How many universities in South Africa offer strong computer science and engineering programs?

BrightKey has identified 4 universities in South Africa with notable computer science and engineering programs. Top 3: University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Stellenbosch University.

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Computer Science & Engineering · 🇿🇦 South Africa

Best Universities for Computer Science & Engineering in South Africa 2026

Top universities for computer science and engineering in South Africa include University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Stellenbosch University. BrightKey has evaluated 4 institutions with relevant programs.

Evaluation draws on BrightKey's 6-dimension ratings and universities' publicly disclosed notable programs. Editorial standards.

universities evaluated

with an S-tier dimension

with a full profile

Visa & post-study work

Study visa sponsored by the institution; post-study work via critical-skills/employer routes — South Africa actively retains scarce-skill graduates

Application system

Largely English-medium; international applicants need a Matriculation Exemption (via Universities South Africa) and are assessed on IB/A-Level/AP plus the National Senior Certificate for locals

International tuition

Public universities (UCT, Wits) charge international fees ~USD 4,000–9,000/year (far below UK/US); locals pay less

More on the full South Africa country guide →

4 recommended universities, sorted by BrightKey rating

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Cape Town, South Africa · Founded 1829 · 16% intl

ABB

Computer Science & Engineering programs

Engineering & the Built Environment — Comprehensive engineering faculty with strong civil, electrical, mechanical and built-environment programmes and applied African-context research.

Full profile →All programs →Cost & aid →

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Johannesburg, South Africa · Founded 1922 · 9% intl

ABB

Computer Science & Engineering programs

Mining & Metallurgical Engineering — Wits' founding discipline, born from the Witwatersrand goldfields — among the most respected mining-engineering programmes in the world and a direct pipeline into the global resources industry.

Full profile →All programs →Cost & aid →

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch, South Africa · Founded 1918 · 10% intl

ABB

Computer Science & Engineering programs

Engineering — A strong, research-active engineering faculty with a notable aerospace and microsatellite record — SU designed Africa's first microsatellite, SUNSAT (1999).

Full profile →All programs →Cost & aid →

University of Pretoria (UP / Tuks)

Pretoria, South Africa · Founded 1908 · 8% intl

ABB

Computer Science & Engineering programs

Engineering, Built Environment & IT — One of South Africa's largest and strongest engineering faculties, with applied, industry-linked programmes across civil, electrical, mechanical, mining and computer engineering.

Full profile →All programs →Cost & aid →

Questions families ask

What are the best universities in South Korea for international students? →How does a master's in Germany work for international students? →Is IB or A-Levels better for UK university admissions? →Is Ireland a good study-abroad destination for international students? →

The IB core: TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS The IB Diploma Programme A-Levels

Other disciplines in South Africa

Business & Management →Medicine & Health Sciences →Law →Economics & Finance →Humanities & Liberal Arts →

Full study-in-South Africa guide →

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