time, apply for bursaries, or live with relatives to make it work.

What you won’t find here are flashy ads or promises of instant success. What you will find are real stories—students who graduated with debt but landed jobs, others who switched careers after starting at a smaller public university, and families who finally saw their child walk across a graduation stage. The public universities in South Africa aren’t perfect, but they’re the most reliable path to upward mobility for millions. Below, you’ll see the latest news on admissions changes, funding updates, campus protests, and which programs are actually hiring graduates. This isn’t theory. It’s what’s happening right now, on the ground, in every province.