Are you interested in studying in Africa and looking for the best universities to study in Africa in 2024? If your answer is yes, then you have come to the right place. This article on the best universities in Africa 2024- top universities in Africa explains why you should study in Africa and the best schools to study.

Africa being the second largest continent after Asia, has different people with diverse cultures and backgrounds. Formal education in Africa is particularly characterized by both the African teachings and the European schooling system which allows students to have a mix of both worlds in their education. Studying in Africa offers the opportunity to be immersed in the rich history, culture, and traditions of Africa.

You might be confused as to the reasons why you should study in Africa, in this article we will also be looking at 5 reasons why you should study in Africa.

Table of Content

1.  5 Reasons why You Should Study in Africa
2. Table Showing the Top 20 Universities in Africa
3. Top 20 Universities in Africa

5 Reasons Why You Should Study in Africa 

There are several reasons why one should study in Africa: apart from the cultural benefits, there are numerous other reasons why one should study in Africa. Some of the reasons include affordable tuition, experiencing diverse cultures and languages, and personal development. We will be discussing 10 of those reasons in this article.

Affordable Tuition 

Although tuition varies with different countries and schools, tuition fees in Africa tend to be much lower when compared to other places. Countries like Egypt and Morocco in Africa offer tuition-free university education to local students and various scholarship opportunities to international students. 

Experiencing Diverse Cultures 

Africa as a continent consists of different countries with various tribes that depict their unique characteristics and traits. Africa is a culturally rich continent with over 2000 languages, many traditions, and ways of life. Studying in Africa allows one to experience and explore these cultures.

Natural Beauty 

Africa is a vast continent overflowing with marvelous natural resources. From rising mountains to deserts, thundering waterfalls to rich rainforests, the continent offers diverse environments to explore.

Local Cuisine 

The African palate is as diverse as its cultures. This diversity is reflected in the local cuisines in the choice of ingredients and styles of preparation. Studying in Africa exposes one to the various array of options of foods.

Unique Learning Opportunities 

Students studying in Africa not only have the opportunity to learn about Western education but also the indigenous and local cultures. Africa serves as a practical class for students studying environmental sciences, anthropology, and history.

Table Showing the Top 20 Universities in Africa 

Name of University	Country	Tuition Fee
University of Cape Town	South Africa	Domestic- 21,500 ZAR, International- 75,000 ZAR
Stellenbosch University	South Africa	1,077 USD
University of Witswatersrand	South Africa	44,910 ZAR
University of Johannesburg	South Africa	R21,000- R60,000
University of Pretoria	South Africa	R20,000- R75,000
University of KwaZula-Natal	South Africa	31,750 ZAR
Cairo University	Egypt	7,000 USD
University of Nairobi	Kenya	1,105 USD
North-West University	South Africa	R21,000
University of Cape Coast	Ghana	Domestic- 2,793GHS  international- 7,498USD
Rhodes University	South Africa	54,082 USD
University of Western Cape	South Africa	18,880- 36,595ZAR
University of Ghana	Ghana	Domestic- 1,525 GHS International- 3,380 GHS
University Of Ibadan	Nigeria	125,500- 175,500 Naira
University of South Africa	South Africa	R55,900
Mansoura University	Egypt	2,100- 2,668.75 EGP
Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST)	Egypt	70,000 EGP
Addis Ababa University	Ethiopia	2650 USD
Alexandria University	Egypt	7,000 USD
Makerere University	Uganda	1,500,000 - 4,000,000 UGX

Top 20 Universities in Africa 

1. University of Cape Town 

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is the oldest university in South Africa and was founded in 1829 as the South African College. UCT was formally established as a university in 1918. 

The university has 6 faculties- Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities and Science. The facilities are all supported by the Center for Higher Education Development, which addresses students’ teaching and learning needs. UCT has close to 17,000 undergraduate students constituting 60% of the total students and the remaining 40% being the postgraduate students. UCT is committed to the professionalism and valorization of teaching and learning.

Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: Domestic tuition- 21,500 ZAR, International tuition- 75,000 ZAR

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants with a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) need to pass a minimum of 4 subjects at a rating of 4 or in any 4 20-credit NSC subjects.

• Applicants with a South African Senior Certificate need matriculation endorsement.

• Applicants with non-South African school leaving certificates must qualify for a matriculation exemption certificate.

Learn more about the admission requirements 

2. Stellenbosch University 

Stellenbosch University(SU) is a public research university that was established in 1918. The university is one of the top public universities in South Africa ranked #283 in QS World University Rankings 2024. SU is committed to the pursuit of knowledge, research, and innovation providing a world-class center for learning and development, which is globally relevant, yet rooted in the upliftment and transformation of local communities. The university has an academic community of more than 32,500 students including more than 3,700 international students from 104 countries. SU has ten faculties (AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science, and Theology) as well as the School for Climate Studies, the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking and the Stellenbosch Business School are located across five campuses in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Average Cost of Tuition: 1,077 USD per year

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have 30% for a South African Language of Learning and Teaching (English or Afrikaans)

• Applicants must have an achievement rating of 4 (50% - 59%) in four 20-credit subjects.

Learn more about the admission requirements

3. University of Witwatersrand 

University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg commonly known as Wits University or Wits was established in 1922. Wits is a multi-campus research public university situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. The university is ranked #264 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Wits University is committed to academic and research excellence. Wits University has 5 faculties encompassing the Sciences, Commerce, Law, Management, Engineering, Health Sciences and Humanities.

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Average Cost of Tuition: 44,910 ZAR

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50% – 59%) or better in four (4) recognized 20-credit subjects.

Learn more about the admission requirements

4. University of Johannesburg 

University of Johannesburg(UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa. UJ is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa ranked #306 in QS World Universities Rankings 2024. The university is one of the largest, multi-campus universities in South Africa with over 50,000 students. UJ has 7 faculties and a college namely Education, Law, Humanities, Art, Design and Architecture, Engineering and the Built Environment as well as the College of Business and Economics. The university also has four campuses viz., the  Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus, the Auckland  Park Kingsway Campus, the Doornfontein Campus, and the Soweto Campus.

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: R21,000- R60,000

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have a minimum APS Score: of 27 in Mathematics and 28 in Mathematical Literacy. Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS score. Where English (compulsory): 5, Mathematics: 3, Mathematical Literacy: 4, Life Sciences (Compulsory): 4, Additional subject 2: 4, Additional subject 3: 3

Learn more about the admission requirements

5. University of Pretoria 

The University of Pretoria(UP) in South Africa is a public research university that is ranked #323 in QS World University Rankings 2024. With over 30,000 alumni, the University of Pretoria is one of South Africa's largest research universities. UP offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university is dedicated to empowering students by driving innovation, excellence, and positive change through the power of education.

Location: Pretoria, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: R20,000- R75,000

Admission Requirements: 

• Applicants must have a matriculation exemption

• Applicants must have English or Afrikaans (HG) (first language) - 5 (60-69%), Minimum for Mathematics (HG) - 6 (70%-79%), Minimum for Physical Science (HG) - 6 (70%-79%), Life Orientation - 4 (50-59%), and two other subjects 

• Applicants must have a minimum APS score of  35

Learn more about the admission requirements

6. University of KwaZulu-Natal

University of KwaZulu-Natal(UKZN) is a public university in South Africa that was established in 2004. The university has five campuses in KwaZulu, South Africa. The research-led institute has a proud and rich heritage of academic excellence. UKZN is made up of four colleges namely, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, College of Health Sciences, College of Humanities, and College of Law and Management Studies. The school has a strong reputation in the Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics Areas and is ranked in the 801- 1000 bracket of the QS World Universities Rankings 2024. The University has almost 40,000 students and is one of the largest universities in sub-Saharan Africa. UKZN believes that its students are business leaders of tomorrow who have the potential to create employment opportunities and contribute positively to the economic development of South Africa.

Location: Durban, South Africa

Average Cost Of Tuition: 31,750 ZAR

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must possess the National Senior Certificate for  degree studies or Senior Certificate for endorsement 

• UKZN requires English at level 4 (50% and above) but the College of Law requires a pass in English Home Language at level 5 or English at FAL on level 6 

Learn more about the admission requirements

7. Cairo University 

Cairo University(CU), Egypt’s premier university was established in 1908. The institution has its main campus in Giza, Egypt. Cairo University has over 200,000 students and 14,000 staff members with almost 7,000 international students. CU has 28 faculties and institutes with various programs to choose from. The University is usually ranked among the best universities in Egypt and is ranked in the 561- 570 bracket of the QS World University Rankings 2024. CU also has a School of Law and a School of Medicine.

Location: Giza, Egypt

Average Cost of Tuition: 7,000 USD

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have a General Secondary Certificate

• Applicants should have a National Identification card

Learn more about the admission requirements

8. University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi(UoN), Kenya is a research-intensive institution that was established in 1970. For a long time, the University of Nairobi was the only higher learning institution in Kenya. The university offers a wide range of programs of approximately 200. UoN is the largest institution of higher learning in Kenya, with a student population of 84,000. The University of Nairobi has six colleges and seven separate campuses. The university encourages students to develop a culture of creativity and innovation. It is ranked in the 1001- 1200 bracket of the QS World University Rankings 2024.  

Location: Nairobi, Kenya 

Average Cost of Tuition: 1,105 USD

Admission Requirements: 

• Students must maintain a minimum percentage of 60 to be considered for admission 

• Applicants should have the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education 

• The university recognizes the London GCE, A’ level qualification or their equivalent for international applicants 

Learn more about the admission requirements

9. North-West University 

North-West University (NWU) is a public research university that is committed to working as a unitary, integrated, and multi-campus university. The university was established in 2004. NWU enables equity, redress, and globally competitive teaching and research. The university consists of 8 facilities and three main campuses namely, Mahikeng Campus, Potchefstroom Campus, and Vanderbijlpark Campus. It is ranked in the 601- 800  bracket of the QS World University Rankings 2024.  

Location: Potchefstroom, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: R21,000

Admission Requirements: 

• Applicants should have their official college transcript with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for regular admission or a minimum of 2.7 GPA to be admitted on academic probation 

• International applicants are required to have a TOEFL iBT score of 90

Learn more about the admission requirements

10. University of Cape Coast 

The University of Cape Coast is a public university in Cape Coast, Ghana, founded in 1962. The university offers over 210 programs of study, modern facilities, and accomplished lecturers. The University of Cape Coast has over 70,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 postgraduate students. There are five colleges in the university including, the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Distance Education, Humanities and Legal Studies, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, and Educational Studies. It is ranked #601- 800 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.  

Location: Cape Coast, Ghana

Average Cost of Tuition: 2,793 GHS for domestic students and 7,498 USD for international students 

Admission Requirements: 

• Applicants should have WASSCE/SSSCE results 

• International applicants must have the General Certificate of Education (GCE) or Advanced Level International General Certificate of Secondary School (IGCSE) 

Learn more about the admission requirements

11. Rhodes University 

Rhodes University is a public research university that was founded in 1904. It is ranked in the #901-950 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The University has a wide range of courses and diplomas to offer. Rhodes has six faculties; Humanities, Commerce, Law, Science, Education, and Pharmacy. Rhodes is a small, residential university with a total enrollment of 8,200 students.

Location: Makhanda, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: 54,082 USD

Admission Requirements:

• Rhodes applicants must have the National Senior Certificate (NSC)

• Applicants should possess an educational qualification equivalent to the National Senior Certificate for International Students 

Learn more about the admission requirements

12. University of Western Cape

University of Western Cape (UWC) is a national public university in South Africa. The university was founded in 1959 and has more than 23,000 students and 2,400 staff members. The University of the Western Cape has seven faculties, which are the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Natural Sciences. The university is dedicated to providing high-quality education, advancing research, and fostering innovation. It is ranked #951-1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Location: Cape Town, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: 18,880ZAR- 36,595ZAR

Admission Requirements: 

• Applicants should have a National Senior Certificate as certified by Umalusi with an adequate rating of 4 (adequate achievement, 50 -59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the recognized 20-credit NSC subjects 

Learn more about the admission requirements

13. University of Ghana

The University of Ghana is a public university in Accra, Ghana that was established in 1948. There are six schools and one research institute under this university. The university is a premier university and the largest university in Ghana. The University of Ghana distinguishes itself in the area of research to make an impact at the national and international levels. It is ranked in the 951- 1000 bracket of the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Location: Accra, Ghana 

Average Cost of Tuition: 1,525 GHS for domestic students and 3,380 GHS for international students 

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have at least credits (A1- C6 in WASSCE or A- D in SSSCE) in English, Core Mathematics, and Integrated Science (for science-related programs) or Social Studies (for non-science related programs) and three electives subjects for applicants applying to Science related disciplines or three elective subjects in General Arts/Business for applicants applying to non-Science related disciplines.

Learn more about the admission requirements

14. University of Ibadan

University of Ibadan (UI) is a world-class public research institute in Ibadan, Nigeria. The university was first established as the University College Ibadan in 1948 and became an independent institution in 1962. The university has 17 facilities and 92 academic departments. The University of Ibadan has 15 halls of residence and the largest female hall in West Africa. UI is the oldest university in Nigeria with over 33,000 students and 150,000 alumni. The University of Ibadan fondly called the first and the best university in Nigeria is ranked in the #1401+ in QS World University Rankings 2024.

Location: Ibadan, Nigeria 

Average Cost of Tuition: 125,500- 175,500 Naira 

Admission Requirements: 

• Applicants are required to have a pass in at least 5 O’level subjects in one sitting or 6 O’level subjects in two sittings including Mathematics, English, and any other subjects relating to your discipline 

• Applicants must have a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score of at least 200

Learn more about the admission requirements

15. University of South Africa

The University of South Africa(Unisa) is known for its dedication to distance education in the world. The university was established in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope. Unisa is ranked #851- 900 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The University of South Africa has almost 400,000 students.

Location: Pretoria, South Africa 

Average Cost of Tuition: R55,900

Admission Requirements:

•  Applicants should check on the specific program in the university to determine their requirements 

Learn more about the admission requirements

16. Mansoura University

Mansoura University is a public university in Egypt that was established in 1972. It is ranked in the 1001-1200 bracket of the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university has more than 41,000 graduate students, 176,000+ undergraduate students, and almost 8,000 staff members.

Location: Mansoura, Egypt 

Average Cost of Tuition: 2,100- 2,668.75 EGP

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants should upload a High/ Secondary School Certificate, valid international passport, and birth certificate to the school’s website

• Applicants should maintain a GPA of 2 to stand a chance of getting admission 

Learn more about the admission requirements

17. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST)

Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology is an Egyptian research institute with a Japanese partnership that was founded in 2009. E-JUST has 7 schools/faculties with specialized programs in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees. One of the university’s visions is to be a first-class international academic institution known worldwide for the high standards of its educational system, the high standard of its graduates, and the achievements of its research centers. It is ranked at the #601- 800 positions globally.

Location: Gadida city, Egypt 

Average Cost of Tuition: 70,000 EGP

Admission Requirements: 

• Egyptian applicants must have completed secondary school education and earned a THANAWYA  AMMA Certificate or equivalent certificate like the IGCSE

• Applicants must not exceed the age of 21 as of the time of resumption and applicants must provide military service status 

• Foreign certificate holders should have at least completed 12 years of schooling or completed 6 years of secondary school and preparatory school after the Egyptian Primary school certificate as per the rules and regulations of the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education

Learn more about the admission requirements

18. Addis Ababa University 

Addis Ababa University(AAU) is one of the top universities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that was established in 1950. AAU is the oldest and highest higher research institution in Ethiopia and has 48,673 students and 6,043 staff members. The university ranked #851- 900 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Average Cost of Tuition: 2650 USD

Admission Requirements: 

• Applicants must have their Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Certificate Examination (EHEECE) results 

• Foreign examination results must be certified by the Ministry of Education for their equivalence to EHEECE for international applicants 

Learn more about the admission requirements

19. Alexandria University

Alexandria University, a public university in Alexandria, Egypt was founded in 1938. The university is one of the largest universities in Egypt with a total students of 182,129. Alexandria University has 21 facilities and 3 institutes and is ranked #901- 950 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Location: Alexandria, Egypt 

Average Cost of Tuition: 7,000 USD

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must maintain a minimum percentage of 60 oh higher secondary schooling (12th standard)

• Applicants must qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination 

Learn more about the admission requirements

20. Makerere University 

Makerere University was first established in 1922 as a technical school. The university is Uganda’s oldest and largest institution of higher learning. This university is one of the top public universities in Kampala, Uganda ranking #951- 1000 in the QS World University Ranking 2024.

Location: Kampala Uganda

Average Cost of Tuition: 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 UGX

Admission Requirements:

• Applicants must have the Ugandan Certificate of Education with at least five passes or its equivalent 

• Applicants should have two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Level Certificate of Education Examination obtained at the same sitting

Learn more about the admission requirements

If you are considering studying in Africa, we have compiled a list of the best universities to study at in 2024 to make your decision easier. Studying in Africa not only offers affordable education but also provides the opportunity to explore diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines. We hope this article helps you choose the right school for your education in Africa.