Academic Index Last updated: June 23, 2026

17 Best Universities in South Africa for Theoretical

Focusing specifically on Theoretical, our data science engine identified the 17 most influential universities in South Africa. Based on 649.1K scholarly articles and 13.97M peer-reviewed citations, we reveal the best research labs driving innovation in Theoretical. This targeted approach bypasses general university reputation, directly revealing the strongest programs.

Active Filters: Theoretical South Africa Clear All

Ranking Methodology Notice

Filter

Field of Study

Sub-Branch

1

Cape Town

University of Cape Town

For Theoretical

#1 in Africa #197 in the World

51% Acceptance

24,754 Enrollment

1874 Founded

2

Durban

University of KwaZulu-Natal

For Theoretical

#2 in Africa #252 in the World

63% Acceptance

48,174 Enrollment

2004 Founded

3

Johannesburg

University of the Witwatersrand

For Theoretical

#3 in Africa #287 in the World

34% Acceptance

48,174 Enrollment

1922 Founded

4

Potchefstroom

North-West University

For Theoretical

#4 in Africa #400 in the World

83% Acceptance

37,000 Enrollment

2004 Founded

5

Pretoria

University of Pretoria

For Theoretical

#9 in Africa #680 in the World

52% Acceptance

48,174 Enrollment

1908 Founded

6

Johannesburg

University of Johannesburg

For Theoretical

#19 in Africa #1006 in the World

58% Acceptance

49,910 Enrollment

2005 Founded

7

Bellville

University of the Western Cape

For Theoretical

#27 in Africa #1164 in the World

60% Acceptance

24,754 Enrollment

1959 Founded

8

Port Elizabeth

Nelson Mandela University

For Theoretical

#76 in Africa #2075 in the World

57% Acceptance

8,200 Enrollment

2005 Founded

9

Durban

Mangosuthu University of Technology

For Theoretical

#93 in Africa #2272 in the World

73% Acceptance

35,047 Enrollment

1979 Founded

10

Pretoria

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

For Theoretical

#95 in Africa #2300 in the World

74% Acceptance

5,000 Enrollment

2014 Founded

11

Kwadlangezwa

University of Zululand

For Theoretical

#26 in Africa #1159 in the World

45% Acceptance

37,000 Enrollment

1960 Founded

12

Durban

Durban University of Technology

For Theoretical

#12 in Africa #812 in the World

75% Acceptance

49,910 Enrollment

2002 Founded

13

Pretoria

Tshwane University of Technology

For Theoretical

#36 in Africa #1351 in the World

89% Acceptance

49,910 Enrollment

2003 Founded

14

Makhanda

Rhodes University

For Theoretical

#37 in Africa #1369 in the World

61% Acceptance

8,200 Enrollment

1904 Founded

15

Bloemfontein

University of the Free State

For Theoretical

#61 in Africa #1894 in the World

25% Acceptance

37,000 Enrollment

1904 Founded

16

Pretoria

University of South Africa

For Theoretical

#10 in Africa #752 in the World

61% Acceptance

420,000 Enrollment

1873 Founded

17

Stellenbosch

University of Stellenbosch

For Theoretical

#6 in Africa #563 in the World

56% Acceptance

24,754 Enrollment

1918 Founded