Top 15 best media universities in South Africa as of 2026

Media studies offer knowledge and skills in the use and management of traditional and modern media platforms. Some of the courses offered are journalism ethics and the legal ramifications of communication. While many media graduates work in the mainstream media networks and social media platforms, some are public relations specialists. Discover the best media universities in South Africa below.

Key takeaways

• Most media universities in SA offer courses covering digital marketing, film, and broadcasting.
• Digital media degrees focus on web design, animation, and social media management.
• Media studies in SA are available in full-time, part-time, and distance (online) learning models.
• International media students can work up to 20 hours weekly part-time while studying.

Top 15 best media universities in South Africa as of 2026

Here is a list of media universities in South Africa that offer top-notch education:

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The list considers the reputation the institutions hold in terms of the quality of education offered, facilities available, and staffing, but is also subjective as it may not encompass all potential aspects to look at when assessing all media universities in South Africa. Besides, offerings and conditions may change over time. Read more below about the schools listed:

15. Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
• Year founded: 2002
• Type: Public

Durban University of Technology was formed in 2002 after Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon merged. Did you know it was initially known as the Durban Institute of Technology? Its Faculty of Arts and Design has a Department of Media, Language, and Communication that offers journalism courses.

14. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPTU)

• Location: Cape Town
• Year founded: 2005
• Type: Public

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology's Media Department offers various Information and Communication Technology courses. The university was established after the Cape Technikon and Peninsula Technikon merged.

13. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Location: Summerstrand, Gqeberha
• Year founded: 2005
• Type: Public

Nelson Mandela University was formerly known as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The School of Language, Media, and Communication under the Faculty of Humanities offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in media studies and media production.

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12. University of Fort Hare (UFH)

• Location: Alice, Eastern Cape
• Year founded: 1916
• Type: Public

The University of Fort Hare's Department of Communication produces graduates with the skills and values required to function effectively in the dynamic media and communication ecosystem. The university's main campus is located in Alice near the Tyhume River.

11. North-West University (NWU)

• Locations: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark
• Year founded: 2004
• Type: Public

North-West University came into existence through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. The Faculty of Humanities has a Department of Communication Studies where students learn the skills necessary to become communication, media, and public relations practitioners.

10. University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• Location: Bellville, near Cape Town
• Year founded: 1959
• Type: Public

Established in 1959, the University of the Western Cape is among the top 10 universities in South Africa. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities offers courses that combine traditional literary studies with new courses in media.

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9. University of the Free State (UFS)

• Location: Bloemfontein
• Year founded: 1904
• Type: Public

The University of the Free State was first established as an institution of higher learning in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College. The Department of Communication Science offers a BA in Communication Studies, Integrated Organisational Communication, and Journalism.

8. University of South Africa (UNISA)

• Location: Pretoria
• Year founded: 1873
• Type: Public

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is among the best universities in Africa and the largest university in South Africa by enrollment. All the media studies courses at UNISA are offered by the College of Human Sciences. The Department of Communication Science has grown considerably and distinguished itself as a dynamic and credible leader in the field of communication science teaching.

7. University of Pretoria (UP)

• Location: Pretoria
• Year founded: 1908
• Type: Public

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The School of the Arts at the University of Pretoria offers various Digital Culture and Media programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university's main campus and central administration offices are situated in the suburb of Hatfield in Pretoria.

6. Rhodes University

• Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape Province
• Year founded: 1904
• Type: Public

Rhodes University is known for producing graduates who are knowledgeable intellectuals and skilled professionals. The Department of Journalism & Media Studies is internationally renowned as Africa’s pre-eminent media education institution and one of the finest in the world.

5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• Location: KwaZulu-Natal
• Year founded: 2004
• Type: Public

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has a School of Arts that offers quality education. Culture and Media Studies are among the most exciting and relevant disciplines to study at this university.

4. Stellenbosch University

• Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
• Year founded: 1918
• Type: Public

The University of Stellenbosch is among the best universities in South Africa for international students. The institution has students from different parts of the world. The institution has a Centre for Science and Technology Mass Communication (CENSCOM) for media studies.

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3. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Location: Johannesburg
• Year founded: 2005
• Type: Public

The University of Johannesburg is among the leading public media universities in South Africa. Its School of Communication has a Department of Communication and Media that provides students with the opportunity to learn about, explore, and conduct research on the theoretical perspectives of various communication fields.

2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Location: Johannesburg
• Year founded: 1922
• Type: Public

The University of the Witwatersrand is one of the top 20 universities in Africa. The institution is committed to exploring new methods for studying the developing world. The School of Literature, Language and Media under the Faculty of Humanities has a Department of Media Studies that offers multiple courses in media.

1. University of Cape Town (UCT)

• Location: Cape Town
• Year founded: 1829
• Type: Public

The University of Cape Town is a public research university in Cape Town. It is the oldest university in South Africa and among the top 5 universities in Africa. The institution's Centre for Film and Media Studies under the Faculty of Humanities offers a range of media courses.

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Are media studies marketable?

Graduates of media and communication degrees may work in mainstream media. They can also get jobs in international relations and diplomacy, nonprofits and charities, education and youth work, arts and heritage, and market research.

Which university is best for media studies in South Africa?

The top 20 universities in South Africa for media studies are:

• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• Stellenbosch University
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• Rhodes University
• University of South Africa (UNISA)
• University of the Free State (UFS)
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)
• North-West University (NWU)
• University of Fort Hare (UFH)
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPTU)
• Durban University of Technology (DUT)
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• Central University of Technology (CUT)
• Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
• University of Zululand
• University of Venda (UNIVEN)
• CityVarsity School of Media and Creative Arts

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What are the fees for media universities in South Africa?

Tuition fees of the 15 best media universities in South Africa as of 2026 vary widely, generally ranging from around ZAR 40,000 to over ZAR 80,000 annually, depending on the institution and course load.

Which is the best journalism school in South Africa?

Specialized private institutions that are highly regarded for quality media studies in South Africa are:

• AFDA (The School for the Creative Economy)
• Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
• Stadio Higher Education
• Regenesys Business School
• The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE)

Are there TVET colleges that offer media studies in South Africa?

South Africa has TVET colleges and similar private institutions that offer media studies and related programs. Some of these TVETS include:

• False Bay College
• South Cape TVET College
• eThekwini TVET College
• Northlink College
• Buffalo City TVET College
• Boland TVET College

How many years does it take to study media in South Africa?

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Media studies are often a two-year part-time or one-year intensive degree programme. However, this varies from institution to institution.

What are the top 5 universities in South Africa in 2026?

Based on the early 2026 Uniranks rankings, the top 5 universities in South Africa are:

• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• Stellenbosch University (SU)
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Which University offers distance learning in South Africa?

Key universities with distance learning programs in South Africa include:

• The University of South Africa (Unisa)
• North-West University (NWU)
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

What are the top 10 universities in Africa?

Based on recent 2025-2026 rankings by various leading ranking bodies, including Times Higher Education and Business Insider Africa, the top universities in Africa are dominated by institutions in South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. These institutions are:

• University of Cape Town (UCT) - South Africa
• Stellenbosch University - South Africa
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) - South Africa
• Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) - Morocco
• University of Johannesburg (UJ) - South Africa
• University of KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa
• University of Pretoria - South Africa
• American University in Cairo (AUC) - Egypt
• Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) - Egypt
• Kafrelsheikh University - Egypt

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What is the best university in East Africa?

Makerere University (Uganda) and the University of Nairobi (Kenya) are consistently ranked as the top universities in East Africa, often swapping the top spot depending on the ranking criteria. Both are historic institutions with strong academic, research, and professional influence across the region.

While the best media universities in South Africa are known for offering high-quality education, prospective students are encouraged to find out more about the institutions and courses they offer before submitting applications.

Briefly.co.za published a list of universities that offer pharmacy in South Africa. The demand for pharmacists in South Africa remains consistently high.

This high demand is caused by the rapid population growth, increased healthcare needs, and the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, pharmacy is considered to be highly marketable.

Source: Briefly News