Best Universities in South Africa for African Studies and History
South Africa’s profound historical narrative—from precolonial kingdoms to apartheid and modern democracy—makes it an unparalleled hub for studying African Studies and History. These disciplines explore the continent’s diverse cultures, political transformations, and historical legacies, offering students a chance to engage with Africa’s past and present in a meaningful way.
Why Study African Studies and History in South Africa?
South Africa stands out as a prime location for these fields due to:
Historical Significance: Home to pivotal events like the anti-apartheid struggle, it offers a living classroom for historical analysis.
Research Excellence: Universities lead in African-focused scholarship, with access to archives and oral histories.
Cultural Diversity: A blend of indigenous, colonial, and postcolonial influences enriches study.
Global Impact: Degrees are recognized internationally, opening doors to careers in academia, policy, and heritage.
With growing interest in Africa’s role in global history, South Africa’s universities provide unmatched opportunities.
Top Universities for African Studies and History in South Africa
Below are the best universities, evaluated based on academic reputation, faculty expertise, curriculum depth, research facilities, and graduate outcomes. All programs are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), ensuring quality.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Programs:
- BA in African Studies (undergraduate)
- BA in History (undergraduate)
- MA/PhD in African Studies and Historical Studies (postgraduate)
Faculty: Includes luminaries like Professor Lungisile Ntsebeza (African Studies) and Professor Nigel Worden (History), experts in land reform and colonial history.
Curriculum: Covers precolonial Africa, slavery, apartheid, and postcolonial transitions, with interdisciplinary links to anthropology and politics.
Research Facilities: The Centre for African Studies and Historical Studies Department offer archives, oral history projects, and the African Studies Library.
Why It’s Top-Rated: UCT ranks #171 globally (QS 2025) and leads in African scholarship, making it the gold standard for research and teaching.
Standout Feature: Proximity to historical sites like Robben Island enhances fieldwork.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Programs:
- BA in African Studies and History (undergraduate)
- MA/PhD in History and Heritage Studies (postgraduate)
Faculty: Features scholars like Professor Noor Nieftagodien (South African history) and the Wits History Workshop team, known for community-engaged research.
Curriculum: Focuses on African liberation movements, urban history, and oral traditions, with strong archival training.
Research Facilities: The Wits History Workshop and Historical Papers Archive house extensive apartheid-era records.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Located in Johannesburg, Wits offers an urban perspective and ranks high for research impact (EduRank 2024).
Standout Feature: Access to the Origins Centre, exploring human history in Africa.
3. Stellenbosch University
- Programs:
- BA in History (undergraduate, with African focus)
- MA/PhD in Historical Studies (postgraduate)
Faculty: Includes Professor Sandra Swart, a specialist in environmental and African history.
Curriculum: Emphasizes colonial encounters, Afrikaner history, and Southern African narratives, taught in English and Afrikaans.
Research Facilities: The Department of History collaborates with the Stellenbosch Museum and local archives.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Known for rigorous historical analysis and a picturesque campus fostering deep study.
Standout Feature: Bilingual approach broadens cultural understanding.
4. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Programs:
- BA in Historical Studies and Cultural Studies (undergraduate)
- MA/PhD in History (postgraduate)
Faculty: Experts like Professor Jeff Guy (emeritus) shaped its focus on Zulu history and African resistance.
Curriculum: Covers precolonial kingdoms, missionary impacts, and anti-apartheid struggles, with regional emphasis.
Research Facilities: The Campbell Collections and Alan Paton Centre offer rich historical resources.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Strong in KwaZulu-Natal history and African oral traditions.
Standout Feature: Ties to Durban’s historical sites enrich experiential learning.
5. University of Pretoria (UP)
- Programs:
- BA in History (undergraduate)
- MA/PhD in History and Heritage Studies (postgraduate)
Faculty: Scholars like Professor Karen Harris specialize in South African and diaspora history.
Curriculum: Includes military history, heritage management, and African political history.
Research Facilities: The Department of Historical and Heritage Studies links to national archives in Pretoria.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Ideal for policy-oriented history and heritage careers.
Standout Feature: Location in the administrative capital enhances access to government records.
Comparison Table of Top Programs
| University | Key Programs | Focus Areas | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCT | BA/MA/PhD African Studies & History | Precolonial to postcolonial | Centre for African Studies |
| Wits | BA/MA/PhD History & African Studies | Liberation & urban history | Wits History Workshop |
| Stellenbosch | BA/MA/PhD History | Colonial & Southern Africa | Bilingual instruction |
| UKZN | BA/MA/PhD Historical Studies | Zulu & resistance history | Campbell Collections |
| UP | BA/MA/PhD History & Heritage | Military & heritage | National archive access |
How to Choose the Right University
Academic Goals: Research-focused? UCT or Wits. Heritage or policy? UP or UKZN.
Location: Urban (Wits, UP) or scenic (UCT, Stellenbosch)?
Language: Need bilingual options? Stellenbosch stands out.
Resources: Prioritize archives (Wits, UP) or fieldwork (UCT, UKZN)?
Career Paths and Earning Potential
Graduates can pursue:
Historian: R300,000–R700,000/year (academia, research).
Cultural Analyst: R250,000–R600,000/year (NGOs, museums).
Policy Advisor: R350,000–R800,000/year (government).
Academic: R400,000–R1,000,000/year with experience.
Advanced degrees and skills in research methodology or public engagement boost earnings.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to African Scholarship
The University of Cape Town (UCT) leads as South Africa’s best university for African Studies and History, thanks to its global ranking, expert faculty, and research prowess. However, Wits, Stellenbosch, UKZN, and UP also shine, each with unique strengths.
