University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town, more commonly known as UCT, is South Africa's oldest university. Founded in 1829, it boasts a long and proud history.
Student numbers: 23 500
Student Newspaper: Varsity
University of the Free State
The University of the Free State (UFS) with its Main Campus in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa and in the heart of the country, is one of the oldest South African institutions of higher learning. The two other campuses are the vibrant Qwaqwa Campus in the Eastern Free State and the smaller South Campus in Bloemfontein.
Student numbers: 26 000 Main Campus, 1 100 South Campus, 3 800 Qwaqwa Campus
Student Newspaper: Irawa
North-West University
The North-West University is a multi-campus university with a footprint across two provinces. The Mafikeng and Potchefstroom Campuses are situated in the North-West Province and the Vaal Triangle Campus is in Gauteng. The head office, known as the Institutional Office, is in Potchefstroom, situated near the Potchefstroom Campus.
Student numbers: 44 000
Student Newspaper: Wapad (on Potchefstroom campus)
University of Stellenbosch
Located in South Africa's second-oldest town after Cape Town, The University of Stellenbosch boasts a long history spanning back to 1866. Ranked as the third best university in South Africa, its greatest strength is its business school, which is the only African business school ranked in the top 100 worldwide, proudly at 39th.
Student numbers: 26 243
Newspaper: Die Matie
University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria, known as Tukkies by its students, is the premier tertiary institution in Pretoria and is South Africa's leading research institution, producing the largest share of post gradutes in the country.
Student newspaper: Perdeby
Student radio station: Tuks FM
Student numbers: 41 620 contact students + 14 114 distance students (DoE 2009 stats)
Wits University
The University of the Witwatersrand, or Wits, is Johannesburg's main university. Wit its roots spanning back to 1896, it has a proud history and solid reputation, especially as a global leader in the mining area.
Student numbers: 24 381
Student newspaper: Vuvuzela
Student radio station: VoW FM (Voice of Wits)