Is Studying History in South Africa Worth It? Career & Job Prospects
Deciding whether to pursue a history degree in South Africa is a question that weighs passion against practicality. In a nation with a past as rich and complex as South Africa’s—from precolonial kingdoms to apartheid’s end—history isn’t just academic; it’s personal and political. But does this translate into a worthwhile career in 2025? We’ll explore the value of studying history, spotlight the top universities, and unpack the career prospects and job outlook in South Africa. Ready to see if history pays off? Let’s uncover the truth!
Why Study History in South Africa?
South Africa’s history is a global case study in resilience, revolution, and reconciliation. Studying it here offers unmatched depth, blending indigenous narratives, colonial legacies, and modern democracy. Beyond passion, a history degree builds transferable skills—critical thinking, research, and communication—that employers crave.
Unique Context: Explore San rock art, Zulu statecraft, and Mandela’s legacy in their birthplace.
High Relevance: SA’s past informs current debates on land, race, and policy.
Affordability: Tuition ranges from ZAR 40,000–75,000/year, competitive globally.
Question: Does this intellectual richness translate to jobs?
Best Universities to Study History in South Africa (2025)
A history degree typically starts with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) (3 years), with options for an Honours degree (1 year) and a Master’s degree (1–2 years) for advanced roles. Here are the top universities excelling in history education:
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Location: Cape Town
Programs: BA in History, Honours, MA/PhD in Historical Studies.
Why It’s Top: Africa’s #1 university (QS 2025: ~171), UCT offers cutting-edge research into African history, apartheid, and global connections, with access to archives and faculty like Nigel Worden.
Cost: ZAR 60,000–75,000/year (undergrad); ZAR 50,000–70,000 (Master’s).
Strengths: Research prestige, social justice focus.
Best For: Scholars and activists.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Location: Johannesburg
Programs: BA in History, Honours, MA/PhD in History.
Why It’s Top: Wits (QS 2025: ~264) thrives in SA’s urban core, emphasizing labor history, urban studies, and resistance movements, with ties to the History Workshop.
Cost: ZAR 55,000–70,000/year (undergrad); ZAR 45,000–65,000 (Master’s).
Strengths: Urban focus, practical research.
Best For: Policy analysts and urban historians.
3. Stellenbosch University
Location: Stellenbosch
Programs: BA in History, Honours, MA/PhD in History.
Why It’s Top: Known for Afrikaans and colonial history (QS 2025: ~283), Stellenbosch explores SA’s rural past and cultural narratives.
Cost: ZAR 55,000–70,000/year (undergrad); ZAR 40,000–60,000 (Master’s).
Strengths: Cultural depth, archival access.
Best For: Heritage and cultural historians.
4. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Location: Durban/Pietermaritzburg
Programs: BA in Historical Studies, Honours, MA/PhD.
Why It’s Top: UKZN shines in Zulu history, Indian diaspora studies, and liberation struggles, with a diverse student body.
Cost: ZAR 45,000–60,000/year (undergrad); ZAR 40,000–55,000 (Master’s).
Strengths: Regional focus, affordability.
Best For: Community historians.
5. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Location: Distance learning (nationwide)
Programs: BA in History, Honours, MA/PhD.
Why It’s Top: UNISA’s flexible online model suits working students, covering African and global history at a lower cost.
Cost: ZAR 40,000–50,000/year (undergrad); ZAR 35,000–55,000 (Master’s).
Strengths: Accessibility, broad scope.
Best For: Self-paced learners.
Entry Requirements: Matric with 65–80% in English and History; NBT for most programs.
Career Prospects with a History Degree in South Africa
History graduates don’t just teach or curate—they thrive across sectors. Here’s a breakdown of the top career paths, salaries, and demand in 2025:
1. Historian/Researcher
- What You Do: Research SA’s past for universities, think tanks (e.g., HSRC), or government.
- Requirements: MA/PhD, publication record.
- Salary: ZAR 350,000–500,000 (entry-level); ZAR 800,000–1.5 million (senior).
- Demand: Steady—academic and policy roles need experts.
2. Heritage Manager
- What You Do: Preserve sites like Robben Island for SA Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).
- Requirements: BA + Honours, heritage experience.
- Salary: ZAR 300,000–450,000 (entry-level); ZAR 700,000+ (senior).
- Demand: Growing—tourism and preservation fuel jobs.
3. Teacher/Education Officer
- What You Do: Teach history in schools or develop curricula for the Department of Basic Education.
- Requirements: BA + PGCE (teaching diploma).
- Salary: ZAR 280,000–400,000 (entry-level); ZAR 600,000+ (experienced).
- Demand: High—history is compulsory in schools.
4. Journalist/Writer
- What You Do: Write for outlets like Mail & Guardian, using historical context to inform stories.
- Requirements: BA, writing portfolio.
- Salary: ZAR 250,000–400,000 (entry-level); ZAR 600,000+ (senior).
- Demand: Steady—digital media needs sharp minds.
5. Policy Analyst
- What You Do: Advise on land reform or reparations for government or NGOs.
- Requirements: BA + Honours, analytical skills.
- Salary: ZAR 320,000–480,000 (entry-level); ZAR 800,000+ (senior).
- Demand: Rising—SA’s policy debates need historical insight.
6. Lawyer (Indirect Path)
- What You Do: Use research skills in law, after an LLB conversion.
- Requirements: BA + LLB (2 years extra).
- Salary: ZAR 350,000–550,000 (entry-level); ZAR 1 million+ (senior).
- Demand: High—legal field values history grads’ reasoning.
Hidden Gem: History grads excel in marketing, HR, and consulting, leveraging storytelling and analysis.
Job Outlook for History Graduates in 2025
- Growth Rate: Projected 5–7% job increase by 2030 (Stats SA 2025 forecast), slower than tech but steady in heritage and education.
- Key Drivers: Tourism (ZAR 436 billion industry, SA Tourism 2024), curriculum updates, and policy needs (e.g., land reform).
- Challenges: Limited direct roles—many need postgraduate study or pivoting (e.g., law).
- Opportunities: Niche areas like oral history and digital archiving are emerging.
Earning Potential: Entry-level salaries range from ZAR 250,000–500,000, with senior roles hitting ZAR 1 million+, especially with an MA/PhD.
Is It Worth It? Pros and Cons
Pros
- Skills Powerhouse: Critical thinking, research, and communication rival STEM versatility.
- Cultural Impact: Shape SA’s narrative—think Truth and Reconciliation Commission legacies.
- Flexibility: Careers span education, media, policy, and beyond.
Cons
- Job Scarcity: Direct history roles are niche; competition is fierce.
- Long Path: Top pay requires 5–7 years of study (MA/PhD).
- Lower Starting Pay: ZAR 250,000 lags behind tech or finance (ZAR 400,000+).
Making History Work for You
- Choose Smart: UCT for prestige, UNISA for flexibility—align with your budget and goals.
- Boost Matric: Target 70%+ in English and History—entry is competitive.
- Secure Funding: Apply for NSFAS or heritage bursaries by December 2025.
- Build Experience: Volunteer at museums or archives in Grade 11/12.
- Go Further: Plan for an Honours/MA—most top jobs demand it.
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Real Stories: History Grads Speak
- Lerato M., Heritage Manager, Cape Town: “UCT’s BA got me into SAHRA—I preserve our past for ZAR 600,000/year.”
- Thabo S., Policy Analyst, Pretoria: “Wits’ Honours pivoted me to land policy—I’m at ZAR 500,000 by 29.”
Final Verdict: Is Studying History Worth It in SA?
Yes, with a caveat. Studying history in South Africa is worth it if you’re strategic. The best universities—UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UNISA—offer affordable, world-class training, equipping you with skills for careers from ZAR 250,000 to over ZAR 1 million. In 2025, SA’s tourism boom, policy needs, and education system ensure steady demand, though direct history jobs are limited without postgraduate study. Passionate about the past and ready to hustle? History pays—intellectually and, with effort, financially. Where will you start?
Ready to dive in? Explore UCT or Wits applications now. Share this online guide with anyone weighing a history degree in South Africa—drop your questions below!
