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University of South Africa
(UNISA)
About
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment. It attracts a third of all higher education students in South Africa. Through various colleges and affiliates, UNISA has over 400,000 students, including international students from 130 countries worldwide, making it one of the world's mega universities and the only such university in Africa. It...
The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment. It attracts a third of all higher education students in South Africa. Through various colleges and affiliates, UNISA has over 400,000 students, including international students from 130 countries worldwide, making it one of the world's mega universities and the only such university in Africa. It is the only higher education institution to carry the name of the country. It is the first tertiary institution in Africa to own an airport.
Ranking Overview
Ranked Top 801 worldwide across 4 major ranking systems
Ranked in 26 subject rankings
QS World University Rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities
U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings
Key Facts
- Students
- 207,954
- Student-Staff Ratio
- 84.5 : 1
- Int'l Students
- 2%
- Female : Male
- 75 : 25
Historical Trend
Longitudinal View
QS
THE
ARWU
US News
Top Subjects
Best-performing areasSubject Rankings
Detailed breakdownQS
11 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies | 101-120 | - | 2021 |
| Development Studies | 101-150 | - | 2025 |
| Education & Training | 301-350 | - | 2026 |
| Chemical Engineering | 351-400 | - | 2020 |
| Materials Science | 351-400 | - | 2026 |
| Agriculture & Forestry | 401-475 | - | 2026 |
| Environmental Sciences | 451-500 | - | 2026 |
| Natural Sciences | 501-550 | - | 2025 |
| Chemistry | 501-550 | - | 2026 |
| Physics & Astronomy | 551-600 | - | 2026 |
| Economics & Econometrics | 551-700 | - | 2025 |
ARWU
3 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | 151-200 | - | 2025 |
| Sociology | 201-300 | - | 2025 |
| Education & Training | 301-400 | - | 2019 |
THE
10 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Law & Legal Studies | 401+ | 18.1 | 2026 |
| Education & Training | 501–600 | 29.0 | 2026 |
| Arts & Humanities | 501–600 | 24.6 | 2026 |
| Engineering & Technology | 601–800 | 31.6 | 2026 |
| Physical Sciences | 601–800 | 32.8 | 2026 |
| Psychology | 601+ | 15.4 | 2026 |
| Life Sciences | 801–1000 | 23.4 | 2026 |
| Social Sciences | 801–1000 | 21.6 | 2026 |
| Business & Economics | 801–1000 | 21.2 | 2026 |
| Computer Science | 1001+ | 11.5 | 2026 |
US News
8 subjects|
Subject
|
Rank
|
Score
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | 471 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Physics & Astronomy | =494 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Chemistry | =543 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Social Sciences and Public Health | =553 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Environment/Ecology | =708 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Engineering | =728 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Materials Science | =736 | 43.2 | 2026 |
| Plant and Animal Science | 750 | 43.2 | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ranking of University of South Africa?
University of South Africa's performance in the latest university rankings: QS Rank 951-1000, THE Rank 1201–1500, ARWU Rank 801-900, US News Rank =869.
When was University of South Africa founded?
University of South Africa was founded in 1873.
What are the top subjects at University of South Africa?
Top subjects at University of South Africa include: Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies, Development Studies, Chemical Engineering, Sociology, Education & Training.
Where is University of South Africa located?
University of South Africa is located in Pretoria, South Africa.