Africa's top-ranked university, situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak in Cape Town. UCT is renowned globally for medicine, law, engineering and the social sciences. The Department of Political Studies offers a Bachelor of Social Science with a specialisation in International Relations and Diplomacy, covering global governance, African foreign policy, conflict resolution and international law. UCT consistently ranks among the top 300 universities worldwide (QS #226) and attracts students from over 100 countries. The Centre for African Studies and the Institute for Democracy, Citizenship and Public Policy in Africa make it a hub for international relations scholarship.

Wits University is Johannesburg's leading research institution and one of Africa's top five universities. The School of Social Sciences offers the BA International Relations degree, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism and public service. The Wits School of Governance and the African Centre for Migration and Society provide rich interdisciplinary resources for IR students. Located in the heart of Africa's financial capital, Wits graduates access the continent's largest corporate and government employer base. QS ranked #414-551, Times Higher Education highly commended.

University of Cape Town 2 is an established institution in Cape Town offering quality programmes with strong academic standards and student support.

South Africa wine region research university.

Stellenbosch University is South Africa's second-oldest university and consistently ranks among the continent's top three institutions (QS #291-401). Located in the scenic Cape Winelands, SU's Department of Political Science offers the BA International Studies programme, with specialisations in South African foreign policy, multilateralism, African security studies and diplomatic history. The university hosts the Centre for International and Comparative Politics (CICP) and has partnerships with top European and American universities. Known for high academic standards, strong student support and a vibrant multicultural campus.

Wits University is Johannesburg's leading research institution and one of Africa's top five universities. The School of Social Sciences offers the BA International Relations degree, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism and public service. The Wits School of Governance and the African Centre for Migration and Society provide rich interdisciplinary resources for IR students. Located in the heart of Africa's financial capital, Wits graduates access the continent's largest corporate and government employer base. QS ranked #414-551, Times Higher Education highly commended.

The University of Pretoria is South Africa's largest contact university, located in the nation's administrative capital. UP's Faculty of Humanities houses the Department of Political Sciences which offers the BA International Studies degree — one of South Africa's most respected international relations programmes, covering diplomatic theory, African Union governance, international law, global political economy and conflict studies. With over 55,000 students, strong industry ties and a main campus minutes from the Union Buildings and foreign embassies, UP provides unmatched access to South Africa's diplomatic community. QS ranked #521.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is a merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, forming one of South Africa's largest and most diverse institutions. UKZN's School of Social Sciences offers BA Political Science and International Relations, incorporating modules on African diplomacy, SADC governance, conflict transformation and international human rights law. The Howard College campus in Durban provides access to one of Africa's busiest ports, the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and a rich Indian Ocean Rim diplomatic community. QS ranked #601-700.

IIE Rosebank College is a distinguished institution in Johannesburg offering high-quality academic programmes with strong support for international students.

Public university in Northern Cape.

The University of Johannesburg is a comprehensive, multi-campus institution and one of South Africa's largest universities. The Faculty of Humanities offers the BA in International Relations, a programme covering global governance, diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, international security and African multilateralism. UJ's location in Johannesburg — Africa's business and media capital — gives students unrivalled internship access at multinational corporations, embassies, think tanks and media houses. With a diverse student body of over 50,000 and strong transformation credentials, UJ is a top choice for students from across the continent.

South Africa largest. Engineering, IT and arts.

Eastern Cape. Health sciences, education and commerce.

The University of South Africa is the continent's largest open distance and e-learning university, with over 400,000 enrolled students from more than 130 countries. UNISA offers a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies via fully flexible distance learning — ideal for working adults or those unable to relocate. The programme covers international relations theory, global governance, African diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. UNISA qualifications are internationally recognised, SAQA-accredited and accepted by employers worldwide. Highly affordable tuition with multiple payment options makes UNISA the most accessible route to an IR degree from South Africa.

Engineering, management and natural sciences.

The University of South Africa is the continent's largest open distance and e-learning university, with over 400,000 enrolled students from more than 130 countries. UNISA offers a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies via fully flexible distance learning — ideal for working adults or those unable to relocate. The programme covers international relations theory, global governance, African diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. UNISA qualifications are internationally recognised, SAQA-accredited and accepted by employers worldwide. Highly affordable tuition with multiple payment options makes UNISA the most accessible route to an IR degree from South Africa.

Limpopo. Sciences, business and law.

The University of the Western Cape is a historically progressive institution with a strong social justice mission, located in Bellville, Cape Town. UWC's Department of Political Studies offers BA Political and International Studies, with a focus on Southern African governance, human rights, democratic theory and global inequalities. The Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights provides outstanding research resources for IR students. UWC is known for its inclusive ethos, affordability and partnerships with leading European and North American universities. A preferred destination for students from across Africa and the diaspora.

North-West University is a comprehensive, multi-campus South African institution with campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark. The Faculty of Humanities offers BA International Relations, covering African multilateralism, global political economy, South African foreign policy and international security. NWU's Potchefstroom campus is known for strong academic support systems and a structured learning environment. The university's focus on North West Province — bordering Botswana — creates unique opportunities for practical exposure to cross-border governance and SADC affairs. Affordable tuition makes NWU one of the most cost-effective choices for IR study in South Africa.

Technology, business, health and education.

Rhodes University is a leading institution in Makhanda, offering a wide range of programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

University of Fort Hare is a leading institution in Alice, offering a wide range of programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

University of Limpopo is a leading institution in Polokwane, offering a wide range of programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

Vaal University of Technology is a leading institution in Vanderbijlpark, offering a wide range of programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

Central University of Technology is a leading institution in Bloemfontein, offering a wide range of programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

Durban University of Technology is a distinguished institution in Durban offering a broad range of programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

University of Zululand is a distinguished institution in Richards Bay, offering high-quality programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is a distinguished institution in Pretoria, offering high-quality programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

Tshwane University Technology Pretoria is a distinguished institution in Pretoria, offering high-quality programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.

University of the Free State is a distinguished institution in Bloemfontein, offering high-quality programmes with strong academic standards and international student support.