Best Universities in Johannesburg: QRNW Rankings 2025 Edition

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Sep 16
5 min read

Johannesburg, often called Jozi or Joburg, is the beating heart of South Africa’s economy, culture, and education. As the largest city in the country, Johannesburg is home to a vibrant mix of public universities, private institutions, research centres, and specialised schools offering top-quality education in various fields.

In the QRNW Rankings 2025 Edition, we highlight the top universities and higher education institutions in Johannesburg based on academic strength, research capacity, graduate employability, industry connections, innovation, campus facilities, and overall student experience.

Whether you want to pursue medicine, engineering, business, creative arts, theology, or technology, Johannesburg has a university or college to fit your needs.

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the top institutions in Johannesburg, including details about their history, academic offerings, campus life, and what makes each stand out in the QRNW Rankings.

Why Study in Johannesburg?

Before diving into the top universities, let’s understand why Johannesburg is such a powerful educational hub:

Economic Capital of South Africa: As the centre of finance, trade, and industry, the city gives students unmatched opportunities for internships, research, and career placement.
Cultural Diversity: Students from across Africa and beyond choose Johannesburg for its multicultural atmosphere and English-medium instruction.
Global Recognition: Many degrees are internationally accredited, opening doors to careers worldwide.
Research and Innovation: Johannesburg universities have world-class research facilities, medical schools, engineering labs, and creative arts centres.
Student Life: With theatres, museums, malls, and parks, the city combines academic excellence with cultural vibrancy.

QRNW Top Universities in Johannesburg

Below is the QRNW Rankings 2025 Edition list of the Top 10 Universities in Johannesburg. Each entry includes details about the institution’s history, academic strengths, research capacity, facilities, and student experience.

1. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)

QRNW Rank: #1 in Johannesburg

Overview:Founded in 1922, Wits University is one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions. Known for its world-class research output and academic excellence, Wits has produced Nobel Prize winners, global leaders, and top scientists.

Key Highlights:

Faculties: Health Sciences, Engineering, Commerce, Law, Humanities, Science, Education.
Research: Home to the famous Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and strong in public health, mining engineering, and palaeontology.
Campus Life: Multiple campuses with modern libraries, student residences, museums, theatres, and sports facilities.
International Exposure: Collaborations with leading universities worldwide.

Why Wits Tops QRNW Rankings:Its combination of research intensity, academic reputation, and career opportunities makes Wits the top choice for students seeking a global education in Johannesburg.

2. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

QRNW Rank: #2 in Johannesburg

Overview:Created in 2005 through a merger of several institutions, UJ is now one of South Africa’s largest and most innovative universities, serving over 50,000 students, including thousands of internationals.

Key Highlights:

Faculties: Art, Design & Architecture, Health Sciences, Engineering & the Built Environment, Science, Humanities, Law, Education, Business & Economics.
Campuses: Auckland Park Kingsway, Doornfontein, Soweto, Bunting Road.
Innovation: Known for its focus on technology, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Student Life: Residences, cultural centres, vibrant arts scene, and strong student governance.

Why UJ Ranks High in QRNW:With modern infrastructure and programmes aligned to 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) needs, UJ prepares graduates for the future job market.

3. IIE MSA (Independent Institute of Education, formerly Monash South Africa)

QRNW Rank: #3 in Johannesburg

Overview:Located in Ruimsig, IIE MSA began as Monash South Africa in 2001 and became part of The IIE in 2019. It offers internationally-oriented education with smaller class sizes and a student-centred approach.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Information Technology, Health Sciences.
Teaching Style: Blends academic theory with practical industry exposure.
Student Support: Career guidance, personal mentoring, and modern on-campus facilities.

Why IIE MSA Stands Out in QRNW:Its global teaching model and strong industry links make it perfect for students seeking an international learning environment in Johannesburg.

4. Regenesys Business School

QRNW Rank: #4 in Johannesburg

Overview:Founded in 1998, Regenesys is one of South Africa’s leading business and management schools, located in the financial hub of Sandton.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: MBA, Master of Public Management, Bachelor of Business Administration, Digital Marketing, Leadership Development.
Flexibility: Offers online, full-time, and part-time study modes.
Industry Links: Strong ties to banks, corporates, and government institutions.

Why Regenesys Scores High in QRNW:Its career-focused programmes and location in Africa’s richest square mile give students unrivalled access to business networks and internships.

5. St Augustine College of South Africa

QRNW Rank: #5 in Johannesburg

Overview:Established in 1999, St Augustine College is a Catholic university known for its emphasis on ethics, philosophy, and theology alongside social sciences and education.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: Theology, Philosophy, Peace Studies, Applied Ethics, Education.
Academic Approach: Small classes, research-oriented learning, and focus on moral leadership.
Student Community: Close-knit campus fostering intellectual debate and ethical reasoning.

Why It Features in QRNW Rankings:For students seeking values-driven education with academic rigour, St Augustine offers a unique learning environment.

6. AFDA – The School for the Creative Economy

QRNW Rank: #6 in Johannesburg

Overview:Founded in 1994, AFDA is South Africa’s premier film, television, and creative arts school, producing award-winning filmmakers, actors, and scriptwriters.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: Film Production, Acting, Television, Screenwriting, Business Innovation.
Facilities: Film studios, editing suites, sound stages, performance theatres.
Industry Links: Strong collaborations with media companies and creative agencies.

Why AFDA Shines in QRNW Rankings:Its practical training and strong industry reputation make AFDA ideal for creative arts students aiming for careers in media and entertainment.

7. Henley Business School Africa

QRNW Rank: #7 in Johannesburg

Overview:Located in Paulshof, Henley Business School Africa is part of the global Henley network with a focus on executive education and leadership training.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: MBA, Executive Education, Leadership & Management Development.
Reputation: International faculty, flexible schedules for working professionals.
Networking: Access to senior industry leaders across Africa and beyond.

Why Henley Africa Ranks High in QRNW:Its global perspective and executive-level training attract mid-career professionals seeking leadership advancement.

8. Varsity College (Sandton Campus)

QRNW Rank: #8 in Johannesburg

Overview:Part of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), Varsity College offers career-focused undergraduate degrees and diplomas in modern campuses across South Africa.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: Business Management, IT, Humanities, Education, Commerce.
Campus Life: Student clubs, sports, social events, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Flexibility: Full-time, part-time, and distance learning options.

Why QRNW Recognises Varsity College:Its practical curriculum and strong employability focus make it popular with students aiming for career readiness.

9. Regent Business School

QRNW Rank: #9 in Johannesburg

Overview:Regent Business School offers distance and online learning programmes in business, commerce, and management, serving working professionals across Africa.

Key Highlights:

Programmes: MBA, BCom, Diplomas in Business Administration, Finance, HR.
Study Mode: Flexible distance education for adult learners.
Industry Orientation: Practical assignments and real-world case studies.

Why QRNW Includes Regent:Its accessibility and flexible learning paths cater to professionals balancing work, study, and family commitments.

10. STADIO Higher Education

QRNW Rank: #10 in Johannesburg

Overview:STADIO offers multidisciplinary programmes through contact, blended, and distance learning, with campuses and learning centres across South Africa.

Key Highlights:

Schools: Education, Law, Commerce, Architecture, Arts, Design, Information Technology.
Flexibility: Online learning platforms and modular study options.
Affordability: Competitive fees compared to traditional universities.

Why STADIO Ranks in QRNW:Its modern teaching model and broad programme range provide students with accessible, quality education.

Conclusion: Johannesburg as a Higher Education Powerhouse

The QRNW Rankings 2025 Edition confirms that Johannesburg offers a diverse ecosystem of higher education institutions:

Wits University leads in research and science.
UJ excels in innovation and technology.
Regenesys, Henley, and Regent dominate business education.
AFDA drives the creative arts sector.
St Augustine nurtures ethical leadership.
Varsity College, STADIO, and IIE MSA provide flexible, career-focused learning.

Students choosing Johannesburg gain access to world-class education, international exposure, and rich cultural experiences, all in South Africa’s most dynamic city.