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The largest city in South Africa with over nine million people, Johannesburg is the country’s economic and commercial hub, with a prominent skyline and mining trade.
The city’s higher education system is well-developed, with a range of private and public universities, including the University of the Witwatersrand, one of the most prestigious in the country, ranked third in South Africa.
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, the language of instruction at its universities is usually English.
Best universities in Johannesburg - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 97th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Johannesburg
It’s home to two of the best universities in the country
Johannesburg is home to two universities ranking in the top 450 this year: University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg.
There’s plenty to do
Throughout the year there’s plenty of festivals, concerts and shows to enjoy throughout the city. There’s also lots of markets dotted around the city if you’re looking for fresh food and homemade goods.
It’s one of the most affordable cities in the world
Johannesburg ranks joint 13th for affordability this year with low tuition fees and living costs, making it very popular with students - and one of the most affordable student cities anywhere in the world.
Great weather
Johannesburg boasts nice weather all year round, with an average yearly temperature of around 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cost of studying in Johannesburg
Johannesburg achieves a high score for affordability, ranked among the 20 best cities in the world, reflecting its fairly low tuition fees and living costs. Tuition fees in the city average at only US$4,200 per year, which is considerably lower than fellow South African city, Cape Town, where tuition fees cost around US$7,300 per year.
Cost of living in the city isn’t too expensive either. Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Johannesburg will need an average of US$664 per month for living costs in addition to US$465 per month for rent for a one bedroom flat in the city centre.
Life and Culture in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is considered one of the greenest cities in the world, with extensive parks and gardens and an estimated six million trees.
Stunning natural scenery can be found just outside the city, including nature reserves such as Lion Park and Krugersdorp. 50km northwest of the city, you’ll find the Cradle of Humankind, a paleoanthropological complex of limestone caves with a large number of hominin fossils, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Johannesburg offers lots to see and do, with great restaurants, bars and clubs, theatre, music, galleries and museums, and a large collection of public art.
The city would be a good choice for sun-lovers, enjoying a generally temperate and pleasant climate throughout the year.
Although not one of South Africa’s three capitals, it's worth noting that Johannesburg is the seat of the Constitutional Court.
Johannesburg is often referred to as the economic and commercial hub of South Africa. The city is home to some of the country’s core industries, including mining, finance and telecommunications.
Those looking to stay in the city after graduation will be pleased to learn that companies in Johannesburg are often looking for skilled workers, particularly in sectors such as finance, engineering, medicine and accounting.
The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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Study in Johannesburg
Sabrina Collier
Updated Jul 01, 2022Save
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Johannesburg for students
The largest city in South Africa with over nine million people, Johannesburg is the country’s economic and commercial hub, with a prominent skyline and mining trade.
The city’s higher education system is well-developed, with a range of private and public universities, including the University of the Witwatersrand, one of the most prestigious in the country, ranked third in South Africa.
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, the language of instruction at its universities is usually English.
Best universities in Johannesburg - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 97th
University of Johannesburg (=412th); University of the Witwatersrand (=428th)
More about Johannesburg
Number of universities ranked by QS
2
Highest-ranked institution
University of Johannesburg (=412th)
Population
5,783,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$4,200
Desirability rank
=105th
Employer Activity rank
124th
Affordability rank
=13th
Student Voice rank
68th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Johannesburg
It’s home to two of the best universities in the country
Johannesburg is home to two universities ranking in the top 450 this year: University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg.
There’s plenty to do
Throughout the year there’s plenty of festivals, concerts and shows to enjoy throughout the city. There’s also lots of markets dotted around the city if you’re looking for fresh food and homemade goods.
It’s one of the most affordable cities in the world
Johannesburg ranks joint 13th for affordability this year with low tuition fees and living costs, making it very popular with students - and one of the most affordable student cities anywhere in the world.
Great weather
Johannesburg boasts nice weather all year round, with an average yearly temperature of around 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cost of studying in Johannesburg
Johannesburg achieves a high score for affordability, ranked among the 20 best cities in the world, reflecting its fairly low tuition fees and living costs. Tuition fees in the city average at only US$4,200 per year, which is considerably lower than fellow South African city, Cape Town, where tuition fees cost around US$7,300 per year.
Cost of living in the city isn’t too expensive either. Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Johannesburg will need an average of US$664 per month for living costs in addition to US$465 per month for rent for a one bedroom flat in the city centre.
Life and Culture in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is considered one of the greenest cities in the world, with extensive parks and gardens and an estimated six million trees.
Stunning natural scenery can be found just outside the city, including nature reserves such as Lion Park and Krugersdorp. 50km northwest of the city, you’ll find the Cradle of Humankind, a paleoanthropological complex of limestone caves with a large number of hominin fossils, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Johannesburg offers lots to see and do, with great restaurants, bars and clubs, theatre, music, galleries and museums, and a large collection of public art.
The city would be a good choice for sun-lovers, enjoying a generally temperate and pleasant climate throughout the year.
Although not one of South Africa’s three capitals, it's worth noting that Johannesburg is the seat of the Constitutional Court.
Testimonials
Careers in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is often referred to as the economic and commercial hub of South Africa. The city is home to some of the country’s core industries, including mining, finance and telecommunications.
Those looking to stay in the city after graduation will be pleased to learn that companies in Johannesburg are often looking for skilled workers, particularly in sectors such as finance, engineering, medicine and accounting.
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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